Thursday, July 14, 2005
Day 49: Petach Tikva, Netanya, Haifa
July 14: Have decided to go to the Greek Islands after Israel, so spent my morning arranging that.
Then went to the WIZO Ahuzat Yeladim Centre (a school, living quarters and centre for children 12-18 years who ahve behavioural issues or dysfunctional families and need help) - sponsored a lot by WIZO Australia. Heard about the centre and met some of the children... and managed to get a lift with them down to Petach Tikvah (from Haifa) which was very handy!
Saw the Aussie guys unfortunately lose to France in Indoor Soccer (Futsal), but was great to see another sport other than soccer! Also stayed for half of the UK vs Argentina Masters match as I have become friendly with some of the UK guys.
Then went to Netanya to watch my friend in the Beach Volleyball. Danny Skrabal and Max won their game against Mexico - yeah! Netanya is very beautiful - loved the beach and the main square, Ha'atzmaut Square, with lots of markets, cafes and shops, had my first felafel in Israel too. My first time in Netanya - although brief I loved it! It's like a relaxed and less populated version of Tel Aviv - similar to Surfers Paradise.
The three of us (Sally, Dan Ullman and me) then headed to the Wingate Institute (it's like the national institute of sport) outside Netanya to watch the final night of the swimming, where most races were contested between Israel and the USA and Australia came third; great though that all members of the Aussie swim team won a medal of some sort!
We also saw the Australia v UK Rugby match nearby, but unfortunately the Aussies lost.
So the day was long, and spent watching non-soccer sports! Lots of fun...
The way home to Haifa was a disaster! Managed to find a taxi that would agree to take us north... only for the taxi to overheat and leave us at a petrol station to try and work out what to do. Luckily one of the management team had been in Herzliya and was travelling north to Haifa (round midnight, same time this all happened) and was able to rescue us and give us a lift home!
Then went to the WIZO Ahuzat Yeladim Centre (a school, living quarters and centre for children 12-18 years who ahve behavioural issues or dysfunctional families and need help) - sponsored a lot by WIZO Australia. Heard about the centre and met some of the children... and managed to get a lift with them down to Petach Tikvah (from Haifa) which was very handy!
Saw the Aussie guys unfortunately lose to France in Indoor Soccer (Futsal), but was great to see another sport other than soccer! Also stayed for half of the UK vs Argentina Masters match as I have become friendly with some of the UK guys.
Then went to Netanya to watch my friend in the Beach Volleyball. Danny Skrabal and Max won their game against Mexico - yeah! Netanya is very beautiful - loved the beach and the main square, Ha'atzmaut Square, with lots of markets, cafes and shops, had my first felafel in Israel too. My first time in Netanya - although brief I loved it! It's like a relaxed and less populated version of Tel Aviv - similar to Surfers Paradise.
The three of us (Sally, Dan Ullman and me) then headed to the Wingate Institute (it's like the national institute of sport) outside Netanya to watch the final night of the swimming, where most races were contested between Israel and the USA and Australia came third; great though that all members of the Aussie swim team won a medal of some sort!
We also saw the Australia v UK Rugby match nearby, but unfortunately the Aussies lost.
So the day was long, and spent watching non-soccer sports! Lots of fun...
The way home to Haifa was a disaster! Managed to find a taxi that would agree to take us north... only for the taxi to overheat and leave us at a petrol station to try and work out what to do. Luckily one of the management team had been in Herzliya and was travelling north to Haifa (round midnight, same time this all happened) and was able to rescue us and give us a lift home!
# posted by mishij @ 12:23 PM 
