One of the perks of working for Apple is the occasional travel. I ended up going to Israel for a week. We went over to do some systems moves in a data center we have there. Most of the time was spent in Haifa, in the northern half of the country. Haifa was a beautiful area. It reminded me a lot of the central coast of California, but on the Mediterranean.
When I took this picture there was a bit of an overcast. But it was very pretty from on top of the hill where my hotel was. The people I met were really friendly. Even thought I don’t speak Hebrew, most of the locals had at least some English ability. So, that made life a lot easier.
Overlooking Haifa, Israel
Sunset over the Med
One of our local people took us all out for lunch while we were there. I definitely recommend having the local person choose the lunch spot. We would never have had this awesome experience with him showing us. It’s a little hole in the wall place that was amazing.
Lunch in Haifa
On our last day in Israel we had the opportunity to go sight seeing. So, the five of us chipped in and set up a private tour of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. Something I didn’t ever really expect to see. I’m not a religious person, so seeing where Christ was arrested, tried, crucified, and resurrected, weren’t on my bucket list. But, guess what? I saw all of those places that day. And then some.
Overlooking old Jerusalem from Mt Olive. Next to where Jesus was arrested by the Romans.
The Church of Agony was built next to the Olive Garden where Jesus was arrested.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The church built over the place Jesus was resurrected
What’s funny is that the church is run by 6 different Denominations that cannot get along. It’s so bad that there is something called the “Immovable Ladder“. Basically a ladder that has been leaning against the wall for over 200 years because they can’t agree to move it. Seriously.
The Immovable Ladder
The Wailing Wall
And of course, while in Israel we checked out the Dead Sea. The lowest place on earth. 400+ meters below sea level. And guess what? There was a bar there. The lowest bar in the world. So of course we had to have a beer. 🙂
Just a picture I really liked from the trip
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November 9, 2018 at 3:15 PM
Gillian Anderson
Hey Rich,
Glad to hear you are happily ensconsed with Apple.
Israel looks amazing – I’ve never been.
I like the achitecture in your final pic.
The immovable ladder is a bit quirky to say the least.
We had a remembrance theme at Nitten last evening, some wonderful songs and poems relating to a variety of conflicts. As per usual there was a good turnout and it was a great night,
On Sunday about ten of the club will be going to watch Far Far from Ypres at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh. Jim & May Weatherston and Charlie Milne are in the show together with some famous names from the Scottish Folk scene.
I’ve seen it performed twice before – over the last 5 or so years – but this is billed as the last ever performance. It promises to be a memorable night.
All the best to you and yours. Stay safe.
Gillian
November 9, 2018 at 3:23 PM
icehawk55
Gillian. Wow it’s been a long time. It’s ironic that you mention a remembrance theme at the Nitten. I was listening to Reaching from Lesley Hale yesterday. I still find it hard to think she’s gone, and has been for so long.
I’d love to just show up at a session at the Dean Tavern. I have many fond memories of those nights.
If Jim, May, and Charlie remember me, say hello.
All the best to you and yours.
Cheers.
Rich
December 2, 2018 at 5:06 PM
Gillian Anderson
well – if Apple ever send you to Scotland – make sure it covers a Thursday night. You can always borrow a guitar.. and sometimes we even have a fiddle in the hall!
Happy holidays and all the best to you and yours for the New Year.
Gillian
P.S. My favourite CD of the moment is by Kenny Spiers – Sleepwalking.
He was a guest a few months back and his songwords are wonderful.
You’d love the fiddle track Leaving Leithenside.