Safed

Hi everyone. I have been pretty busy and have not had time to write so let me take a few moments and fill everyone in on what I have been doing.

I told Adam and Donna that I wanted to get them their wedding present in Israel. Josh reminded me that one of Adam's favorite places in Israel is Safed. Safed is a beautiful city located in northwest Israel not too far from the Lebanon border (but not too close either). It is a city built into the mountains and is known for it's artist colony as well as being a center for Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah). It is 2000 years old. History takes on a new meaning in Israel.

I had off for 2 consecutive days and decided that it would be a great opportunity to go visit the city and hopefully find them the perfect gift. I set off early on Monday morning. The buses don't run to Safed frequently so I decided to catch an early bus. I got to the central bus station in Jerusalem and found the correct bus stop after asking many people. Along the way I managed to buy a cup of "Americano" coffee which tasted wonderful. Israeli's all drink instant Nescafe, which to an American palate (at least mine) it is terrible so my morning coffee was a treat. I also finally succumbed to a pastry for the trip up. The bus trip itself was about 3 hours but they seem to save their nice buses for the long hauls so I was very comfortable.

I brought along a book that I am reading but decided that I could read anytime and vowed to instead take in the landscape. I am glad I did. The trip reminded me of driving through Pennsylvania and upstate New York in that we were looking down from the sides of mountains. What was different of course was the landscape which is very dry and dusty with little natural foliage. I did see some olive groves along the way. I also saw camels grazing (unlike PA and NY) and several miles after that a McDonald's- again, only in Israel. There were small towns in the distance but not much civilization.

When I arrived in Safed I spent about an hour trying to get my bearings. I stopped at a little restaurant advertising the best pizza in Israel (probably not) and wandered around. I was given the name and phone number of a B&B that Donna knew of so I called. I met the wife of the B&B in town and she took me to her place. Apparently she has moved but keeps the home as a B&B. I ended up being the only person in the place which was a bit uncomfortable at first. Because the city is 2000 years old, the streets are a labyringth of dead end alleys which I was trying to negoitiate. Once I decided not to get anxious about it I was fine. My room had a private veranda, a large beautiful bedroom and private bath. I sat outside and watched the sun set over the mountains and it was very peaceful. I wandered around the artist colony and got some ideas for a gift. I walked for miles. I walked in to one place where a famous artist housed his sculptures which are displayed around the world. I saw pictures of one of his sculptures that was recently purchased by Northwestern University in Boston. Of course I can't remember the name of the artist but I had a long conversation with his wife. She told me the story of how her family ended up in Safed. She was fun to talk to and I think she enjoyed having someone new to tell her stories to.

After shopping I stopped at a little sidewalk cafe and had a shwarma sandwich. I was sitting minding my own business and a man came and sat down at the table with me and offered me some of his salad (which I politely declined). He then proceeded to wave to all his friends that walked by or came in to the restaurant. I think he wanted to be seen with an American woman. I was giving him some kind of celebrity status in the little town- too weird. So after dinner I found my way back to my little house using landmarks such as the blue trash can, the number on the electric box and the courtyard with toys in it. I must have been tired because I slept 11 hours!

This morning I got up and out and bought Donna and Adam their gift (I really hope you like it) and a little something for Zach for Hanukkah and am having them shipped out. I walked part of the way out of the city because Safed has a famous cemetary but it was too far by foot and I didn't feel like getting a cab so I just saw it from above. I then went back to Jerusalem by bus, had some dinner in the old city and got home. I am starting to be able to navigate around here and I can pick out landmarks.

The only unfortunate thing about the trip was that I forgot to charge my camera so I could not take any pictures. It will just have to live in my mind. I hope everyone out in Blogland is well. I miss everyone but I am having wonderful experiences and I am doing fine! Please keep in touch!

Love,
Sue