The World!

   One of the things I enjoy doing most in life is traveling. When I was young, and often now, that is in an automobile. I can see infinitely more in an automobile than on an airplane. (and even more on my bicycle or when I jog or walk!) I enjoy seeing sights, plants, animals, houses, and life itself.

Prairie Dog in Denver, Colorado
I could watch them for hours!

   I have been blessed to travel to many different parts of the United States (although not all 50 states … yet). Each area is different, has its own culture, traditions, foods, and highlights. Through the years I have met and known many different people from various regions. As I travel I enjoy reconnecting with these friends. Life is good.

Pinocchio at the Cincinnati Art Museum
Did he tell a lie?

   Because the world is smaller today than ever in the past, world travel has become easier also. I have visited three continents and various islands. I have gone for learning, to assist in crisis relief, and to tour. I always taste the foods, and meet the people. There is so much to learn.

A school group in Sri Lanka

   The Psalmist wrote, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.” (Psalm 24)

Andromeda Rock in Yafo Harbor

Where boats departed to travel the world

   Truly I am thankful to be able to visit many parts of the world, and to see the handiwork of God in creation. Many people have shared they have a favorite part of the world (mostly they favor ‘home’). I have enjoyed every part of the planet I have visited. Each place has a uniqueness worth noting!

Haifa's Panarama

Today is Shabbat, a special day in Israel, a definite necessity after our overseas flight, time in Yafo and two weeks of traveling. Today is a gift, a day to slow down and enjoy the gift of life and God’s creation.

A pool along the Dan Panorama, Haifa

We began the day with a great supper at Burgus Burger Bar, a short walk through a garden and past a fountain, about two blocks from where we are staying. We had a leisurely dinner with our new friends from the afternoon’s hike. I should note that the Jewish day starts at Sunset, “And there was evening, and there was morning…”

Dan Panorama Promenade in Haifa, Israel

After a fitful rest, we awake to a bright new day. Some of the family slept in, because it was the Sabbath. There is no rush, and the day was created to enjoy. We walked through the garden again to Landwer for an Israeli breakfast: a farmer’s omelette (with mushroom, spinach, leek and goat cheese), scrambled eggs, shakshouka, Israeli salad, tuna salad, cream cheese, feta, olives mix, labnah and chickpeas, eggplant cream, tomato salsa with tahini, guacamole, sweet yogurt with granola and honey, halva spread, fruit jam, whole-grain wheat bread. and coffee. We took our time.

No traffic on the normally crowded main street!

The city of Haifa is at rest on Saturday. Offices are closed, public transportation comes to a stop, and the hustle bustle of daily live comes to a halt. We took a walk in the afternoon along the Dan Promenade.

Downtown Haifa at the bottom of Mount Carmel.

We took a hike along the top of Mount Carmel, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. We could see downtown Haifa and ships entering the port.

Ships entering Haifa Harbor. Also Bahai Gardens

Bahai Gardens spread out below, and the Jezreel Valley opened to the east. Akko could be seen to the north, and I was told that on a clear, dry day, it is possible to make out Cyprus. Our day is ending with strawberry mint tea and awaiting Shavuot to arrive this evening.

** Today's post is from Haifa looking north; Yesterday I wrote about a trail going west. Both overlook the Mediterranean where Mount Carmel projects into the sea. This is probably the place Elijah came to find the drought breaking rain in 1 Kings 18.