Haifa, Horses, and Hiking

One of my favorite and most fulfilling days in Israel so far. Kajsa and I started the morning off early(ish) and hopped on the bus to the Baha'i Shrine and gardens... Where we were promptly admonished for our "revealing" clothing and we had to ride back to our hostel and change into something that covered our legs and shoulders. We walked away like,

I mean, I totally understand the respect for the religion, I do. But ugh, the hostel was SOOOO FARRRRR. It ended up being worth it for these beautiful views...

 It honestly felt like being in front of a backdrop. The entire place was aesthetic and peaceful; it exuded the feeling of 'paradise.' So stunning.

We got to go inside the shrine behind me in the above picture; it's the second holiest site for the Baha'i faith, which is the youngest religion in the world.

Exquisite statuary dotted the English-style, orderly, and colorful gardens. So stunning.

From the gardens, we went to the Carmel National Park for our unbelievable, stunning, and VERY long hike.

These pictures were all taken along the red trail, in a little patch called Little Switzerland.

I've never been to Switzerland, but if it's anything like this, count me in!!!

Because I crave/require animal companionship, I spent some time with horses from a random stable we encountered.

Yes I'm allergic to horses, and yes I got hives, but #worthit.

We crossed from the red trail to the black trail, and came across a memorial for the Carmel Fire victims from 2010.

We continued our hike to an ancient Roman quarry--

And bought some unbelievably delicious cheese crepe concoctions from a random stand on the side of the trail.

We hiked to the "year-round spring," which looked like this in July...

Classic.

We ended up getting really lost on this trail--it was supposed to be a 4 hour hike and it'd been a little over 5 hours. So... We hitch hiked.

Hitch hiking is SUPER common and acceptable in Israel, so it wasn't a crazy thing for us to do. Plus, Kajsa and I TOTALLY could've taken the guy.

We were dropped off at a gas station to get some money for a bus ticket, but plot twist, the gas station had no ATM, and DOUBLE PLOT TWIST, ITS FRIDAY AND THERE ARE NO BUSES.

So we trudged about another hour along the street, poor children with no money and sore feet. I only complained a little.... Lol ya right. For a straight hour, I was like--

And Kajsa had to deal with me until we got a taxi.

I took a shower, which was heavenly, but discovered I had a backpack and shorts tan... Not so heavenly.

We got iced coffee and dinner and chatted for about 2 hours, just relaxing after the long day. Tomorrow... Another hike!!

Can't wait to explore this stunning place a little more. I didn't realize until leaving home how necessary nature is to me and my well-being. Living on the edge of a state-protected canyon with abundant wildlife apparently isn't normal... I love how travelling forces you to evaluate what you need in life. And now I know that I will uncompromisingly need a little wild in my life, or at least a car to drive me to a place where I can shed my responsibilities and stress to get in touch with the sun, the air, the world, and God.

Wooo nature!

Lovin life,
Explorer/Tree-Hugger Aubrey

Exploring Haifa

Today began my three-day journey in and around the third largest city in Israel--Haifa! Haifa sits on a Mediterranean bay in northern Israel, carved into the cliffs of the seaside mountains. Over the last 12 hours, it's become my favorite city in all of Israel.

Kajsa and I took the train from Herzliya (the city in which my internship is based) and hopped off at Haifa Port.

After a quick walk up the main street into the German Colony (random, right?), we found our pristine, very homey hostel, Al Yajhour Hostel. This hostel was actually founded by Palestinians, which makes this one of my first real experiences with Israeli Arabs as opposed to Israeli Jews. A little change of pace!

Kajsa and I got some food, then headed up the mountain to see the world-famous Baha'I Gardens and Shrine.

So stunning. Unfortunately, we arrived a little after visiting hours were over, so we will head back to see the entire grounds tomorrow before hiking!

But we still got a sneak peek (:

From the gardens, we went to my favorite place of all... THE ZOO. Yes, I found ANOTHER Israeli zoo to go to, and yes it had the most ridiculous lack of security I've ever seen. One guy was throwing pieces of food to a monkey in an enclosure to watch it catch the food. I was like,

But like, really.

I wanted to pet it, but I didn't. I promise. Seriously, the whole time I was thinkin, where is the

I found some beautiful animals, because duh--

Lions

Tigers

Bears

And one of my favorite Mediterranean views thus far--

Oh my!

A wave of homesickness swelled up in my heart. It was so remniscient of San Diego, or SoCal in general, that it just brought back my love for my state and home. I sure do love California, guys. But still, seeing this stunning green oasis with the sparkling water at the end of the valley filled me with comfort--maybe if I squinted and ignored all the Hebrew, I could pretend I was back in the Golden State. 

From the zoo, we found a nice view of the city--

Then grabbed some sushi for dinner--

 Found a nice, albeit idiot, cat to spend our meal with--

Then explored the city of Haifa, eventually coming to the shore right after sunset. We watched the lights twinkle across the bay and anchored boats settle in the waves, and we agreed this was the most beautiful city we'd come across thus far.

Upon arrival at our hostel, we found Arab music playing and delicious food being served. The gracious party host/hostel owner offered us all the food we wanted (for free), and I was like--

Into the bread and chicken. I may not have a ton of talents travelling, but I can find a pretty amazing hostel. Stunning rooftop views, free food... I def know how to pick em.

I'm getting to bed so I have energy for our 5 hour hike and hours of exploration tomorrow!

Much love,
Haifa-fanatic Aubs