Traveling to Haifa

The journey to Pilgrimage officially began when I checked into Newark airport for my trans-Atlantic flight to Tel Aviv Saturday night. Who would've imagined a daily flight to Tel Aviv from the USA would be completely full? I don't think there was a spare seat to be had on the plane. The usual cramped quarters and uncomfortable sleeping applies, as does mediocre food and bad television programming. Thankfully, I was able to sleep most of the flight so time passed quickly. The descent through the clouds was the only time I noticed turbulance (always makes me airsick), then a smooth landing took us into Ben Gurion airport. There's always talk about how it can be difficult to get through customs in a country like this, and I suppose there are some who had a difficult time explaining their purpose here. But for me, it was smooth sailing all the way. The customs agent asked no questions, I found my suitcase to be already on the carousel, and went straight to my sharut (shuttle) bus headed towards Haifa.

Ah, the sharut. Basically, it's a minivan packed as full as it can be of passengers heading to the same general area, to be dropped off at their respective locations. A shared taxi. (For soon-to-be travelers, the going rate is 56 NIS.) If you've ever taken a taxi in a large city like New York or Chicago, you have some idea of the ride to Haifa. Add in more aggressive drivers, hills and curves, and no air conditioning and you have my sharut. I tend to get carsick on a straight road with a sane driver, so this was not a pleasant ride for me. But my eyelids were heavy and I somehow managed to sleep a good portion of the ride which helped immensly. Finally the driver stopped at my hotel, unloaded my suitcase, and left me to fend for myself.

The Dan Gardens hotel is a small but very nice place with a great view of the Bay of Haifa and the city below (remember we're on Mount Carmel here!). I had researched the hotel (of course!) prior to booking and others noted the stair access into the hotel. They failed to mention it's 2 flights of stairs and I'm carrying my slightly heavy and awkward suitcase! But I made it and when the elevator broke, the nice men of the hotel carried it up to the 4th floor for me. On my last trip to Haifa (for a 3 day visit), I stayed at the Hotel Nof which is slightly closer to the Baha'i Gardens where I am to spend most of my time. I was not impressed at the Nof and found it to be sticky and slightly run-down. I figured it was par for the course in a Middle Eastern country until I arrived at the Dan Gardens last night. The room is a lovely rectangular room with windows along the long wall looking over the bay. A closet with shelves so I can unpack my clothes, a television with cable, and a very comfortable bed. Oh, and of course (as you've noticed) wireless internet access in the room. It's $5 for an hour or $15 for a day, but at least it's private access on my own computer. I'm so glad I read that somewhere in my research and brought my laptop.

No restaurant in the Dan Gardens, so I went on the recommendation of the desk clerk just down the street to an Argentenian restaurant (El Gaucho). It was nice and I was able to eat a small meal before calling it a night. Now I'm in bed at 9:00 and ready to get on with the trip tomorrow. The formal Pilgrimage starts in the morning!

Baha'i Pilgrimage

After being on the waiting list for 7 years, I finally have to bounty of taking my first Baha'i Pilgrimage. For those who don't know what this is, click here to find out more.

I arrive in Haifa Sunday afternoon (their time) and will be there for 10 days. I know I'll be taking a million pictures (okay, maybe only several hundred) and hope to keep up an online journal (if I can connect via my laptop). Check back while I'm gone for the latest update on my adventures!

A Wedding! A Wedding!

Yes, it's true, I'm getting married... again! When Ishmael and I finally set a date and started planning this shing-dig, I thought, "This time, it's going to be small and simple". But when so many of Ishmael's friends committed to coming in from out of state, it quickly became clear that "small" was not to be. With a count of around 25 from my own family alone plus a hoped-for 20-30 out-of-towners, our 75 seat decided-on venue wasn't going to work (how do I cut my list down to a mere 20 people?). So now we're having it in Denver at a larger facility and invited practically everyone I know (and still talk to!) .

It could still be simple though, right? Not! When you're talking excited African friends, simple isn't what comes first to mind. But since they want to plan, cook, coordinate, and pay for the reception food... Plus, I had the excellent foresight to plan my wedding on a big party holiday (New Year's Eve). I planned it early enough that the locals could easily get to any party in the area, even if it was a dinner party. But now I have 30 out-of-town guests to think of... so I had the brilliant idea of having our very own New Year's Eve Party! No problem right? Problem. Expense. Actually, I found a great location, just have to work out the food costs (they require use of their caterer).

But all in all, it's coming together. I have the important things -- the groom, the venue, the dress, the cake, the guests. Much of the planning is the capable hands of friends so I can focus on moving and an upcoming trip. It's definitely a day to look forward to.

All is One narrated by The Wombat

A cute (short) video illustrating why we're all one on this planet called earth...

Foundation for Global Community - The Wombat

Nussbaumer Log Home

It's finally looking like a reality! My parent's log home started getting it's logs last week. Take a look!

Scots, Pipes, and Sun

It's that time of year again - time for the Scottish-Irish Highland Festival in Estes Park! I spent the weekend at a friend's cabin (thanks Jodi!) in Estes, compliments of my roommate who insisted I leave the house to avoid the fumes caused by his sealing the new wood floors. Gorgeous weekend for a Festival! No clouds in sight and I put sunscreen on too late, resulting in quite a red face & neck... ah well.

Highlights of the weekend included listening to my new favorite band Seven Nations and my sister's pipe band the Isle of Mull. Check out my pictures here.

Estes Park log cabin

After 30+ years in Loveland, my parents are retiring to their "dream home" in Estes Park. Track the building progress of their home at http://nussbaumers.net/newloghome/.