Haifa

Did I mention there are a lot of cats here?




The picture of the dog was just too funny to pass up. You don't need to be able to read Hebrew or Arabic to get this message.


The beautiful gardens


Overlook of the bay in Haifa
Today we took our journey outside the holy city. We took an infuriating taxi ride down to King David street to pick up our rental car. We had heard that the taxi drivers rip you off, but 50 sheckles for a ride that should have been only 30 was over the top. We told him it was way too much but he said he was charging us a pick up and bag fee. Of course you are! Oh well, we had to experience it at least once while there. Next we got in our little rental and headed northwest out of the city. We drove up the coast of the Mediterranian sea to a resort town called Haifa. Finding our hotel on the crazy streets was an adventure in and of itself, but we made it. We then went in search of food with the direction from our helpful consierge that it was only a ten minute walk. Of course, she meant if you go in the right direction... We ended up walking for a hour and by the time we made it back up the hill and considered the d Gurian irection mistake we were starving and overheated. McDonalds gave us our lunch for the day, and it was fittingly kosher. After a small nap in the hotel we headed out again into the city for a walk around. We waited until it had cooled off for this walk. It was beautiful and fun. We sat in a cafe and enjoyed drinks, and then walked around to see what shops were available. The Baha'i Shrine and Gardens will be our first stop in the morning. They look amazing from the top of the hill. FUN FUN FUN!