Old City Akko with Friends

About two weeks ago we (Ben and I) took a little trip to Akko (about 20 minutes away) with Diana and her husband Badim. This was the first time I met Badim, which was important to me because I like Diana very much. They took a car from Kibbutz Bar-Am (where they live), which is about 45 minutes north of Karmiel. Then together, we headed to Akko. We wanted to eat brunch/lunch at Hummous Said (I believe I have mentioned this restaurant before). Ben and I ate there when we visited Haifa in December, but this time it was already closed (they only stay open until the food is gone, and it always goes...very popular place). So, we settled for a different hummous place, which was really just as good (perhaps better?).

I have been to Akko before but this time we explored places I had never seen, actually I didn't even know they existed. It was amazing. We went underneath the Akko Citadel to see the ruins of the Crusaders fortress, which are actually still being excavated. The Crusaders fortress was built at the beginning of the 11th century....that is SO old! The citadel, which sits on top of the ruins, was the palace of the Governor during the 18th and 19th centuries and then became a British prison in later years. The prison is actually where Ben had the ceremony when he was sworn into the army. I think my favorite part (and this is a bit embarassing) was the lavoratory! I just love seeing the evidence of daily life such a long time ago. Even though our lives are so different than then, we still have that necessity in common:)

If my memory serves me, this is a room that was used for torture and imprisonment. It was a very eerie room.

And this is Diana and I in the courtyard. Much of this was not even excavated the last time Ben visited!

A the entrance to the Citadel is a garden. Well, that's what it is called, but I'm not sure I would call it that. It has a fountain and some beautiful trees surrounding it. I took many pictures of the trees...they are green, green is like a magnet for me here in Israel....where it is, I go.

Other than the Citadel/Fortress tour, we also just toured around the market (sh-ooh-k) on our own. It really is an interesting city. It is on the water so we went to the port and took some pictures...it was a nice day at first, but later it turned very windy and the sky turned grey, not only with clouds, but with sand. It wasn't anything close to a sand storm, but sand was definitely flying around, turning the day hazy. However, the first half of the day was absolutely beautiful!

I have too much to write about...more soon. (actually, another trip to Akko!)

Oops...good thing Serge just reminded me..I almost left without revealing the 'surprise'. Well, you may already know, but...I bought a plane ticket home for April 7th and I'll be staying three whole weeks! I celebrate every time I remember:)