Jerusalem Days - March 1

And the Rains Came...Jerusalem
Dear Friends,

It was inevitable - the rains! Yes, we need them in Israel, but couldn't they have waited another few days! Well, rain doesn't stop CAARI!! Under wind, rain and dark skies we donned warm clothing, hoods, rain hats and umbrellas (anything to keep warm and dry) and we made our way to the Jerusalem Botanical Gardens - one of JNF Canada's funded projects. Usually we see all the beautiful spring flowers - but this year we couldn't walk through the gardens. Instead, we had a excellent lecture by Dr.Michel Avishai, former Director of the Jerusalem Botonical Gardens and Professor at Hebrew University. Somehow, between the rain drops we got back on the bus and visited the Tropical Conservatory - so we did get to see some gorgerous orchids. From flowers to history - as our next stop was the Begin Museum. This is one of Jerusalem's newest museums and they have developed an incrediable audio visual production on the life story of Prime Minister Begin. It gave many of us a new appreciation of this special statesman and his contribution to building the State of Israel. Once outside the museum Neil gave us a short tour of archeological finds that were discovered when they were building the museum. Where does he FIND these places?

Our day ended with my our favorite speakers - Gil Hoffman - Jerusalem Post journalist. Gil brought us up-to-date in the coaliltions talks going on. Who knows - these are interesting times!

Warmest Regards,
The CAARI Family