Mia the Ima - Living the simpler life in Israel

Stylistit

2010-04-14T03:50:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed that I've neglected this blog for a while. That is because I have been busy with Stylistit. Stylistit is my blog of Israeli style and design. In Stylistit I feature Israeli designers of jewelry, Israeli fashion designers, fun Israeli stuff, some of my favorite shops and other things that would interest people who care about design & style or Israel or both.

Please go to Stylistit and check out the site, and please comment. I would love to hear from you.

Carrot Cake

2009-12-09T06:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, just before dinner, my son read the Ugat Gzer (Carrot Cake) book by Mirik Snir, to my daughter.
He is second grade now and reads whatever he can get his hands on.
At the end of the book there is a simple recipe for carrot cake, and they wanted to make it.
So before sitting down to dinner we quickly grated the carrots put every thing is a bow and into the oven before we sat down for dinner.
Ok, so the recipe calls for whipping the eggs and adding the ingredients slowly and in a certain order. But, I could not be bothered, I was in a rush to get them to dinner.
Anyway, the wonderful smell of carrot cake filled the house and I offered them to come down after their bath and have some of the cake and tea.
But, they didn't want any. "It's carrots, Ima." They told me. "We don't eat carrots".

Storks over Zihron Ya'akov

2009-11-15T23:25:00.000-08:00

It's now bird migration season again and there are thousands of birds flying through Israel now. If you can get to the area below Zihron Ya'akov on the coastal road, you can see hundreds of storks in small and large groups. These large birds are everywhere, flying in loops in the sky, in the trees, in the fields and of course around the fish pools of Ma'agan Michael.
For a special tiyul, take the train to Haifa that passes right by the fish pools. That way you don't have to worry about driving and running into cars that slow down or stop at the side of the road to look at the birds. It's really not a sight anyone can ignore.

This is a picture I took from the car.

Hello Again

2009-09-07T03:03:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to restart writing here for a while and this seems like a good time.
Summer vacation has finished and the kids are back in school and Gan (kindergarten). The next thing on my mind is Rosh Hashanah which is just around the corner. That means I am now somewhat obsessed with honey cake recipes and trying to recall the Rosh Hashanah salad I made last year that was requested again this years holiday dinner. … All I an remember is I think it had pomegranate seeds in it.

The Emek Izrael (Jezreel valley) Pioneer Museum

2009-05-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

I've always loved pioneer museums. When I was growing up I used to love going to see "how people once lived" in the room set up like in real life back them, and there were plenty of them in Illinois and Wisconsin and Texas.
In Israel they are called Halitzim and most Halitzim sites you can go visit deal with the idealism of the settlers, the battles that went on in the area, the poetry and mythology created around the pioneer ideal. Not many fill my interest in the private lives of the individual people.
Well I finally found a place for that.
The Museum Emek Izrael (Jezreel valley) Hityashvut offers a real glimpse of how people actually lived, worked, cared for their children in the "Emek" in the Moshavim and Kibbutzim of the area.
The museum is in Kibbutz Yifat not far off the road between Kiryat Tivon and Nathareth.
The Halitzim museum has a few areas some with life size replicas of Kibbutz and Moshav houses much smaller then any one room cabin you would see in the US. This is the part I liked best. In this area there are also replicas of school rooms and kibbutz "children's houses". Another area has a display of old tractors and pioneer worksites for building the rail track, clearing way for the roads, fieldwork and livestock.
My kids enjoyed the kitchen where you make Halitzim meals (when we were there in Passover in was Matza balls in chicken soup), old time childrens games (mostly outside games of rope or stilts and some wooden toys), and especially an explanation on bee keeping and collecting honey.

The Website:
http://www.pioneers.co.il/app/Showcontent.asp?ID=4419&Tipe=1&Sr=Yes&Sl=Yes&St=&Sb=Yes&S=286

Pictures:
http://www.pioneers.co.il/app/galery.asp?f=museum

Cattle passing by

2009-04-05T23:18:00.000-07:00

The other day I heard some moo'ing not far away. I looked around and didn't see anything. So I carried on with my housework, but when I went into my daughters room I saw a herd of cows passing by the path at the back of the house.
My husband asked the cowmen to let the cattle graze on the overgrown weeds on the side of our plot.

Most of Northern Israel is spotted with cattle herds. There are a few herds around our town and they graze on weeds and vegetation in the open spaces on the outskirts.
The mayor told up they cooperate with the cowmen letting the cows graze on areas so that they don't have to bring in someone to clean up the overgrowing weeds and vegetation. They just invite in the cattle and let them eat it all up.

Which Austen Heroine am I?

2009-03-05T05:22:00.000-08:00

Take the Quiz here!

Lettuce Harvest

2009-03-05T00:19:00.000-08:00

I love living in this farmland area. I love seeing the green grow in the field behind my house and I love seeing the changes with the seasons.

This morning on my way to wok I noticed a change in one of the plots. What was all green last time I notices two days ago is not rows and rows of brown.

I barely had enough time to whip out my camera and take a picture before the lights changed.

In the very front a crate full of lettuce is hiding behind the railing and in the back you can just about see a tractor in the field (there were 4 guys on it).

Weirdest English to Hebrew word morph so far

2009-02-03T05:38:00.000-08:00

English words make their way into Hebrew all the time, especially in Israeli High-tech talk. You can take almost any work and put it in some Hebrew grammar form like adding ally, sia We use words like randomally, optimally, optionally, reactcsia

But I just heard the weirdest English to Hebrew word morph ever! Mitrafresh
Can you guess what it means?

It's "something that gets refreshed".

my Planting Marathon

2009-01-14T00:44:00.000-08:00

I have been spending the last few days planting, planting and more planting flower bulbs. My hands are all blistered but I had a great time in the garden.

I have been hearing and meaning to go to Yodfat, which is a Kibbutz way up North that specializes in bulb flowering. Well, November passed by and them December, which are the months you are supposed to plant the bulbs in the ground, but I didn't get there. Finally right before the New Year I found their web site and they had a very end of season sale. I got around 140 bulbs for 140 NIS including delivery by mail.

I got anemones, buttercups, Irises, daffodils, tulips, some sweet peas (not bulbs) and many others I don't know the name for. I like that many of these plants are indigenous to where I live and grow around here naturally.

It took me almost a week to get all those flower bulbs in the ground and I did give some to neighbors, and family because there were just so much.

Yesterday evening I planted the last of them.

So now all I need to do is wait for the flowers to bloom in my garden, and my hands to heal.

Some are already spouting! I am so excited!

This is the link for the bulb nursery:

http://www.yod-nur.co.il/products.asp?action=home

The neighbors brownies

2009-01-06T04:23:00.000-08:00

I felt really "down" yesterday evening, due to the Matzav (situation) and all. After I got the kids to sleep I just sat there staring at the TV when the neighbor knocked on the door saying she has lots of great brownies. Would we like some? She made them for her daughter to take back to the army with her but she forgot to take them.

So I made some tea and we talked about this and that for a while and I felt so much better.

Later I realized that this is what Israel is to me. It’s that warm and fuzzy feeling you get where you belong and where people care about you and do nice things.

Instructions What to Do if you Hear a Tzeva adom Siren / Alarm

2008-12-27T23:30:00.000-08:00

Since I couldn't really find any clear English instructions anywhere of what to do if you hear a Tzeva adom siren / alarm, I am quickly posting what I know from Hebrew and from Lebanon II for anyone who needs it.

Yes it is all over Israeli TV, but what about those people whose Hebrew is lacking.

If you hear an alarm you have between 10 – 45 seconds to get to a safe place depending on how close you are to where the locket was lunched from.

Here is a map of the areas

http://www.oref.org.il/14-he/PAKAR.aspx

If you're in the green zone you have 10 seconds

If you're in the light blue zone you have 30 seconds

If you're in the purple zone you have 45 seconds

Where is the best place to be?

If you have a shelter on Mamad (security room) in your house that is where you should go.

Close the door and metal window shutter can open the glass window into the window pocket so it doesn't shatter on you. You can also tape the glass. Stay on the side of the indoor wall and away from things that might fall on you in the blast like if you have a high shelf with things on it.

If you don't have an in-house shelter go to the one in your building if you can get there in the time you have.

Another option is if you have an internal space or room in your house that is two walls from the outside, because rockets don't penetrate two walls.

Another good option in to be under the stairs because they are usually a solid cement structure.

Try not to be under a roof and go to a lower floor if you can.

The bathroom is not a preferred option because time can fall and hurt you.

In any case it is best to be inside.

If you are in a car

Drive with the windows open so you will hear the siren. In Lebanon they said to get out of the car and lay low on the ground away from the car. Bad things happen to cars if they are hit with a rocket. You don't want to be in there.

What should you have with you?

Water, comfort food, cellphone and linephone (if you can), radio or TV to hear instructions or just what is going on.

If you have children with you I found that the best way of getting them to a safe place as fast and easily as possible and keeping them calm is best with treats @ sweets (candy, cookies, chocolate, pretzels…) you can worry about their teeth later.

Oddest Chanukah Present

2008-12-21T05:20:00.000-08:00

I just got the oddest Chanukah present at work. A big chocolate bunny and big Heart shaped lollypop.

This sort of sums up Israelies take on Western/Christian symbols: mix everything up and randomly use whatever you like whenever you want.

Saying: It's cute and I like it but it's symbolism meaning to me so I do what I will with it.

I wouldn't be surprised if next year we will be making gingerbread Succot.

Technoda Science Museum- Chanukah Astronomy Day

2008-12-21T01:26:00.000-08:00

The Technoda Haifa Science Museum is having a Chanukah Astronomy Day called "A Star is Born", on Wednesday, Dec. 24 3:00 – 9:00 PM

Translating from the Hebrew brochure, the Activities will include:

Saying the activities include:
A laser show
Building telescope models

Fiber-optic lights

Sun clock

Workshops about light and astronomy

Trivia Quiz

Entrance costs 10 NIS and some activities have extra charge.

Chanukah Astronomy Day info in Hebrew:

http://www.technoda.org.il/default.asp?PageID=180

English Technoda site:

http://www.technoda.org.il/default.asp?PageID=91

The search for Low fat Baked Hanukkah Sufganiot

2008-12-09T22:28:00.000-08:00

I love Hanukkah, it is such a warm and cozy Holiday. I love that everyone makes an effort to come home to be together and light the candles. I love the warm light of the candles. I love singing the songs and having a warm drink and latkes and Sufganiot.

But I don't like all that oil.

I know oil is a major component and symbol of this Holiday, without the little jug of oil the fire would have got out in Beit Hamikdash.

But why do I have to consume so much oil, and then have it go to my face, and worse stay on my thighs.

So this year I will try to use less oil. And for that I found a few Sufganiot recipes where you bake the doughnuts instead of deep frying them. Better still if I make them at home I can make them in a manageable size and not super large like the ones you buy at the supermarket.

Here are baked Sufganiot recipes I found.

http://www.recipezaar.com/Delicious-Sane-Baked-Sufganiot-Doughnuts-for-Hanukkah-148495

http://www.foodfit.com/recipes/recipe.asp?rid=1059 – Scroll down to get to the recipe

But since I am lazy, if someone knows of where I can but non fat Sufganiot, please tell me. I know they will probably cost 7 Shekels for a 10 shekel size sufgania but you pay more for less. What can you do?

My favorite Israel Restaurant site now has an English spin-off!

2008-11-17T02:01:00.000-08:00

My favorite Israel Restaurant site rest.co.il now has a spin-off site in English. This is great news for anybody looking for information about restaurants in Israel in English.

Rest is like an index of restaurants that you can search according to location and the type of food. They also have pages for many of the restaurants that show pictures of the restaurant and the menu, and it looks like they are translating many of the restaurant sites to English too.

This site is best I know of for finding restaurants in Israel.

So here's the link for the English site again: http://www.restaurants.co.il

Olives. Lots and lots of Olives

2008-10-16T05:15:00.000-07:00

In our new house we have a big olive tree in the back. The tree has lots and lots of olives on it and they are going from green to purple to black. Our neighbor told that they are ready for picking. People say that if you don't pick the fruit one year the tree doesn't give as much fruit the next year, so yesterday we decided to have a Masik (olive picking).

It's not actually picking, more like shaking. We spread out on old sheet on the ground and shook the branches so that the olives would fall to the ground. The tree is big and tall so we went up to the upstairs window and shook the higher branches from there. I guess we got about a fourth of the olives off the tree.

We also picked olives off of a smaller olive tree we also have. It's and different kind of olive tree.

The big tree, someone told me was Kalamata, the olives are pointy and turn purple and then black. The little tree has big round olives that stay green.

When we were tired of shaking the tree and figured we have enough olives off of it, we collected the fallen olives from the cloth on the ground into a bucket.

So now we have lots of olives I don't really know what to do with. But if the tree went to the trouble of having them I figure it would be a waste not to do anything with them.

Succot: Moriah Street Party

2008-10-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Oct 16 Moriah st. in Haifa will close for the Moriah street party starting at 17:00. Kikar Sefer square will turn into a big stage with live music, including Pshutie Ha'am.

The cafes and bars along the strip will set out tables.

It should be fun.

But don't plan on using that route if you need to get anywhere ('cause then it won't be fun for you) .

http://www.tour-haifa.co.il/modules/extcal/event.php?event=251

Succot: Desert Guitar Festival

2008-10-15T00:32:00.000-07:00

Desert Guitar lovers festival takes place Oct. 15 - 17

This festival looks like an excellent choice. The guitar music festival takes place on a secluded desert farm south of Be'er sheva. This looks like a very special event.

The website is in Hebrew but you can call the organizers for more information.

It may be hard to find the place if you don't know your way around the area but they have rides to the guitar music festival from various places around the country.

It looks like the best way to find more information is to call: 03-7526830 / 054-3008800.

Succot - Haifa International Film Festival

2008-10-12T00:33:00.000-07:00

Haifa International Film Festival is between Oct. 10-21

The Haifa Film Festival is one of the highlights of the year in Haifa. In addition to the movie screenings in the Cinimatech and surrounding theaters, there are free outdoor screenings in Gan Haem park, and a festival bazaar in the nearby gardens, with live music most evenings in the square in front of the Cinimatech. There is sometimes a fair park area set up with rides for the children.

Be prepared to park in the surrounding streets and walk in and be prepared for heavy security.

The outdoor screening schedule is not easy to find and sometimes pops up in the local papers, if I see it I will post it.

This is a section from the Haifa International Film Festival site that best describes the festival: "During its eight days of celebration, the Festival proudly premieres 150 new films from the best and most recent international productions and holds 220 screenings in seven theaters and under the sky: feature films, documentaries, animation, short films, retrospectives and tributes."

The English site for the Film Festival is not bad: http://www.haifaff.co.il/index.php

Tickets:

Single ticket: 40 NIS

With Soldiers/Senior Citizens/Students/Handicapped/Haifa Hotel Guests discount: 35 NIS

Multi: 8+2 free: 320 NIS

With Isracard you can get a second ticket for 230 stars

For all Cinematheque members in Israel: 35 when showing membership card..

OnlineTicket sale:http://www.garber-tickets.co.il/filmfestival/search_results.asp

Or phone: 04-8418411

Ticket sale begins October 05

Things to do on Succot: Acco Festival of Alternative Israeli Theatre

2008-10-07T02:52:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Acco (Also spelled Acre) has been delayed to an unknown date / canceled because of the voilence in the city during the last few days.

Acco Festival of Alternative Israeli Theatre is one of the best loved theater festivals in the country and there are loyal fans who come back every year. There are productions of different sizes, some bigger productions fill whole theaters while others are much smaller. There is also a prestigious competition every year.

We always enjoy the street shows, and the whole festive atmosphere. Also the surroundings of these shows around Acco, that is such a special city in itself, adds so much to the theatrical atmosphere.

The English web site is quite good and there is information about most of the shows in English. Some information is missing, maybe it will be added later.

Dates: Oct. 15-19, 2008

Ticket prices vary according to show. You can buy tickets though www.garber-tickets.co.il in Haifa. Isracard holders can pay with some stars.

Phone for ticket info: 04- 8384777

Transportation – Acco, being a walled fortress city, is hard enough to drive in year-round, do yourself a favor by not attempting to drive there during the festival. There are several parking lots around the city where you can leave your car, and walk in. I think there are shuttles that take people to the parking lots and bus & train station.

Things to do on Succot: Yehimam fortress Renaissance Festival

2008-10-06T01:41:00.001-07:00

We always enjoy the Renaissance Festival in Yehiam fortress, which is a music festival of Renaissance and other types of music. This Renaissance Festival is not nearly as elaborate as the Renaissance Festivals in the US where you have street shows fire eaters and knights and food stalls with Middle ages treats. Like everything in Israel it is smaller and less dramatic.

Still it is a fun festival to visit with period music and dance. Music is played around Yehiam fortress.

When: The Festival starts on the evening of Oct. 14 and continues Oct.15-16 from 10:00 am.

Entry costs: 20 NIS (adult or child)

Phone for more info: 04-9521175

Site for Renaissance Festival in Yehiam fortress: http://www.lagalil.com/festival_HE_1.asp only in Herbew.

Sept. 1st

2008-09-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

I was going to write a long post about the first day in Kita Alef. It was so different that what I remember of the first day of 1^st Grade. There was a whole Tekes and everyone wore white shirts… I was very excited and very impressed.

But a close person is in the hospital, so it will take me some time to get to that.

I hope to write again soon.

Shilav Summer Clothes Sale up to 14.99

2008-09-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

Shilav is having a Sale on thier summer clothes, with prices of up to 14.99 NIS, they say.
So if you want to stock up on clothes for next summer, this is a good last minute bargian.
I have always been happy with the quality of thier clothes so if you can correctly guess your kids size next year, this is a good deal.

http://site.shilav.co.il/articleMail.asp?catId=39&pgId=28356

What are those flags doing in the water?

2008-08-12T05:54:00.001-07:00

Or: Understanding Israeli beach lifeguard flags

Okay, so as I said in my last post it's time to go back and enjoy the beach but be careful of the waves and undertow. The best you can do to keep safe is follow the lifeguard instructions (even if it is very difficult to understand.)

The lifeguards use different colored flags to symbolize the turbulence of the water.

White flag – means water is calm and safe.

Red flag – means waves are a little high but you can still enjoy the water if you stay around that area. This means you will probably also get salty water in your face and hair. So be prepared.

Black flag – means water is dangerous and unsafe.

You may notice that one area has a red flag and an area just a few feet away has a black flag, and may look even calmer then the red flag area. That is because some places have strong undertow that can pull you in the water.

Some areas may be roped off a few meters in the water. You should not go past the ropes.

Have fun!

Back to the Beach

2008-08-12T05:23:00.000-07:00

Now that the Meduza jellyfish have all but disappeared from Israeli beaches it is time to return to the beach before school starts and summer quickly turns into fall.

Though the threat of getting a meduzza sting has reduced the sea is more turbulent now.

So for safety's sake, stay close to the lifeguard tower and follow their instructions.

Even if you are not the lady wit the yellow hat, don't go where the lifeguard says there is an undertow.

Happy bathing.

Dinosor exibit at Haifa Medatech Science Museum

2008-08-10T05:46:00.001-07:00

The Medatech Science Museum, in the old Technion building in Hadar, has a Dinosor exibit. The exibit is on loan from Argentina and displays 25 Dinosor skeletons, and Dinosor information.
My son doesn’t want to go because Dinosors frieghten him, but friends of ours have been to the exibit and say that in a little small. Not to expect anything you would fing in the States, but it is interesting for the children.

Even without this exibition the Science Museum, is an interesting place with interactive displays in an old university building classrooms and studyhalls, which I think is interesting and special in itself.

Zfat Klezmer Festival 2008

2008-08-06T04:03:00.001-07:00

I just received a brochure of the Kliezmer festival in Zfat, that will take place this year on the 18^th -20^th of August, 2008.

During the festival several stages are put up around the city and Tzfat comes to life with Jewish soul music.

I you want to spend a night at the area I recommend, you contact Ahuza Barosh the zimmer we stayed at when we visited Rosh Pina.

There is lots of information on this site I found for the festival (it's all in Hebrew): http://klezmerf.com/

You can call these numbers for information:
04-6927401/2/6
04-6927485
04-6927484

Goldstar beer festival – Haifa

2008-08-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

If you like beer, the beach, lots of music and lots of people The Haifa Goldstar beer festival is for you.
In addition to beer, there will be live Israeli rock music, food stalls, Shmontches stalls, and other fun activities, so says the flyer I got.
We were at the beer festival two years ago and had a great time.

When: August 20-21 from 20:00
Where: Hof Hastudentim (Student beach)

Kiryon Globus VIP Movie Theater

2008-07-23T23:16:00.001-07:00

Remember when I wrote about going to the new Globus Cinema complex in the Kiryon and how impressed I was with it?

Well, the Kiryon movie theater complex now has a VIP Lounge and Theater and we were invited to the opening! You can imagine I was more than happy to get the invitation.

The VIP treatment at the Kiryon Cinema, includes unlimited wine from Golan wineries, sushi and other drinks and refreshments, in a separate seating area.

Of course as expected, the cinema itself, being a VIP theater has large and very comfortable leather seats that recline back for very comfortable viewing.

The VIP package is 119 NIS per person.

I also found out that they have an IMAX theater at the Kiryon Cinema. We were taken on a tour of the screening rooms and that of the IMAX too and got a very interesting explanation.

I got the contact information for the person in charge there, and if I got anything in English I will post it here for you.

The call the movie theater by dialing *2235.

Driving by Eldad Regev's House

2008-07-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening we happened to be in the Krayot. When we were done with what we had to do, my husband took a detour "to show us something". Driving alone on one of the main roads at a traffic circle that has an old cannon on it (left behind from the war of Independence) we saw a giant flag. The flag was a beautiful ceremonial flag, and it was at half mast almost touching the ground.
It hit me, this is Eldad Regev's home.
I straightened up and looked around, a knot tightening in my stomach and throat. There on of the very doorways, on the very normal street, I saw the mourning signs. אלדד רגב By the door, there was a flag with the picture of Eldad on it.
Inside the doorway, in the entrance to the building I could see the candles flickering. There were many of them.
You know what this is? I asked the children. This is were Eldad Regev lives, my son said softly. He had also figured it out for himself. Only six and he is so aware of these things going on around him.
I asked if they would like to go in to the building, and look at the candles, maybe light one. He didn't want to; he was scared to get closer. "He's dead" said my son, "They buried him today." "He isn't alive… he is dead." The presence of death freighted him. We drove around the a few times before we went home.

Shabbat flowers

2008-07-17T01:33:00.001-07:00

Once, when I was little, husbands would bring their wives flowers for Shabbat. Every home you went had a bouquet on the dinning room table.

Somewhere along the way this tradition disappeared and now my friends and I buy our Shabbat flowers ourselves.

I was reminded of this by a post on the Tchochkes.

I wonder if we can bring this tradition back.

Caesarea Nights 2008 showing Alfred Hitchcock movies

2008-07-14T05:44:00.001-07:00

Caesarea Nights לילות קיסריה is back this year showing Alfred Hitchcock movies outside in the old city of Caesarea.

This is a great evening out, there are plenty of food stalls for refreshments but bring your own lawn chairs or blanket to sit on. And don't forget the SanoDie to keep the mosquitoes away; you will enjoy the movie much better that way.

This is a schedule of the movies:

16.7 - Physo

23.7 - Vertigo

30.7 The man who knew too much

6.8 - Rear window

Gates open at 19:00, movie begins 21:00

Adult admission 30 NIS

Child 15 NIS

Israeli Chocolate Birthday Cake Recipe

2008-07-09T03:51:00.001-07:00

Every Israeli event or party, especially for children, just has to include a "chocolate cake".
This is so rooted in Israeli culture that when an Israeli child says cake, he or she is referring to "chocolate cake".

I once asked my son if he would mind if I made another type of cake for his birthday and he had no idea what I was talking about. For him, there is no other type of birthday cake. He didn't even want to hear about it.

I asked some other kids and got the same reply.

An Israeli Chocolate cake is coated with a chocolate sauce and topped with multicolored sprinkles or other candy. Hip Israeli mamas (Imas) wrap the cake in sugar dough/fondant (also known as RFM) and make into a 3D sculpture (cars, trains, Ninja turtles and Barbie or Bratz dolls are popular). Lazy hip Imas have an image printed on their fondant for about 30-40 NIS and cover the cake with that.

Of the hundreds of recipes for Israeli Chocolate cake this is the one I like best (at the moment) and is the easiest to make.

This recipe is for a family size cake, if you are making on for a kindergarten party of more than 25 people double the quantities.

Preheat oven to 180^o C (Medium temperature)

In a large bowl mix:

4 eggs

1 cup sugar

1 cup oil

1 cup chocolate milk powder (Shokolit)

1 cup self rising flour

2 baggies vanilla sugar or 1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 container cream

Stir together all ingredients and add rest of cream or milk as needed.

(I add milk)

When you have a smooth batter, grease cake pan and pour batter in.

Bake for around 30-40 min. depending on size of cake.

Chocolate sauce cake topping:

200 g. margarine or butter

200 g. chocolate

Heat in sauce pan or microwave and mix together for even consistency DO NOT BURN and pour over cake while cake and sauce are both still hot.

Cream cake topping:

Whip remaining 1/2 carton cream or new whole carton.

Add sugar while whipping (3 tbsp. for half carton, 6 tbsp. for whole carton)

Heat in sauce pan or microwave

200 g. margarine or butter

200 g. chocolate

Stir for even consistency DO NOT BURN.

Let chocolate sauce cool a little, but not harden, and fold into whipped cream.

Smooth over cake.

Classic Israeli Cheesecake with Crumb Topping Recipe

2008-06-24T00:51:00.000-07:00

This is a recipe is for the homemade version an Israeli classic.
No Israeli pastry shop or café would be caught without Crumb cheesecake – Ugat Gvina im Pirurim.
At home this is an excellent and refreshing cake for the hot summer and Spring and late summer holidays.
It is best served with cold Nes Cafe near a bowl of summer fruit.

I wanted to get this recipe out to you for Shavuot but didn't get around to it until now. You can still enjoy this excellent and easy cake during hot summer evenings on the mirpeset.

Base and top crumbs:
1/2 cup (100 g.) sugar
2 cups (280 g.) self rising flour or regular flour + 1.5 tsp baking powder)
3 egg yokes
200 g. butter or margarine softened and cut to squares.

Cheese filling:
2 packages (500 ml.) whipping cream
2/3 cup (140 g.) sugar
500 g. 5% fat soft "Israeli" white cheese (that’s 2 regular sized packages or half of a jumbo size sold on holidays)

Preparation:
Heat oven to 180 degrees C (Medium heat)
Grease backing pan
Mix all base and top crumbs ingredients together by hand or in mixer with kneading device (sugar, self rising flour (or flour + baking powder), egg yokes and butter or margarine).
When you get soft and uniform dough take it out and spread it out on the baking pan.
Back dough for about 30 min. until it is golden and well backed. Should resemble a big soft cookie.
Take out of oven and let cool.

Making the crumbs:
If you want and even base for the cake scrape off the top third or half of the cooked dough, for about 1/2 cup or more of small crumbs. If you also want a crumb base (like I prefer) scrape and break all of the cooked dough to crumbs and them scatter a layer of crumbs at the bottom and leave some for the topping.
! Keep the crumbs for the topping at room temperature and DO NOT REFRIGERATE.

Cheese layer:
Whip cream and sugar into a stiff and very stable cream. Hand fold in the cheese, to a unified consistency. Pour over base and let set for 4-24 hours. (You can also freeze at this point and thaw at room temperature.)

Before serving:
Remove from refrigerator a few minutes before serving and top with top layer of crumbs.

You can optionally flavor the cheese filling and/or crumbs with either vanilla or grated citrus peals (lemon or orange).
Sometimes people add little pieces of apricot to the cheese filling.

Classic Israeli Cheesecake with Crumb Topping Recipe

2008-06-24T00:27:00.000-07:00

Evening out at the Kiryon new Movie Theater Complex

2008-06-22T05:39:00.000-07:00

Last night we finally got around to going out to a movie at the Globus Max cinema complex in the Kiryon shopping mall. The movie theater complex is a separate area of the mall, that was built especially for the cinema complex, for an evening out at the movies which means that the area is decorated very theatrically with sparkling floors and walls in addition to the cinema there are places to eat and have coffee before, after and during the movie.

Two of the café's I notices were Milka, and Café Café. Milka's Grand Kenyon branch is known for it's great café Hafuch, this one also has a smoking balcony for those who need it.

Closer to the movie theaters in Café Café, which we chose to try this time. We had a café Hafuch and Granita (coffee slush) that were good and a salmon and cream cheese sandwich that was OK.

There is also a Burgus burger bar (that shows Euro soccer games on big screens) and a Frangalico sushi bar in that area among others.

The friends I left behind and my Facebook fadicha

2008-06-16T05:16:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I was looking at the profile of a new friend on Facebook when I noticed he has some friends that were with me in elementary school in the US.

Well, when I opened the friends friends info I accidentally clicked on Add to friends (or whatever that option is called, that's way to close to the x for closing the window).

So… I sent these people I haven't seen for more than 20 years, and probably don't have a clue who I am, a friend request.

Oy! What a Fadicha!

And I was thinking of one day sending them a message saying Hi, we were friends in 5^th grade, remember me?
No chance of that ever happening now.

Go to the beach - NOW!

2008-06-15T01:02:00.000-07:00

The weather is great and summer is here!

BUT the medusas (stinging jellyfish) are on the way. Now is the window of opportunity to enjoy the beach and the water without being stung and without burning.

Go in the morning for a quick swim with the seniors or
go in the evenings with the families.

But Go!

The water is excellent.

Shavuot celebrations in Emek Izrael

2008-06-04T00:29:00.000-07:00

Those of you who have been following my blog have been made aware of my fascination with Emek Izrael (Jezrael Valley), with it's rolling hills and working fields, here and here.

This area is so fitting for Shavuot Harvest celebrations, that it is no wonder that the region is having a giant event for the Holliday.

The main event is the Harvest ceremony, which will take place on Tuesday 9/6 at 17:00, in the fields of Kfar Yohoshua.

Other than that many tours and attractions are lined up such as guided tours, bicycle tours, raspberry picking, basket weaving, lectures about herbs grown in the area, a folk dance event and so on.

I did not find any information on English but you can look at the site www.goemek.co.il or call04-6520734 04-6520735 for information.

Welcome Sivan

2008-06-04T00:03:00.000-07:00

Sivan is the month of harvest and cheesecake, with Shavuot just ahead.

It is also the month of late evenings at the playground and at the beach, and coming home all gooey and sticky from ice cream and sand. It's time to enjoy the beaches before the Maduzas (stinging jelly fish) invade them.

The fields are golden brown but it is still not to hot yet to enjoy the outside.

Welcome back Sivan, I have missed you so.

Happy Yom Yerushalaim (Jerusalem Day)

2008-06-02T01:30:00.000-07:00

This being Jerusalem Day, I figured this would be a good opertunity to tell you about some of my favorite things to do in Jerusalem.

Here's my list:

Go to the The Kotel. This is of course the #1 attraction of Jerusalem. Be there, Pray, put your note in the wall, and bring plenty of change to give the beggers.

Take the train from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. I love this route, it is a scenic route and should be considered an event in itself. This is Not an express line, so don't expect to get anywhere fast.

Window shopping at Mamila. The area that used to be a slum turned into a very nice shopping area, with a few very nice cafes.

The Tower of David museum is my favorite paid for attraction in Jerusalem. I love touring through the ruins and seeing the displays that make the history more understandable then just walking around or listening to a guide.

Sit in the shade of the tree in Yemin Moshe. Though you may or may not be interested in seeing the reproduction of Moshe Montefiore's carriage walking around the square with the windmill and view overlooking the old city walls and sitting in the shade just looking out at the view is a recommended experience.

Lag Ba'Omer Sum Up

2008-05-27T00:44:00.000-07:00

A little late but I feel the need to sum up Lag Ba'Omer before moving on.

We had a great evening Medura (bonfire) with a few fiends this year. Not like the massive ones we went to with the whole Gan and whole neighborhood like years before when the whole time was a battle to get to the dough and pita cooking platter on the fire.

This time it as more low key. A few days before the dads decided on a good place and decided we would start early, so as not to fight for our prime location and so as to finish at a reasonable bed time for the kids. (The latter did not happen, good thing the next day was Hofesh)

We started off by taking the kids into the woods to look for dried branches. We had large pieces of wood every family brought some. (Don't ask where my husband got ours.) One family bought wood that was once part of a wardrobe.

Then we gathered large stones to make a circle and piled up some wood to start the file. I have never seen a fire starting, probably of lack of being in any Israeli Tnumat Noar (Youth Group) so this part was very interesting for me.

When the fire was started the mothers brought out the pitas (ready made this time, with cute little pitas for the kids) and hummus. No celebration can start before the food comes out. And lots of food was on the way.

As opposed to the massive Medurot we had been to before, this time we went all out on food! Especially meat. We started off with hotdogs and Pargiot (some good part of the chicken) for the kids and towards then end the marinated meats and steaks appeared for the adults.

One of the teacher moms brought worksheets and games for activity, because eating is not activity enough. But most of the worksheets ended up in the fire because of the dads thought it was scrap paper.

Another thing I have learned over the years of attending Lag Ba'Omer Medurot is that no Lag Ba'Omer is complete without at least on one Lag Ba'Omer pooper and a bonfire crasher. The Lag Ba'Omer poopers always have the same lines like the don’t know anything about the fires and were completely unperpared, people always have ready answers for "you are making too much smoke", "the smoke is getting into my house" close the windows it's Lag Ba'Omer, "you are getting smoke in my laundry" why do you have laundry out it's Lag Ba'Omer, "the dog dosen't have anywhere to go to the bathroom" the dog found a great place to go somewhere else.

This usually ends with the people having the fire singing the "Hayom Lag Ba'Omer" song (Today is Lag Ba'Omer) until the pooper goes away.

Crashers can usually go unnoticed at large Medurot but at smaller ones, like the one we had, they show up with potatoes and marshmallows asking to put them in your fire.
Their potatoes are always uncooked and you know there will never be ready before you put the fire out (you are supposed to cook the potatoes before putting them in the fire – took me a while to find this out). Or they send their children around asking for a pita with hotdog, or marshmallow. I gyess they also forgot it was Lag Ba'Omer.

Now that that's behind us we can prepare for G's birthday festival, and Shavuot thereafter.

I'll be looking up some good cheesecake recipes for you.

Things you hear on GalGalatz

2008-05-22T00:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on the way home from Gan, two of my favorite childhood songs were played on GalGalatz; ABC123 by the Jackson 5 (or whatever they were called at the time) and the Mickey song ("Oh Mickey, you're so fine you're so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey! clap clap, hey Mickey! clap clap ")which I am still convinced, to this day, was written about Mickey mouse.

I wonder if I will ever get to hear Puff the Kosher Dragon on GalGalatz.

Found the neighborhood Lag Ba'omer wood stash

2008-05-20T01:40:00.000-07:00

During my evening walk yesterday I discovered the place where the neighborhood children are stashing their Lag Ba'omer wood. I must be getting old because what I am thinking is:

I hope the new buildings hold up with all that wood scaffolding gone.
Someone should tell them that formaica closet doors aren't actually wood and probably let out toxic fumes when burned.
I should bring a bag with me when I go to the grocery because it looks like most of the grocery carts are being used for transporting firewood.
I must remember to take down laundry and close all windows Thursday night.

Independence Day Events in Haifa

2008-05-03T22:43:00.000-07:00

The main attraction this year is a parade of visiting military bands from several countries (Brazil, Romania, US, France…) on 8/5. The parade will start at 1200 near the "City center" mall in the German colony and will march along Alenby street to the Soccer stadium in Kiryt Eliezer where they will have a big show, starting around 1400. Entrance to the show is free but you need tickets which the City hall site says you can get at the Auditorium Haifa ticket booth, up in the Carmel. (I would call the city hotline for more information if you are interested in that).

On the evening of Independence day 7/5

The attraction in fireworks and entertainment stages.

Fire works will be shot from Carmel beach, Neve Shaanan, Hadar and Kiryat Haim.

The stages will be at the Sportek (sports facility) under Neve Shaanan, Gan Haem in the Carmel, the park in Kiryat Shpintzak, Kiryat Haim and Kiryat Shmuel. starting around 2000.

There will also be a special laser light show in the German colony area starting 2100.

As always, in these kinds of events, be prepared for crowds and heavy security.

Whatever big attraction you go to, leave your car elsewhere. People get out of their cars in the middle of the road or just park badly and take their time coming back.

Wherever you go that night, park on a main road or easy to exit location with your car facing the direction to get away.

On Independence day 8/5

Other than the parade, there will be family activities in Eli Cohen park in Kiryat Shpintzak and in the Jeston Defer center in the French Carmel from 1100-1400. and at 1700 at Ramat Alon park.

Other than that there will most likely be people barbequing everywhere.

Shvil HaTapuzim - Family fun park in an Orchard

2008-04-27T22:05:00.000-07:00

One of our best days this vacation was at the "Orange path" ("Shvil HaTapuzim") near Kibbutz Gan Shmuel.

The best way I can explain what the "Orange path" is, is to explain that it was once an orchard, where many of the trees were cut down and replaced by sort of kibbutz DIY amusement rides and water activities making the place is very special, even for Israel.

There is a go-cart road between the trees, a miniature golf area, a manmade little river for little boats, a small waterslide, very large kiddie pool the children run through, various types of trampolines, and a place where people climb up two facing tows and spray each other with water (my son and husband loved that one). There is also an big area of grass where you can lay your blankets for the day or catch a picnic table under the trees. There is a kiosk that sells drinks and popsicles (of course) and some food (but not the kind I like my kids to eat). You can bring your own food, but "Mangaling" (barbequing) is not allowed.

This place is best for people who like to be out in nature and don't mind bugs and soil.

Getting there: The best way I can explain how to get there is from Cesarea interchange. Get off road #2 at Cesarea and take the raed to the East (signs directing to Afula) if from South turn Right at interchange, if from North turn Left at interchange.

Continue to traffic lights and continue straight. Do not turn right to Hadera. Contunue with the road and pass a gas station on your left and fish pools on your right. After a few kilometers, you will see a gas station on the right side of the road. Right before the entrance to the gas station get off the road. You will see the sign to " Shvil HaTapuzim" only when it is right in front of you or if you pass it.

Take the semi paved / dirt road parallel to the main road you just came on and going the other way (back in the direction you came from). This road will eventually pass under the main road and into a large sandy lot, with Eucalyptus trees lining it. On your left side you will get to the Shvil HaTapuzim fence and you should see orange trees inside.

Price: we paid 55 NIS per child and adults were free, this may have been a special Pesach deal.

Wild Bore Hunting in Haifa

2008-04-06T05:16:00.000-07:00

It's now legal to hunt Wild Bores in Haifa, again.
Seems like the city and the nature keepers have found that they can't deal with all the Wild Bores that turn up during the Spring and Summer, so they've decided to let the hunters loose on them.

I personally, have nothing against the boar family we sometimes see in the evenings crossing the road to the supermarket near our house. Kind of reminds me of the "Over the Hedge" movie.

Anyway, if you hear gunshots at night, it may be a wedding and it may be wild boar hunting.

http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3528107,00.html

Open your Eyes and See the World - Toddler Style

2008-04-03T04:04:00.000-07:00

My daughter has been singing and humming this song for the last week.

It took me a few days to understand the words, partly because she sometimes sings with her pacifier hanging out of her mouth.

Once I made out most of the words I was able to find that the song written by Datia Ben Dor, who also wrote the "Stuzim" word play book and other books we like so much.

The song translates: open your eyes and look at the world, the world is full of beauty and the beauty is free. You have to look to enjoy the beauty.

Isn't that so sweet and innocent?

Here are the words to the song as my daughter sings them:

תפתחו את העיניים

תסתכלו על העולם

העולם מלא ביופי

והיופי חינם

מי שלא מביט

clap clap

מי שלא מביט מפסיד את כל היופי

House Searching Update

2008-04-02T01:54:00.000-07:00

I'm so tired of this house searching.

It seems like people just put their house up for sale with no real intent on leaving it.

This is the third time this has happened to us. We make a offer on an acceptable offer on a house, and the people get cold feet and say they can't find another house they like, or the can't make the handover date we need…

I am tired of this whole process and I am also emotionally drained since I get attached to the houses we like.

And we are running out of time.

Wine tasting and Sale at Salomons Winery Moshav Amikam

2008-03-31T23:50:00.000-07:00

SALOMONS WINERY at Moshav Amikam is launching it's cabernet sauvignon and merlot wine from 2004 and 2005.

There will be a wine tasting this weekend (4^th-5^th of April) from 10am to 4pm.

On the days of the wine tasting there will be discounts, so this is a good opportunity to get your Pessach wine straight from the winery.

Directions to the winery: From the road Binyamina to Pardes Hanna,

turn left at the Givat Ada junction and drive down the road

to Givat Ada, before you reach Givat Ada you turn at the first left

and then continue until you reach Moshav Amikam.

In the Moshav continue straight until you reach a cross road, turn right and then right again and continue until you see the winery.

You can contact Itamar 0504326665 for further details.

Dor beach Pesach Family Dye making event

2008-03-26T02:51:00.000-07:00

I got information about this event by e-mail, and think it could be a very special Pesach day out with the family.

Dor beach is amazingly beautiful, as are most of the beaches in the Carmel coast strip. There are little islands some 200 m. off the shore where there are snails that give off a blue color "Tchelet". The color from the snails was used for dyes, in ancient times and there was actually a blue dye industry in the area in ancient times.

I actually attended a workshop similar to this one when I was in University.

I don't know Marine Tours and am not affiliated with them but this should be a great Pesach event.

This is the e-mail flyer I got:

"EVENT: Tekhelet Marine Tours - Hol HaMoed Pesah 5768

Ptil Tekhelet is once again happy to announce that it will be

conducting 1/2 day tours at Hof Dor (Kibbutz Nachsholim near Zichron

Yaacov) this upcoming Hol Hamoed Pesah on Wednesday, and Thursday

(April 23-24). The tours combine an exciting experience of fun and

learning for the whole family.

Learn Torah, Halacha, History, Archeology, Biology and Chemistry.

Dye wool yourself using the same tekhelet dye of the ancients. Get into

the water and observe the tekhelet snail living in its natural habitat.

Tours are available in English.

Please read the tour flyer on our website for more complete details

about the tour and days and times.

Click on this link to see the tour flyer:

English: http://www.tekhelet.com/DorFlyers/DorFlyerPesah5768.pdf

SPACE IS LIMITED - ADVANCE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

To reserve, please send a detailed email to: mois@...

Click here to see pictures from last year's tour:

http://www.tekhelet.com/Sukkot5767/page1.htm"

Costumes for children who don't like to dress up

2008-03-20T02:16:00.000-07:00

This happens every year. I get all excited and buy great end expensive children's costumes or take the time and effort to make the kids homemade costumes. They go along with me and my excitement.

Then comes the day when they are supposed to actually wear the costume and the whole scenario begins. They don't want to wear it. They want something else. They get overexcited and self-cautious and embarrassed about the whole costume thing. They get all red eyed, I get annoyed and no-one has any fun.

I have found that the kids who don't like to dress up are more willing to dress up in something that actual people may wear, as opposed to an animal, or something that has to do with their everyday. It seems to be less traumatizing to wear clothes the child is used to wearing but put them together differently. That way you don't have to buy stuff the child will never wear.

Another idea is to have them hold as part of their costume something that will comfort and security.

The picture here is of my daughter dressed up like her favorite doll, everything she is wearing is of her own clothes and she holding her favorite doll for security.

Here are some ideas:

v Dress up like a favorite toy.

v Dress up as a favorite person (dress up like mom or dad)

v Dress up like the profession of someone the child likes. (like uncle Jonathan the basketball player)

v Have a favorite toy as an accessory.

v Dress up together with a friend (get together to dress up or wear matching costumes). This doesn't really work with siblings only with friends.

v Wear regular clothes put together differently.

v Just add fun accessories.

Haifa Purim Fun

2008-03-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

The big Purim festival in Haifa will be at the Louis Walkway, behind the hotels. Friday March 21^st.

Purim Plays will be showed at the Grand Kenyon on Thursday 20/3 at 17:30. On Sunday 23/3 at 11:30 there will be a Purim clown show with songs, fun and Mishloach manot making and then at 17:30 there will be another Purim show/party with music and dance.

I am sure additional Purim activities will be held at every shopping and activity center.

If you want to know where my favorite place to get Hamentashen Purim cookies is, it's at the Ziv bakery at Ziv square. These are the best I have tasted. I am sure that Shemo (all over and Ziv square too) and Dudu Otmezguine (Carmel) probably have really good ones as well. And also those at Lehem Erez are also good, sometimes with "interesting" fillings.

If you are in the Krayot, I recommend you check out Elie's bakery near Motzart.

Playgrounds in Haifa

2008-03-10T01:19:00.000-07:00

People have been asking me if I would post about my preferred playgrounds in Haifa.

Well, I just want to let you all know that I am not going to, because of the security "situation". You may think I am supper neurotic and I sometimes think so too. But I am not going to publicly post this information.

The thought, alone, of this information getting into to wrong hands makes me physically sick.

So that's my reason, because I know you all were asking and wondering.

I will be happy to recommend some fun playground if you ask me personally.

Colorful Teflon Pans

2008-03-10T00:09:00.000-07:00

Ace is now has colorful Teflon pans, and I am asking myself how safe it is to eat something cooked on a colorful Teflon pan.

I know that if the Teflon coating starts pealing off the pan, you should throw the pan away so pieces of Teflon don't get in your food. What about painted Teflon?

Looking at the picture I am thinking, though, that that these pans could be a nice and colorful decorative element in a kitchen. So maybe they are not supposed to be used for cooking, and rather are like the copper pots you hang up to decorate the kitchen.

Purim costumes

2008-03-03T23:33:00.000-08:00

Have you thought about your Purim costume already? I've been thinking I might dress up as Minnie mouse. I'm not trying to convince my husband to dress up as Mickey mouse. He is not liking that idea…. yet.

ToysRus, Kfar Hasha'ashuim and all of the other big toy stores are filling up with costumes and the crowds are forming up. So don't wait till the last minute and go out and get your costumes before the crowds come and take all the good ones. And you'll have to fight all of the other late shoppers for those last butterfly or angel wings.

If you want to browse this year's collection of costumes or even buy online (you still have time for delivery but the prices are quite high) I found this site with a nice range of costumes. Looks like most of them are higher quality than what is in the regular stores and are from America.

Yokneam Nature Hike and Fair March 8th

2008-03-03T04:23:00.000-08:00

Yokneam nature hike will take place this coming weekend (March 8^th). What started as a community nature hike to the nearby nature reserve has turned into a big community get together and fair.

We were there last year and had a lot of fun.

There are two circular trails for the hike (you start and finish in the same place), one is suitable for families with children and is about 1-2 km. long the other is longer.

Other than that there is the fair with games, horse and pony rides, a stage with singers and, of course, food.

The event grounds and hike starting point inside Yokneam on the Western part of the city. To get there get to Elyakim junction and turn into Yokneam and then take the road until you see lots of cars and people. Be prepared for heavy security, at the entrance and the parking area which can slow things down, but is necessary, and have a great time.

Where to go to see the spring flowers Izrael valley

2008-03-02T05:36:00.000-08:00

Izrael Valley (or Jezrael Valley) is one of those places that is so intensely beautiful it makes my eyes tear up. That is especially so at this time of year when in fields are all green and lush, and red and yellow and pink flowers are blooming everywhere.

I think the best way to get to Izrael valley is from Kiryat Tivon. Drive up to the main traffic light and continue to the South-East side, following the signs to Nathereth. When you pass the traffic lights and start descending, Izrael valley appears, spread out before you, with its cultivated fields, clusters of trees and small villages.

One of my favorite places for a picnic and a short hike among the flowers in near Alonie Aba. If you are coming down from Tivon, continue to Alonim junction and turn left. See the map.

As you turn from Alonim you will see the flowers popping out from behind the trees along the road. The red Anemones and pink Cyclamens and yellow flowers are everywhere. Along the way you can usually see cattle and horses grazing by the sides of the road. Continue with the road until right before the right turn into Alonie Aba. On the left side there is a small parking lot and the beginning of a walking trail. You can have your picnic by the beginning of the path pr carry it with you to a clearing in the woods.

Anemones and Cyclamens are protected flowers so don't pick them or step on them.

Anemones, Cyclamen and Irises in Bloom

2008-02-28T04:43:00.000-08:00

Pre-spring flowers are beginning to bloom around Yokneam, Tivon and the Izrael valley, and probably everywhere else. So this is a great weekend to get out and see the flowers before the crowds come out.

Red Anemones are everywhere, just stop the car anywhere you can get out and take a little nature walk.

Cyclamen are plenty in the forests around Tivon, Biet Shearim, Beit Lehem HaGililit (Bethlehem in the Galil) and Alonie Aba.

Various types of Irises are starting to come out in the Gilboa hills and Nathreth area.

The Yokneam nature hike will take place next weekend on March 8^th.

Gali shoes 1+1 Sale

2008-02-26T00:08:00.000-08:00

Gali shoes at the "Big" shopping center near Kiryat Ata have a 1+1 sale, where you buy 2 pairs of shoes for the price of 1.

This is no an uncommon sale for them and I assume they may have the same sale at other locations.

So, if your kids have completely run down their winter shoes or you want to buy a pair for you and your hubby or just 2 pairs for yourself this is a good deal.

Most of the childerns shoes we looked at were around 140-150 NIS.

My 3 year old was very impressed with the shoes where the lights turn on when you step on them. My 5.5 year old wasn't impressed and chose shoes with no lights but in nice colors and, most importantly, look like soccer shoes.

Shay Tochner and Lilach Sheer performance of folk, country and contemporary music

2008-02-21T00:56:00.000-08:00

Shay Tochner and Lilach Sheer are coming to Kiryat Tivon for a performance of folk country, and contemporary
songs along with some of Lilac's original material, in both Hebrew and
English.

You can visit Lilac's web page to read about her and listen to her music or you can watch a video
(not great sound quality).

When? Thursday, February 21st., 9:00 p.m.

Where? Kiryat Tivon - At Susie home

How much? 45 NIS (including light refreshments)

For reservations and directions contact Susie 077-5500131 or 052-2474248

Haifa Bay View

2008-02-17T04:43:00.000-08:00

One of the things I am certain I am going to miss when we leave this apartment is the view. We have great views of Haifa bay and the hills to the North. The best part is that all of the ugly area of the oil refineries is blocked from view. Now that we have sold this place, and this is our last winter here I make a point of looking out every morning and at every opportunity, and enjoy it while I have it.

Here is a how we see Haifa bay, isn't it pretty?

2002

2008-02-13T02:53:00.000-08:00

The night my son was born, in 2002, there was a terrorist attack in Rishon Letzion. I think the bombing happened in the evening around the time I went into the delivery room. We turned on the radio, and heard the reports as they faded into soft, Israeli, patriotic songs that are reserved for holiday eves and national morning times.
I was thinking that night, when my son came into the world, that as one enters the world, others are leaving.
For some reason we seldom hear of what happens to people who were in an attack, how they cope with recovering and trauma. That whole part of Israeli life is pushed aside and hush hushed. (Kind of reminds me of the stories of people going silent about the Holocaust, after it happened, but that is another issue).
Well, I recently found a blog called My Shrapnel of a girl who was blown up in a terror attack, and deals with the issues of dealing with realization and recovery and the Shrapnel in her body. This is the first time I have seen anyone actually dealing with that publicly. The blog is a collection of essays written at various times after the attack and not necessarily a log of what is happening now, and is extremely well written, in a light and usually optimistic, and at the same time often cynical tone.

"After it goes in (not the fun part), it comes out! All by itself! What I have learned is that shrapnel often slowly but surely works its way up to the surface and is expelled from the body. Every day I check my body for objects which, like lounge lizards slinking out late at night from a singles event, are starting to emerge. I then do the following:
1. I examine the item, and try to guess what it is. Metal? Glass? Plastic?
2. I brush it gently with my fingers, to see if it will dislodge. If it does, and it isn’t really, really teensy-weensy and non-impressive, and if it doesn’t fall from my finger onto the floor and get lost, I put it into my “Official Machane Yehuda Bombing Shrapnel Collection Test-Tube”.
3. If it doesn’t dislodge, I gently feel the area around the shrapnel to check for swelling, edges, etc. This gives me some indication as to the size of the piece, and whether it is going to require medical assistance to remove.
4. Size and/or swelling be damned, I try to remove the item myself. I jiggle it a bit, push around it like you do with splinters and try to pull it out with my eyebrow tweezers.
5. I smack myself on the hand and tell myself to stop playing with the shrapnel and to let it come out on its own. Bad BAD Gila!!!!!
6. If my cooler friends are around (cooler being defined as anyone who find this whole process fascinating as opposed to disgusting”), I call them over, and show them. If no friends are present, I make a mental note to show them the next time I see them.
7. I put a glop of iodine ointment on the area and cover it with gauze and tape. The combination of iodine ointment, gauze and tape is wonderful, and has become my standard medical treatment for just about everything.
Every day is a new adventure as I find all sorts of foreign objects emerging from my body."

Go over and read it My Shrapnel.

Precious moments

2008-02-11T03:57:00.000-08:00

Once in a while I stumble on to something that makes me loose my breath for a moment, memories flash though my head and my eyes well up with tears.

That's how I felt when I saw this picture… precious moments gone by.

http://soulemama.typepad.com/soulemama/2008/01/30-days-12.html

Spaghettim restaurant at Castra

2008-01-30T05:50:00.000-08:00

The Spaghettim restaurant at the Castra (shopping and arts center) is one of our favorite family restaurants.

What makes Spaghettim such a good family restraint is the basic but tasty food and the casual, friendly atmosphere.

The food is basic enough for the children to be willing to eat it and tasty enough for us adults to also appreciate it. We usually one children's meal, of schnitzel and mashed potatoes for the kids to munch on while we are waiting for the adult meals. The kids then "help us" with our main dishes. Notice! No French fries severed at Spaghettim, so if that's a problem for your family, beware.

For adults we especially like the salad with the cooked mushrooms (if you like cooked mushrooms and vinegar), the antipasti and the Italian bread, as the first course.

For the main course we usually her a spaghetti balonese (the kids usually "help us" very well with that, and another meat dish.

The kids would never leave without the chocolate fudge cake and ice-cream for desert. I mean would never leave quietly… not that we have ever tried.

The bathrooms are clean but dark (well, I didn't see any dirt) and you can comfortably stand a toddler on the counter to wash their hands in the sink (but don't tell anyone I said so).

Here's a link: Spaghettim Castra

Phyllis Klaus in Israel

2008-01-28T04:05:00.000-08:00

Phyllis Klaus, co-author of several birth

and bonding books such as "When Survivors Give Birth" and "Mothering the

Mother" will be in Israel for a Dyada sponsored conference

on Thursday January 31.

It seems like the conference is for those dealing in the midwifery, doula and postpartum treatment field, but it seems to open to the public. I would certainly go to this, if I had that time off.

Yes, I know, you've told me a thousand times I'm in the wrong profession.
(I'm sure to get e-mails and calls reminding me of that now)

For more info look at the Dyada site or call 03-5244484.

House searching

2008-01-24T03:38:00.000-08:00

I've been spending most of my after work time house searching lately.
Haifa is very expensive and it seems very hard to find a 4 bedroom house planned for a family with small children.

You either have lots of stairs going up to the house (or down to the house).

Or the bedrooms are spread between floors, not to good if someone needs me at night and falls down a flight of stairs.

Anyway the search is still on.

SOLD

2008-01-13T01:34:00.000-08:00

YES! We finally sold the apartment!

It took us 6 long months of emotional up and down, endless tidying up and "staging" the apartment.
(This is not counting the 2 weeks the pervious summer before Lebanon war II, after that the real estate market fell hard and absolutely no callers came.)

Staging is a new concept I learned about 2 months into selling the apartment, which means making your (and that off 2 messy kids and their toys) look like a "Better Homes" magazine spread (and not those in the messy house of the year list). Practically it means getting rid of 75% of the stuff you have and hiding 75% of what is left of the stuff you use every day. You should keep your house so you will be able to get it to magazine spread shape in 30 minutes or less.

Believe me this is no way to live.

Anyway, just as I was about to call it quits for this year. Along came someone from the neighborhood who bought the apartment for his children who are about to move out. We got close to the price we wanted and a long transition time before we have to leave which is great.

I'm just soooo happy.

Golan Heights beer brewery

2008-01-10T01:25:00.000-08:00

On our trip to the Golan Heights last week we were taken to the "Golan beer brewery" in Katzrin (Quatzrin).

I didn't know there was Israeli beer other than Maccabee and Goldstar, so it was a surprise for me to know there are other Israeli beers.

The brewery is in the commercial area where the Golan Heights tourist center – Golan Magic is.

The tour of the brewery includes a tasting of the bears brewed there.

We tasted four types of beers three light beers and one that was dark and tasted like a Malt. The beers are named Golan, Emek and Galil.

We got olives, pretzels and cold meat sandwiches with our beer, but you can order a lunch there as well, either to eat at the bar or at the tables.

I really hardly know anything about beers and I'm not much of a beer drinker but the beers I tasted were quite good.

You can read more on the breweries site: "Golan beer brewery".

Well, he didn't like the FestiGal.

2007-12-06T04:38:00.000-08:00

After the whole big deal around the FesiGal and the whole ordeal of getting the tickets it turns out that my son didn't like the FesiGal after all. The FesiGal, for you who are not nto kids entertainment, is a major, major kids event which is kind of a cross between a three ring circus and a musical. And they are expensive.

I was able to get "cheap" tickets for 70 NIS.

Anyway, he liked the whole atmosphere before it started, with all the excitement building up in the hundreds of kids that showed up. But the minute the lights turned on and the music started he started getting nervous. Well we managed to stay almost to the intermission, when we left and had Pizza.

The Pizza, he liked.

Oh well, I guess now that he's seen what all the buzz is about, he will never want to go again which will is probably good for the long run.

Chanukah shows continued...

2007-12-03T01:09:00.000-08:00

I have now narrowed down my options of Chanukah shows for my three year old daughter to 2. Both are at Teatron Hatzafon (The Northern Theater) in the Krayot.

It will either be "Tararam", which is a musical show of alternative percussion instruments (barrels, pots and pans…) and dance. She will probably love that but it's at noon on Friday, and that's when the likes to have her nap. And so do I.

The other option is a musical version of "The emperor's new clothes". It's on the afternoon of a day I was planning to take off from work anyway, which is convenient. But it has actors I don't really like, playing in it.

decisions… decisions…

Major Chanukah Dilemma

2007-12-02T23:55:00.000-08:00

Chanukah is nearly here and I have a major dilemma. Which show am I going to take my daughter too?

My parents had it easy – every year they would take us to see The Nutcracker. But there doesn't seem to be a Nutcracker around here.

So… we were able to get 2 reduced priced tickets to the FestiGal, which is the major Chanukah show.

Nobody buys those tickets at full price. You find a friend who has a friend who can get them for cheap (like works for the electric company who buys them in bulk). Well, I was only able to buy 2, for my son and a parent.

My daughter is at the age when she knows that if her brother gets something she should get something similar also.

SO now I have the dilemma, which show am I going to take my daughter too?

My new Israel Events Calendar

2007-11-20T00:00:00.001-08:00

I've been thinking that it would be nice to have a calendar of events in Israel here. The best solution I have found so far is to set up a Google calendar and list the events there and link to them from here.
You can also get to my events in Israel calendar by clicking the Google calendar icon on the right.
It looks like this

I hope you find it usefull.

Three Special Tourist weekends in Jerusalem

2007-11-15T00:38:00.000-08:00

I'm so busy lately I hardly have time to write but I have to tell you about the special Tourist weekends in Jerusalem. For the next three weekends Nov. 15 to Nov 29 there will be special tourist attractions, entrece to many of the interesting places to visit in Jerusalem will be free and discounts will be given at many hotels and resteraunts.

This project is called Hamshushalaim made up of "Hamshus" which is a shrtened way to say Hamishi, Shishi. Shabat = Thurseday, Friday, Saturday. And Yerushalaim = Jerusalem, of course.

We were there last year and it was wonderfull. We especially liked the double-decker bus ride around jerusalem (make sure to bring a warm jacket or sweater).

There are many special attractions and shows orgenized specifically for these weekends, so if you can make ut up to Jerusalem these coming weekends, you really shouls make an effort to go.

Here are some Jerusalem links:

Hamshushalaim English website.

Very nice Jerusalem interactive attractions page also in English.

If you make it there please come back and tell me how it was.

Rosh-Pina Getaway

2007-11-12T01:31:00.000-08:00

We had ourselves a quiet weekend in Rosh Pina to celebrate our wedding anniversary. My parents took the children from Gan on Friday and kept then until Motzei Shabat. As always it was a bit of a challenge finding a Zimmer that would have us for only one night. The most popular zimmers in Rosh Pina were booked a few weeks in advanced and for a one night stay the zimmer owners only accept you if they still have a vacancy a few days in advance.

Anyway I was able to find us a nice place to stay called "Ahuza Barosh" which is in the neighborhood between Rosh-Pina and Zefat. The room was beautiful as was the view from there. We were very happy with the Zimmer but I was a little disappointed of Rosh Pina. I expected more of it. I expected to find more information about the settlers and maybe even a tourist area or a guided tour, but I did not find that. Still we did have a nice stroll through the old area and the Barons Park. Still I think you need a guided tour of the street and houses to be able to appreciate the pioneers who lived there.

I hope to add more information about the zimmer we stayed at and restaurants so stay tuned.

Rosh-Pina Links:

A little history

Rosh Pina wikipedia

Rosh Pina general info

Picture of the old street

Shilav maternity shirt sale

2007-11-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

Shilav is having a sale for long sleeve maternity shirts by designer Avishag Arbel for 49 Shekels.
Sale until November 12.
See Here.

Eretz Israel Museum new exhibition of Israeli jewelry

2007-10-29T05:15:00.000-07:00

Eretz Israel Museum is opening a new exhibition of Israeli jewelry by Israeli artists. The jewelry exhibition is called Heaven and Earth is the fourth annual jewelry exhibition the museum is having. The jewelry exhibition is named Heaven and Earth to symbolize the spiritual ideas the jewelry represents against the earthly material it is made of.

I did not find any English information about the exhibit, but here is the English web site for Eretz Israel Museum and the Hebrew page for the exhibit.

The exhibit is on display until the end of January 2008

Shilav clothing sale

2007-10-28T23:57:00.000-07:00

Shilav are having a sale on their baby, toddler and kids clothing line.

3 sporting clothes items for 99.99

2 regular clothing items for 99.99

You can see the clothes on sale here: Shilav clothing sale

Cross posted to Discounts and Outlet Stores in Israel

Anything you ever wanted to know about the weather in Israel

2007-10-27T23:27:00.000-07:00

If you are serious about the weather in Israel or just interested in finding out more about the weather in Israel than you really need, you should go to the Israel Metrological Service web site. They don't just tell you about the temperature, and relative humidity (which is quite good to know in Israel) but also about winds, Daily water evaporation, climate and other observations.

Haria Garbage Dump to be Turned into Eco Theme Park

2007-10-25T02:07:00.000-07:00

It seems like they were serious about the idea to turn Haria Garbage Dump into an Eco-Theme Park called Ariel Sharon Park.

Looks like while were making jokes the project has materialized and word is spreading.

Read here, I was left speechless.

Sorry my idea to turn it into a National Lost and Found where people can go looking for their wrongly discarded treasures, didn't come through.
I would have like to go look for those clogs of mine my mom threw away in 1994.

Spiderman Amusement Park

2007-10-25T00:46:00.000-07:00

We had a great day taking our kids to the Spiderman Amusement Park. The amusement park on the roof of Azrieli mall between the towers. The amusement park/playground has most of the rides and attractions you expect to find in a small amusement park such as a little train, bumping boats, and blow-up slides and castles. All of these are in a Spiderman theme in red and black colors and with nets and bridges for the kids to climb up on.
Being on the rooftop of the mall between the towers certainly adds to the Spiderman theme, as you can see in the picture. Once in a while an actor dressed up as Spiderman comes out and climbs around the play park bridge towers and such and them comes around to meet the kids and have pictures taken.
Out kids had a great time but got tired after about an hour and a half, which was fine with us.

Entrance fee to the Spiderman Amusement Park is 35 for child, 10 for adult.

Bring hats, water and a change of clothes in your kids fall into the boat pool. You can buy refreshments and hotdogs there or bring sandwiched from home (are eat somewhere in the mall).

Getting there: We came by train, which the kids really loved. Get off at Hashalom station and take the escalator or elevator into Azrieli mall. Get up to the 3rd floor of the mall and go out on the roof. You buy tickets at the window right by the entrance.

Bird migration in full swing

2007-10-18T00:32:00.000-07:00

The bird migration to the area that begun with the new year (Rosh Hashanah) is now in full swing. Birds, and especially water birds, are migrating from Europe, which is cooling down towards winter, to Africa where they will stay for the winter. Some of the birds will stay here for the winter while others will return in the spring on their way back to Europe.

Luckily for us we are right on their path between the two continents and get to enjoy the spectacle of watching the flocks of birds flying though the sky or resting in the water reservoirs and fish pools. So be sure to look up into the autumn sky to see them. Especially interesting are the flocks of pelicans the fly in upward spiral formations.

If you are traveling south of Atlit by train be sure to look out of the window on the west side (the side where the sea is) and you will get a closer view of the birds in the Ma'agan Michael fish pools.

If you are driving down the Old Costal road (# 4 road ) around Zihron Yakov in the evening you may see the pelicans collect on the Eucalyptus trees for their nights rest. There birds seem to especially like Eucalyptus trees with bare branches so look for those. Another on of these favorite resting places is on a similar tree in Ramat Yishai which you can also see if driving past on the road.

You can see the birds up close at the Nature reserves at their migration resting spots, the main ones which are at Maagan Michael and Hula pond in the Galil. There is also one in Ein Afek right nest to Kiryat Bialik in the Krayot area.

I wasn't able to find much information about these birding sites in English but here is some information that might also be interesting:

http://www.birdingisrael.com/

http://www.aspni.org/about_aspni.html

Nahal Hashofet (Judges stream) Nature walk for the spoiled

2007-10-10T02:03:00.000-07:00

Nahal Hashofet (Judges stream)

Nahal Hashoft (loosely translated Judges river) is a great place to go out and experience some natural beauty. A nice and easy path runs along the stream. You can stroll along and stop every so often to dip your feet in the water and climb or slide down some of the little waterfalls. Look up and you can see the light come through the leaves of the tall trees.

If you are 1.2 meters tall you can venture into the caves along the path and shout to here your eco or reach up to touch the cave ceiling (which is rare when you are 1.2 meters tall). While you are at it you can run through the bush/plant entanglement along the stream.

This is a great walk for whoever wants to get out to nature but doesn't want to walk through muddy paths, since the path is paves and there are wooden steps and decks where you can go down into the water.

There is also a more natural area past the paved path.

How to get there:

From Ha-Tishbi junction enter Yokneam the Moshava (not to be confused with regular Yokneam or Yokneam Elite).

Drive all the way to the end of the town, until to get to a fence. This is the fence surrounding Kibbutz Hazorea. You will be driving around this fence.

Turn right and drive all the way up the road and turn left.

Drive along the Kibbutz fence. You should now be on an unpaved road. You can either park along this road and walk until you get to a path leading down to the river or continue until you get to a parking lot. The first path going down to the river is about where there is a fence and bridge over the rocks on the higher side of the road. There is sometimes an ice-cream truck parked there making it hard to see where the path down to the river starts.

English interactive map of Israel

2007-10-10T01:47:00.000-07:00

If you need to find a place in Israel and your English is better than your Hebrew, you will certainly appreciate this interactive map of Israel in English by e-map.

You fill in the name of the place you are looking for, or move the map around to the area you are interested in.

When you type in the first letters and you will get a few options to choose from.

This is very handy because of the confusion over the spelling of place names in English.

English interactive map of Israel:

http://www2.emap.co.il/eng_index.asp

Get free tickets to Almighty Heart - the Daniel Pearl movie

2007-10-08T05:35:00.000-07:00

Ynet is giving free tickets to the Daniel Pearl movie Almighty Heart to the first 100 that correctly answer the questions at http://my.ynet.co.il/amh_2007/ .

The questions are in Hebrew.

International Children Festival Oct. 4-10

2007-10-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

The Arab-Hebrew theatre in Jaffa is having an international children's theatre festival, between Oct. 4th and 10th. Lays come from Israel, Palastine, Spain, Belgim and Cyprus. Some of the plays are preformed in Arabic. See the listing for information.
There are both indoor plays preformed inside the Arab-Hebrew theatre and outdoor street plays.
Plays cost vary, street plays are free, some cost 30-40 NIS and some more.

You can find more information here:
The Arab-Hebrew theatre international children's theatre festival

Yehiam Renaissance Festival Oct. 1-2

2007-10-01T01:10:00.000-07:00

We have been to the Yehiam Renaissance festival a few times during the last few years. The festival is mostly a music festival with some period theater and dance.
This festival is very far from the Renaissance festivals I was at in America, there are no jugglers, jesters, Medieval mud wrestlers, dueling Knights, or people in period dress selling sausages or pies.
What there is, is beautiful music, theater and dance in and around a beautiful fortress.

There is also a crafts area for children, and a few stalls selling crafts and pita with labane, corn and juice.
I did not find any information in English about this festival but there is a phone number you can all for information: 1-700-70-50-50, hopefully someone there speaks English.
As I said the web site is only in Hebrew (I tried clicking the E icon but didn't get anything in English) Here it is anyway: http://www.lagalil.com/festival_HE_1.asp

The entrance fee is 15 NIS per person and extra for special concerts in the evening.
If this events sounds interesting to you I recommend you just go there and follow the other people from act to act (that’s what I did).

You can find directions to Yehiam Fortress here: http://www.parks.org.il/ParksENG/company_card.php3?CNumber=335319

Acco Festival of Alternative Israeli Theatre

2007-10-01T00:19:00.001-07:00

Acco Festival of Alternative Israeli Theatre is in progress in and around the old city of Acco, North of Haifa, with local Israeli acts and also acts for abroad. Acco's old city, with it's Crusader Fortress and Fishermans port is always interesting to visit and this event makes it more so.
The Acco Festival of Alternative Israeli Theatre will continue until Wednesday, October 3rd.
Here is the official site Acco Festival of Alternative Israeli Theatre.

Haifa Film Festival outdoor screening

2007-09-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

In addition to the numerous interesting files being shown around the Carmel during the Haifa Film Festival I think the real treats are the free outdoor screenings at Gan Haem.

Bring a blanket to spread out on the grass and your own popcorn, or buy pizza at the kiosk, and take advantage of the great weather for a wonderful evening.

There are two free outdoor screenings every evening, one at 1900 and one at 2100.

For some reason The Haifa Film Festival official site does not list these screenings but I found the following information on the City mouse (Ahbar Hair) site.

Sunday:

1900 – Three mothers

2100 – Water

Monday -

1900 – Happy feet

2100 – Blaumich Tunnel (Tealat Bloumich) Israeli Classic.

Tuesday -

1900 – Flushed away

2100 – Aviva ahuvati

Wednesday -

1900 – Hoodwinked

2100 – Shablul - Israeli Classic

If you want to enjoy the food stalls and Bazaar near the cinematic come early, as the crowd really builds up around 2000.

Haifa Middle Eastern restaurants

2007-09-30T03:24:00.000-07:00

Haifa has many Middle Eastern restaurants. The variety of cooking style represents the variety of people and groups that live together in the city and around it. The major styles are Israeli-Arab, Druze and Lebanese cuisine.

At these Haifa restaurants pita pickles will be automatically brought to the table. The you can order a variety of salads for everyone at the table on small serving plates or specific salads you choose from the menu. The variety of salads usually include tahina, eggplant of sorts, and some kind of raw cabbage dish among others.

The main dish is ordered from the menu you can always find spring chicken (pargit) on a skewer (shipud) and cooked on a fire, kabobs of beef or lamb, steak, fish and fries.

Each restaurant will also have their special dishes according to the type of restaurant it is.

Desert is usually simple but you will usually get Turkish coffee and baklava on the hose when you ask for the bill. Sometimes you will be offered tea with mint leaves (nana) as a substitute for coffee.

Here are some of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Haifa.

Elhir – (Pronounced El Her) At the meridian hotel on the beach. Serves Druze food in addition to grilled meat. The salads and shared dishes served to the table have Druze flavouring and include some rice and other lentils in addition to the vegetable dishes. One of the special dishes I tried and liked was the chicken with interesting spices wrapped in dough.

The site I found for this restaurant is in Hebrew but the 4^th link down is for pictures of the place http://www.2eat.co.il/elhir/

Maxim – This is a popular Middle eastern restaurants in Haifa with great view to the sea and good Middle eastern food. It is located in a gas station on the Costal road inside Haifa. If you take the costal road into Haifa you will eventually see this restaurant and its neon sign. This restaurant servers classic Middle-eastern dishes like Hummus, stuffed grape leaves, salads and grilled meats.

Personally, I haven't been able to enjoy dining here since the terrorist attack that happened here in 2003 killing 21 people. Having said that, I know many people still do and the food is still good.

Abu Yusuf & sons – This is one of the best known Middle Eastern restaurant in Haifa and is located in Paris square (Kikar Paris). The serve the standard salads, hummus and grilled meats along with kube an stuffed olive leaves. This is a very authentic, no frills place with fast service and all male waiters.

This restaurant is an offspring of one of the oldest and best known Haifa Middle-eastern restaurants Abu Yusuf, which is very similar to this one, but I can't send you there because I have never been able to find it on my own and have no idea how to get there other than it is in the same area as Abu Yusuf & sons but on the Port side of the street in one of the back alleys.

Duzan – This is a more upscale restaurant in the German colony in an old German house decorated in a canopy of lights. The food is based on Middle eastern dishes fused with western flavours. This is how they describe themselves on their site:"Where east meets west at "Duzan" you will be eveloped in an oriental ambiance enjoying the best of fusion cuisine". Again the site is in Hebrew but you can still get a feel for the place through it.

http://www.rest.co.il/sites/Default.asp?txtRestID=5627.

Some Haifa Restaurants I like

2007-06-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

If you come to Haifa and are looking for somthing good to eat here are some of my favorite Haifa restaurants.

If you are looking for a great kosher caffe you should go to Shani.

German colony

1872 Reserve – (15 Ben Gurion St. Haifa 855-1872)This is one of my very favorites and a good place to go for a "nice" lunch or dinner. The three story old German Templar (of the German colony) house, built in 1872, is full of atmosphere. As you enter you step over a glass floor showcasing the house cellar bellow. There are some private nooks in the lower floors for a quiet romantic meal. The food is European and well accompanied by wine. (Reservations are required on the weekends.)

Duzan – An east meets west kind of place. Good, interesting food Arabic ambiance.

Isabella – (6 Ben Gurion St. Haifa 8552201) In the German Colony mall. Tasty Italian food antipasti, four cheese pasta, pizza fungi, red tuna filet, filet of grouper, risotto, gnocchi, tiramisu and pear nougat. All are good. I especially like the mushroom pizza, the four cheese pasta and the Arab salad.

Carmel strip

Litchi– (139 Hanasi Boulevard, Haifa 810-3030) Trendy place serving good Tai food, Sea food & Sushi. I especially like to order their food home.

Sinta Bar – (131 Moriah Boulevard, Haifa 8341170) Small place with good meat dishes.

Pasto – (110 Moriah Boulevard, Haifa 834-4502) Italian style specializing in pasta and soups.

Nof – Kosher. Chinese style restaurant at the Nof hotel. I especially like the Lemon chicken dish.

Triangle Cheesecake Recipe

2007-05-21T23:50:00.000-07:00

Triangle Cheese cake Recipe

This a great Shavuot recipie for a special cheesecake my mother in law makes. This cheese cake is actually a biscuit shell with cheese filling.
I think this recipe appears in the "Bishula" cook book.

Filling:
200 g. softened margarine or butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
500 g. soft white cheese (Israeli cheese like Ski) 500g. is about 2 regular containers or 1 big one.
500 g. raisins (optional)
lemon grind (optional)

Shell:
18 biscuits Peti bar or the like
1 cookie sheet

Chocolate sauce:
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons coco
50 g. margarine or butter
1 egg yoke

Instructions:
Filling:
In a Mixer, whip the margarine and add cheese and then all other ingredients except for the raisins. Mix in raisins with spoon.

Putting the cake together:
Spread out cookie sheet and arrange biscuits on in three rows of 6 biscuits. There should be no space between the biscuits.
Spoon the cheese filling on to the center row.
Lift the two outer rows; from the cookie sheet, to form an triangle around the filling.
Secure the cookie sheet around the cake and put in freezer for a few hours, to set.

Chocolate sauce:
When the cake is ready to come out for the freezer prepare the Chocolate sauce by combining all of the ingredients except for the egg yoke, in a saucepan and heating or heating in the microwave until margarine or butter is thawed and stirring together to get a smooth sauce. Then stir the egg yoke in quickly.
Pour the sauce onto the cake and put in refrigerator until serving.

My baby is almost 5 years old

2007-05-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

One day I was holding a little baby and he looked up and smiled at me, and mumbled a few syllables, and I sang him a little song.

Then a week went by and then a month and a year and then another.

We played with rattles, then with blocks, and then with puzzles and Lego. Now he plays computer games.

One minute he was scribbling lines and circles now he writes and signs his name.

I lean down to kiss him and bump my head on his

His pants are getting way to short, when did he get so big?

He used to want to cuddle and cling on to my hair

Now he plays ball with sweaty boys and runs down hills without a care.

My baby is almost 5 years old and I dare not blink.

Ball Birthday Party Request

2007-05-11T21:21:00.000-07:00

My sons birthday is coming up. He wants it to be a ball themed birthday. OK.He wants a soccer birthday cake. That's fine.He wants the "ball bouncing guy" to come entertain him and his friends. Who is the ball bouncing guy, you ask? Here he is: The ball bouncing guy.

Cross posted to Mia the mommy