Lovely Rita Meter Maid

We woke up to a gorgeous, sunny day and sat outside on the balcony to enjoy the view. Everything is green with roses, pansies and wildflowers blooming. In front of our weekend home is a large vegetable garden.

We are in a settlement where the home owner has this beautiful apartment upstairs which is rented out for vacationers. We have two large bedrooms with sitting rooms and two spectacular baths with large showers. Such luxury!

First stop this morning was breakfast at a cafe with fabulous views, wildflowers and good food. It was hazy, but you could look out and see Lake Tiberias. We sat on the shady terrace and enjoyed the fresh air.

Then we headed to Rosh Pinna to explore this old city. The cobblestone streets and old stone houses are lovely. It is extremely hilly and there are lots of B & B's, restaurants, galleries and gift shops.

We visited the home of a doctor who helped to cure malaria here and the synagogue.

Walked way uphill to a lookout point and had lovely views of Lake Tiberias again and a fig tree. 

Leaving here we went to a shopping area where Hannoch had a surprise for us. He finally found the tiny shop he was looking for and we entered to find ourselves in the middle of a harp concert.

The shop is owned by a gentlemen who makes instruments from wood and has made small harps. This woman is a world renowned harpist and gives lessons at the shop. We were so lucky with our timing and enjoyed talking with her and some of her family after the performance. I purchased one of her CD's and Jeff fell in love with a wooden door chime shaped like a hamsa which will be shipped to us.

Next we went to a supermarket and got some things to eat tomorrow and to take back to the base.

Now we headed to Tiberias and the Mount of the Beatitudes. Here there is a new building that was built to welcome Pope John Paul when he visited Israel. The building and grounds are stunning and built of stone and glass.

We were taken on a tour by a young man from Columbia studying for the priesthood. We went into the sanctuary, library and auditorium. We were able to view a group in the chapel who were praying at the stations of the cross since it is before Easter.

Outside we saw this beautiful sculpture of Christ and the Apostles, Sermon on the Mount. This is a beautiful site and so worth a visit.

By now we were very hungry and drove all the way around Lake Tiberias to eat at a meat restaurant. The place is owned by a family that are big cattle ranchers in Israel and they feature steaks and lamb. Jeff had a big rib eye while I ordered chicken schnitzel. We started with hummus, tehina and eggplant and I was full. We each took home half off our meal which we'll have for dinner tomorrow night. Across the street is the kibbutz Ein Gev and they have cattle pens right next to the street.

Hannoch and Shulamit saved the best for last and we left the restaurant and headed up into the hills above the lake. We found a spa which is part of another kibbutz and we had reservations for their soothing pools. We entered this beautiful building with views of the lake as the sun was setting. Our hostess, Nomi, explained the place and offered us refreshments, juice, wine, fruit and snacks. Downstairs we got into our bathing suits and were given towels. First stop was a salt water pool with a salt bottom.

When you floated on your back you could hear music from the underwater speakers. Of course you are extremely buoyant and have no trouble floating. My skin feels wonderful! Around the room were stone seating areas which were heated and felt great to lie there and fell the heat warm you. When ready you went to the other side where there were two fresh water pools. These are not spring fed, but warmish. There were neck pillows and noodles to help you float and music. Nomi came in our pool and gave each of us a short water therapy. It was not a massage, but similar techniques to relax you. Afterwards we sat around noshing and talking. Finally we showered, dressed and drove home.

What a wonderful day and how well we will sleep tonight.