Bees, birds and beer : New flavours at The Golan Heights.

Ancient Synagogue, Golan. Photo: David Hyman

The bartender at the Golan brewery aligned the four flavours of fresh beer in small tasting glasses. All samples had an inviting foam on top of a clear colorful body. The four of us started tasting the samples. The bartender was going on and on explaining about the differences , but I wasn’t listening…  the taste and texture of the freshly brewed beers blew me over. I fell in love. I loved the brewery, the people of the Golan who made this a reality, the beers themselves put a huge smile on my face, life was smiling at me.

The Golan always has a surprise for you, even the most professional traveller  will always find something new here. The new Visitors Center just outside Kazrin is the new highlight of your next visit to the region. The video of the Golan lacks narration and could be improved, but the accurate new model of the region is excellent and is the  perfect educational tool for any guide trying to explain the structure and the relevance of the Golan Heights. From there you move to the brewery. I would advise a long and lazy lunch, slowly chewing on your sizzling steak while tasting and enjoying all four blends of the local beer. From there  you are welcome to stumble down the stairs and shop at a unique store. The Visitors Center directors have gathered many local home made products from the Golan and the Galilee: Jams, honey, wine, soap, cosmetics, herb tea, beer, and candy. I especially enjoyed the different flavours of honey, made by the generous bees of the Golan, grazing over different types of flowers and trees. Try the Eucalyptus honey, I adored it. I  guess a drunk consumer is an educated one, so go ahead and shop!!!  you will not find any of these products anywhere else.

Call the Kesem HaGolan Visitors Center  for opening hours, directions and admission: 04-6963625

I also decided to check out a site , that according to rumors is a new gem on the Golan hikers map. 2 KM West from Kibbutz Natur, on the cliff overlooking the Kinneret is a historical site with an Arab name: Umm El Kanatir (The Mother of the arches). I remember the place from the days I used to hike with youth orienteering groups. Recently, a coalition of local officials archaeologists  and the Ministry of Tourism have come together to restore and excavate  the site. Not long ago the place was known only to the few who were willing to hike and search for this remote , off the beaten track Jewel. Today You drive along a well maintained dirt road and arrive at the parking area. Leave your car and descend a few dozen basalt stone stairs and then arrive at the site. The  natural water source flows out of a couple of ancient arches built into the mountain side, trees and water shrub  surround the small pool, once  used to contain the water for irrigation .Stone pillars and capitals of ancient civilizations are scattered around,  creating a feeling of temporarity.

100 meters  to the north, fenced in,  is the site of the reconstructed ancient synagogue. One  of over 50 synagogues found in the Golan, this one adds evidence to the  long but not  forgotten Jewish presence in the Golan. My son and I tried to circle the synagogue and find a way in, but the fence was secure so we took pictures from a distance. Looks like we will have to return once the structure is secure. I really wanted to walk on the ancient  stones of the synagogue floor, and feel their smooth texture like my ancestors did over fifteen hundred years ago.

On the way home  we suddenly saw a huge flock of storks in the sky, circling in midair  in a perfect formation. Israel acts as a corridor for millions of migrating  birds making their  annual journey south for the winter. We stopped the car and enjoyed this magnificent natural phenomena.

My wife insisted on one last stop before arriving home, a small cafe on the road from Amiad to Kadarim. Makom Yaffe Le Cafe, can be translated to A Pretty Place for a Cup of Coffee. And indeed it is. This Cafe is located on the top of a small hill overlooking the entire sea of Galilee.  We enjoyed our  Cappuccinos while   gazing at the horizon . Our kids couldn’t care less, they were busy chasing the birds that were feeding on the leftover crumbs

Shana Tova , David Hyman

www.davidhymanisrael.com

Jaffa, Jonah and Yom Kippur

Ancient  Jaffa is one of my favorite guiding locations in Israel. It has a variety of all

Jaffa Clock Tower. Photo : David Hyman

the components needed to create a meaningful experience for my guests. Great stories, lovely scenery, mythology, a strong Jewish connection,  important Christian traditions, shopping opportunities and delicious food. Even the parking and restrooms have improved. In short – take your group to Jaffa and your success in guaranteed.

I start my tour by the old Turkish clock tower, and I make sure to point it  out several times as it acts as a meeting point at the end of the tour. from the clock tower I lead my flock to the water front a few hundred meters away. There is a semi- circle stone bench overlooking the Mediterranean, the Tel Aviv beach and the Andromeda rocks. This is the perfect place to read two ancient stories with surprisingly many similarities. The reason you read them here is that they both happened thousands of years ago at the ancient port of Jaffa. Jonah the prophet boarded the boat here, and Andromeda was tied to the sea  rocks out side the port of Jaffa. Sometimes I compare the two stories: both telling us a story of a tragic hero, both discuss the struggle of man with  God and both involve maritime creatures rising from the depths of the ocean. The book of Jonah is read each year after Mincha prayer on Yom Kippur, so visiting Jaffa around this time of the year  adds to the experience.

From there you should walk south , along the coast to the small port. Although constructions are taking place , you can still find a nice site to enjoy the port experience: sounds, smells, fresh sea air, and a chance to observe the Jaffa fishermen dealing with their boats and nets. By the port I discuss Jaffa’s importance as the closest port to the road to Jerusalem. Many pilgrims , pioneers and travellers entered Eretz Yisrael via Jaffa port.

Look for a small gate in the City walls facing the port, and ascend a flight of stairs in to the old city, and try and make your way to Jaffa’s central plaza (Kikar Kedumim) , outside St. Peters church. This is a good place and the right time for a 15 minute restroom break.  Now is the time to discuss the Christian  importance of Jaffa. This is the site where  St.  Peter visited Simon the Tanner from Jaffa and had his vision which lead to the reason for Christianity giving up on the laws of Kashrut. I also tell about Napoleon Bonaparte and his tragic act ofpoisoning  his own soldiers who were wounded and ill and  were slowing him down.

From here we ascend to the summit park,for some photos and views of Tel Aviv, Jaffa and the sea. I lead my flock back down the hill to the Clock Tower and allow  them an hour to shop, eat and wander around the flea market. While my guests are assisting the Israeli economy by purchasing Hukkas, Frank Meisler’s art, Dead sea Ahava cosmetics  and Abulafia Pita products, I will take a break and rest at Dr. Shakshuka’s restaurant.

Dr. Shakshuka is a unique local Jaffa establishment. Hiding in a narrow  ally , 50 meters from the clock tower, some thirty  heavy wooden tables fill a  shaded  courtyard. Welcome to  Heaven. They serve a fresh pan of Shakshuka, which is a dish of eggs and tomatoes all spiced with the local ingredients. You dip  large chunks of fresh bread into your sizzling pan, add some olives, pickles and freshly cut tomatoes. Don’t forget to end this feast with a cup of fresh tea with Nana herbs.

Back at the Clock Tower , my guests are all gathered around, chewing their Pita and  holding their shopping bags. The bus will pick us up momentarily. My guests’ smiles and their sparkling eyes give it away, they too have fallen in love with Jaffa.

Visit my website: www.davidhymanisrael.com

David Hyman

Treasures in the walls of Ancient Acre (Akko)

Akkotel Hotel Photo: David Hyman

I returned to Akko today to check a new hotel and a new Museum. They both have a unique location – they are both integrated into the walls of ancient Acre.

The “Treasures in the Walls” Museum recreates a nineteenth century market place in the Galilee, and some private collections of authentic  art work and artifacts from Akko and the region. In recent years the Museum experience is drifting away from the traditional method of silent exhibits while the visitor walks and observes the artifacts and reads the commentary. A group of new museums in Israel have challenged this method and by creating an interactive experience they have managed to attract the crowds back to the museum scene. The Palmach museum, the Herzl museum,and  the new Yad Vashem museum,  all represent this new line and their success is proved by the excellent turnout.

So although the “Treasures in the wall” museum  is old school style museum , it managed to impress me. Two things did the job: the location and the personal touch. Inserting the museum into the heart of the ancient walls was an act of genius. As you enter a series of arched halls, the natural light glitters through the side windows, and you cant help imagining how life was 150 years ago as one of the Ottoman soldiers guarding the city. The person who dreamed and delivered is Mr Shimon Mandler. Shimon welcomed me with a big smile, a proud attitude and endless knowledge. All the exhibits are marvelous and interesting but  Shimon’s presence  makes the experience much more worthwhile.

The museum is open daily , call 04-9911004 for directions , hours and admission

Akkotel Hotel

I walked 300 meters along the ancient walls and arrived at the beautiful new boutique hotel- Akkotel. Once again, the location is what makes the difference. This preserved medieval structure is part of the city walls, and for decades was the old Akko court house. The Marouni brothers purchased the rights and after years of renovations they produced a true gem. The hotel has 16 rooms, all modernly furnished but without loosing the old  Ottoman  atmosphere. The personal touch worked its charm once again. Mr Ilya Marouni showed me around, opened the rooms, introduced the views from the roof, and shared all the details I needed. The hotels has a lovely dining hall that hosts the guests for breakfast and then during lunch time it becomes a restaurant and over the weekend serves a buffet style brunch.

 Akko is the rising star of Israeli tourism, and I was glad to see that the local entrepreneurs are adding their personal touch. I am a big supportor of local, private, unique tourist attractions and accommodation. By visiting this hotel and museum , your support will be added value to your enjoyment.

Call Akkotel for directions, prices and reservations: 04-9877100

Visit my website: www.davidhymanisrael.com

Yours, David Hyman