Family trip to Hirbit Midrash near Ella Valley
Where do I start? The last few weeks have been a hectic haze; a bar mitzvah celebration, guests from abroad, a new nephew….all shuffled between my normal schedule of work and home. The days have been a wonderful sort of pandemonium, with the same urgency of holiday festivities. Last minute errands (what! We forgot to buy flowers?!), dragging tables together to fit an expanded household, surprise visits from friends and neighbors. Now it has all settled back to status quo and the living room seems so empty, too empty.
Until I get back to my normal rhythm in the kitchen and out, here is a post I wrote for the Jerusalem Post about a year ago. Back then neither Yael nor I were working and spent the mornings exploring the countryside. Now time feels as decadent and rare as black truffles. ~~~~
For a few weeks a year northern Israel looks like Ireland; low lying clouds, green hills and wet, clean air. It is an amazing transformation from the dry season’s skeletal plants leached of all color by chronic heat and sun. The Jezreel Valley is one of the hottest areas of Israel, this summer reaching above 40 C, temperatures which are incompatible with normal human physiognomy and desiccates everything it touches. Shade is as coveted as a parking spot in Manhattan and usually packed with those participating in Israel’s national sport; outdoor grilling.
Left, Asphodelus ramosus with edible flowers, top right, poisonous mandrake, bottom right, anemone
It is possible to see a quieter side of Israel in winter when most locals are huddled in their homes, unaccustomed to the dip in temperatures (and if it rains, you can be sure nobody will leave the house). Gan Ha’shlosha National Park was virtually empty on a visit this February with my friend Yael. For a country as small and crowded as Israel this felt surreal; as much as a trip to the Eifel Tower without the tourists.
However, enjoyed alone, it is peaceful and beautiful, a place I would return to, only in winter. Palm, olive and wild plum trees provide shade throughout the park and there are certified lifeguards near each of the three pools in the summer. It is the Garden of Eden, replete with trashcans conveniently located every five meters for picnickers.
At one end of the park there is a small archeology museum showcasing the history of the area within the broader Mediterranean civilization. The entrance is free with admittance to Gan Ha’shlosha Park and contains a modest collection of dusty pottery, glass and ceramics from the region as well as a few pieces from Iran.
Nearby is the kibbutz of Nir David which was founded in the 1930′s under the British Mandate. It was built in the stockade and tower method in which prefabricated components were erected within a single night to avoid being detected by the British who prohibited the building of new Jewish settlements. A reconstruction of such a settlement can be seen near Gan Ha’shlosha, including a panoramic view on top of the tower.
On the way out we drove up the scenic Gilboa road. It is still early for the full fledge spring blossom but we did witness the first hardy blooms and an understory of lush green.
Now is the best time to enjoy Israel for those who don’t mind mild winter temperatures and an occasional downpour. Rain is a blessing when the summer lasts for more than the cursory two month and is especially welcome for those who want to enjoy Israel on their own.
Havat Hatavlinim Not kosher Har Gilboa, Gilboa 04-6531093 Gan Ha’shlosha The park is off road 669, between Hashita Junction and Bet She’an, about 15 minutes from Ben She’an.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
This looks beautiful and sounds amazing, especially the restaurant. I love hearing about the amazing food in Israel.
Beautiful! I particularly like the first picture.
Chers,
Rosa
I love your pictures,so beautiful!
I really miss living in the north this time of the year; and plan to visit my former home town Karmiel before it gets all dry again.
Havat Hatavlinim is lovely,been there a few times.
This is very much the season for getting out …. I hope you’re doing so, even if you’re not finding time to write about it
Nice Sarah. I love it that you shared this post with us. Congrats on the Bar Mitzvah must have been wonderful and touching having all friends and family around!!
Lovely photos! Looks like creme brulee in the ramekins – I’m curious as to what flavor it was? Lavender is always nice.
Thanks Joy, I think it was a classic creme brulee but just decorated with lavender.
Beautiful post as usual, Sarah.
The first picture wins hands down. The wild flowers are sensational. I’m curious to know what that is in the foreground…..an old, disused well, perhaps?
Thanks Usha! The first picture is in Hirbit Midras where there are an large number of manmade caves used during the Bar Kokhba revolt of 132 AD–136 AD. Jews used to live and hide there to escape the Roman troops. We spent the day exploring the caves, a few of them with the remains of dovecote (columbariuma) which were used to grow pigeons for food. It is not near the Gilboa region but a trip we took while my family visited.