Relaxing in Haifa

On Tuesday evening, while I was sitting in the clinic, storms came rolling into Haifa for the first time since we've been here.  The winds were so strong that the blinds on the interior of the windows were rattling.  I could sense that this type of weather pattern wasn't quite normal, as everyone on the staff would turn and stare at the window in worry when a burst would suddenly attempt to blow it open.

Needless to say, their worry was not much comfort to me.

When I had walked into the building, the sun was shining brightly without a cloud in sight.

Once the fur fashioned, smoky, nurse entered the room, the wind storm began, frightening her as the window shook furiously from the wind.

What had happened?  Was it an omen?  

(Don't think that the thought didn't go through my mind.)   

Perhaps my meteorologist friend, Ernest,  has an explanation, as I am totally unfamiliar with weather patterns in the Middle East.  What I do know is that the strong winds continue, bringing on and off rain with them. And we've seen some lightening in the evenings as well.

One just doesn't know what to expect when looking out the window.

Will it be hazy?

Will it be visible?

Isn't that crazy?  Believe me, after enjoying views every morning, I was certainly very surprised to see THIS out the window.

And then, there was Monday, the perfect view of our stay:

Earlier in the week I was watching the many ships in the Mediterranean, wondering just why they were there

I haven't quite figured out why they sit in the harbor.  Some move now and again but others don't.

And, today, there seem to be more of them.

Don't worry about those clouds.  Although they look  quite ominous,  they have already passed, dumping a lot of water on Haifa, and I see blue skies and sunshine rolling in.

Yesterday, I was kind of surprised to see a submarine partly arise from the water before slowly submerging.  It's lurking out there in the sea, somewhere, as I spotted it earlier in the week while eating lunch.

More than likely it is there to protect the port of Haifa.  One thing that is quite obvious here is that there is security everywhere.  Every hotel, store, bank, public building has a security guard that you must pass in order to enter the building.  This includes the Carmelit transport as well.  These guards, male and female,  carry wands, and have the right to ask you to open your bag for a check. 

They don't make small talk, but, on the other hand, they are not obnoxious.  They just matter-of-factly do their job.  I don't find it the least bit annoying, and I am quite happy that they are nearly everywhere.

As I sit here writing this while gazing out the window, I have a sudden realization:

That grassy hill that you see, is part of the Natural Reserve that has been designated by the Baha' i Gardens.  

Do you remember me mentioning that the Baha'i members are excited to know that the wild boar is repopulating in the reserve?

Perhaps if I watch closely, I'll spot a wild boar or two!

Or not.  I think that there must be more exciting adventures waiting for me than spotting boar.

Yesterday there were several breaks in the weather, and I was able to get out and about for a short walk.  I stayed relatively close to the hotel, since I never knew if the clouds would burst, and I didn't want to get caught in windy, rainy storm.

But, first on my list was to buy a new camera card.  You probably won't be too surprised to read that I have no more memory on the card in the camera.  So, I headed to a store nearby, bought a new one, and I was ready to go.

Just down the street, near the zoo, I was surprised to find this

The house looks nearly perfect…..except there is no roof.  And something tells me that with the construction of that high-rise so close, this house is not going to be standing for much longer.  It seems like such wasted beauty to me.

Walking along, I thought that I'd take some photos to give you an idea of what some of the streets look like here.

There are many apartment complexes, but an equal amount of beautiful family homes hat have outstanding views since they are constructed on the top of Mt. Carmel

As you can seem Spring is entering here in glory.

And, it may be hard to believe, but the streets can be so steep that even the Dan Panorama can disappear from view.

Yesterday was Marty's birthday, so when he returned from the office and finished his hour and a half teleconference call from the hotel room, we were finally free to grab some dinner.

We decided to go back to Voila!  We had such a fabulous "fondue for two"there the other night, being the only customers in the place, that we wanted to enjoy yet another meal there.

The place had quite a few customers, but plenty of room for more.  We were seated upstairs this time.

We really enjoyed the aura of this place.  

Unique paintings, gorgeous chandelier

unusual delectable food choices

all while entertaining French music is being played in the background.  Well,  actually, it is music that sounds like someone is singing with a strong French accent.  Words are in English. But extremely enjoyable!  What fun!

I mentioned that it was Marty's birthday, and the waitress came out with a dessert of warm dates decorated with a swizzler.

Now THAT was fun!

And, the dates were Fabulous!

Can't you tell?