Visit to the House of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was one of the last things I remember about Pilgrimage. The House of the Master is located in the City area of Haifa not to far from the terraces at the bottom, and is beautifully maintained and preserved for future generations. Directly across from the House is an early Pilgrim House and behind that the final resting place of Rúhíyyih Khánum. Some of the friends met here before the tour of the main House and said some prayers. Its located in lush green area with a particuarly beautiful tombstone.

Our tour guide Anne heading towards the front entrance the House of Abdul-Baha

Before I left for Haifa I had often come across the comments of “what will you do there for so long” and “”is there that many things to really see in 9 days” and so on and so forth…. To sum it up in a word YES.

Upon approaching this last day of Bahá’í Pilgrimage not only did I not want it to end, but I seriously didn’t want to leave. Its really does feel that good to be in Haifa, if there is a Heaven on Earth then this is what I imagine it would feel like to live there. For those of you that know me, I think you would agree I wouldn’t make that statement lightly. I am from the Gold Coast in South East Queensland with some of the most natural beauty found anywhere in the world – and yet still I have never felt like this anywhere else. Ever.

Notes: More to come on the final Day 9….

For Bahá’ís: Look on the board in the hallway of the Pilgrim Reception Centre, there you can sign your name on any number of lists of people taking sheruts back to the Ben Gurion Airport at the same time as you. I don’t recommend the train heading back. There were israeli soldiers occupying 1/3 of the train I was on – which is fine i suppose but the main thing that I didnt like was the 3 train switches I had to make on the way back… Remember, English is not Hebrew-  good luck.

Note: More Pics and information on the House of the Master coming soon…

For Bahá’ís: Come a bit early to visit the final resting place of Ruhiyyh Khanum

This is the house of Abdulla Pasha. The window in the foreground is the room where the Guardian, Shoghí Effendí was born

The main agenda for today was a visit to the House of Abdullah Pasha. We left on a bus at 9:30 am. Today is also another day you may want to pack your lunch although you do have the option of finding food in Akka after your visit to the House.

Some thoughts about my visit to the House….

Again I did some reading up before we arrived in a great book called ‘Door of Hope‘ and this prior knowledge combined with our tourguide Annes great insight makes the trip to these Holy Sites that much more special… Time and time again its amazing to hear these stories about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and actually be standing on the grounds where they took place. Its very moving.

A few special memories I have of the House are seeing the large staircase that Pilgrims would walk up when meeting the master. A great story I read in Door of Hope was that of Shoghí Effendí who as a young boy living in the house was known to be very ‘energetic’ and would race up and down the large stairs to the fright of the visiting Pilgrims who would no doubt cringe and look way as this was happening! I just love random stories like that and you can’t help but smile when you walk up the staircase.

The second standout for me regarding the House of Abdullah Pasha was seeing the actual table where Laura Clifford Barney sat down with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and collected notes of the discussion which would later become the book ‘Some Answered Questions‘ published in 1908. This book in particular is very special to me as it was one of the first Bahá’í Books I fell in love with. Also it was what I believe to be my Grandfathers favorite Bahá’í Book I had ever giving him as he read it over 3 times before his passing…

The Courtyard of the House of Abdullah Pasha - first view of the staircase...

Your humble blogger in the Courtyard at Abdullah Pasha... thanks Shradha!

The latter half of this day, you can stay in Akka, or take the tour bus over to Bahjí which is just a short distance away. There you can spend more time in the gardens, visit the library in the Bahjí Reception Centre which has an excellent collection of Books, as well as having the bounty of spending time in The Shrine of Bahá’u'láh for prayers, reflection and meditation.

For Bahá’ís: the food in Akka like all of Haifa is very very good. You will def want to set aside some time during your trip to wander around Akka. Its like stepping back into time… Today is a good day to do that as you are already there and don’t having anything else planned until presentation at 8pm this evening.

Friends from Pilgrimage at the gate of Temple Land

Pathway to Temple Land with view of the monument designed by Shoghi-Effendhí in the distance...

After the Arc Tour, a group of us went to visit the future site of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar (or Temple) also known as “Temple Land.”

This was one of the places I knew the least about, though I had heard of it. Its just about 10 minutes drive from the Terraces at Mt. Carmel and you can easily hop on the bus to get there which is what we did. I don’t know when the future Temple will be built here but I sure hope I get to see it in my lifetime. The plans for the building which I was able to see here look so beautiful.

Some of the friends said prayers here and enjoyed the landscaped surroundings. For someone who loves plants and trees its so thrilling for me to just nerd out wherever we go , because it is always so lush and well-maintained. I big thank you goes out to all the Bahá’i landscapers, and gardeners who look after these Holy Sites

After spending 45 minutes or so it was off to the Cave of Elijah (from the Bible) which is located just a short walk away in a Monestary nearby…

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View of the Monument and close-up texture

Prayers at Temple Land

For Bahá’i’s: Dont forget to pick up the key to the Temple Land gate at the Reception Centre

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LATER THAT EVENING…

After the 8:00 pm presentation a group of us headed out to Cafe Cafe – which I can highly recommend.

Chad, Borna, Valeh, Sasha, Ali, Farsi, Melinda, Nooshin and others chillin at Cafe Cafe

Borna and Chad drinking lemonada. Don't leave Haifa without drinking lemonada

For Bahá’i’s: There are several great place to go for food and beverage up here on Hatsionut Street. Some of the standouts are – The Belgian Waffle place, Cafe-Cafe, Aroma, Gregs, and Giraffe

Our group heading to the Universal House of Justice...

Today was about visiting the Buildings on the Arc. This tour includes visits to the International Archives Building, the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, Centre for the Study of the Texts, and the International Teaching Centre Building.

My Pilgrim group assembling for the start of the Arc tour on Mt. Carmel

Front of the building of the Universal House of Justice

It was such a bonus having the lovely Shradha on Pilgrimage with us. She had just concluded 16 years of service as Secretary to the House of Justice Members ( I still think you should write about this Shradha!)

Note: More news, info, and pics of Day 7 coming soon…

Shrine of the Báb at dawn

Today was the only Day of Pilgrimage that both The Shrine of the Báb and The Shrine of Bahá’u'lláh are open for Dawn Prayers. This is from 6:30am – 8:00am and I was advised I should def make an effort to do this at one of the Shrines. Some of the friends were actually getting up at 5:30am to leave on a Sherut to Bahjí, but I had decided I would go to the Shrine of the Báb and just walk down from my Hotel room at Dan Gardens to the Terraces and just walk down, which would be lovely with the sun just coming up… Unfortunately I overslept – and then I forgot my Bahai Pilgrim ID Card which meant I could not get in, so I missed Dawn Prayers!

The rest of Day 6 was completely open for personal visits to the Shrines, Bahjí Mansion, and the Bahjí Pilgrim House with the room of The Master…

Note: More news, pics, and Information on Day 6 is coming soon…

For Bahá’ís: Be sure never to leave your hotel without your Bahai Pildrim ID Card!

The second part of Day 5 included going into the Mansion of Baji. The Entrance to the Bahji Mansion begin well outside the main gardens just outside the welcome centre. The long path that leads to the gate was easily from a naturist point of view one of the most spectacular things I saw. Such a fitting entrance to such a magical place.

One thing I was not expecting was just how much of a treasure trove of interesting things were contained in each room at Bahjí with the climax being seeing the room of Bahá’u'lláh. I will not try to put into words what it is like to visit here but I just want to say again how blessed and lucky I feel to have been able to come here. So so incredibly lucky.

From outside the Mansion looking in....

The Mansion at Bahjí as you approach...

Note: More Pics and information on the Mansion of Baji coming soon…

For Bahá’ís: Don’t feel like you have to rush through your first visit inside the Mansion of Bahjí. I just looked around brifely my first visit and then walked over to the Shrine of Bahá’u'lláh. I came back a second time on an alloted day for a longer stay.

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LATER THAT EVENING…

Later in the evening after our trip to the magnificent Baji Mansion we had a tip from Shradha that there was one particular Falafel place in Haifa that was the favorite of Rúhíyyih Khánum. She went on to say that it was in fact ‘the best falafel place in ALL of Israel.’ So I don’t want to go on about it too much, but let me say this: It was in fact the best I have ever tasted or ever will taste no doubt for the rest of my life. I get withdrawal symptoms just thinking about it. If you where there, then you know – and if you are going you have to go! Contact details / business card below… Sorry I can’t translate the Hebrew, but the Phone details are on it.

Here it is. Best Falafel in Haifa...

I was told this particular falafel shop we found was the favorite of Rúhíyyih Khánum....

The Greatest falafel shop in all of Israel is only a short walk from the Terraces

After our Falafel Dinner, It was off to Douzans for some Chai Tea (shout out to Quddus for the tip).We had then planned to walk up the Terraces to the Pilgrim Reception Centre for our presentation at 8pm but that didn’t work out due to the gates already haven been locked.

Probably the tastiest chai tea I've ever had - at Douzans (aka Indian Tea)

After our chai we wanted to walk up the Terraces, but it was now evening and the gates had already been locked... Photo op instead

The talk on this particular evening was given by Universal House of Justice member Mr Hooper Dunbar and was one of the most enjoyable talks I have ever been privileged to attend. You can genuinely feel the warmth and love that emulates from them and there talks are delivered with a tact and eloquence that is out of this world.

Some of the notes I took from this talk, include:

• Asking us to pray about elements we can share with others about our Pilgrimage to Haifa… ” Imparting the blessings you receive here”
• Spoke of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s compassion, and that it was all-encompassing
  
• The Bahá’i Faith has no “clergy”- all the Bahá’i’s are clergy of the Bahá’i Faith!
• The infinite blessings of teaching the Faith, and that “the greatest gift of God is the gift of teachin.”
• Practice showering love on people when you speak to them. That you can channel that love and light…
• He also asked us to Pray for the Universal House of Justice members

Note: I will have a full list of all the best placesto eat here on site. I welcome your comments and recommendations for future readers!

For Bahá’ís: Be sure to check and write down the time schedule for when the terrace gates will be opened and closed. Bring a pen and pad for these amazing talks.

The Mansion of Mazra'ih

Day 5 started leaving at 10 am on a bus from the Pilgrim Reception Center to the Mansion of Mazra’ih and the Mansion of Baji. My trip to the Mansion of Mazra’ih came as a bit of a pleasant surprise to me as it was one of the places I knew the least about. This mansion was secured by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for father after Bahá’u'lláh had made the remark:

“I have not gazed on verdure for 9 years. The country is the world of the soul, the city is the world of bodies”

The beauty of this place has to be seen in person to truly appreciate. I especially loved seeing all the roses here….

Roses growing at Mazraíh

Exterior of the Mansion

Outside the Mansion of Mazra'ih

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One of the many fruit trees at Mazraíh

One of my favorite things about the Mansion of Mazra’ih where Bahá’u'lláh lived for 2 years was the abundant fruit trees. We were told by our guide Anne that we could keep any fruit we found that had dropped to ground.

This was the first time I have ever had ‘blood oranges’ – the fruit here was amazing! It literally feel out of the peel and melted in your mouth… I have never tasted any fruit like this in my entire life and is a memory of my trip that will surely stick with me forever.

Other time of the year Pomegranate is available and I did see quite a few Pomegranate trees in the garden here, but mainly it was all about the oranges and grapefruit. I will try to let the pictures show what I mean

For Bahá’ís: Be sure to bring a big bag to put fruit in!

The main agenda for today was a visit to the Prison of Akka and after that to visit the House of ‘Abbúd. We left on a bus at 7:45 am, and its nice leaving early because every day there is simply so much to do and see. For me personally I didn’t want to waste time on things like ‘enough sleep.’

Today is also another day you want to pack your lunch because your time is limited to just visiting the prison of Akka and then heading over to the House of Abbud.

Akka is known to Bahá’ís as “the Most Great” prison where Bah’a'ulláh and his companions, including ‘Abdu’l-Bahá where imprisoned for over 2 years. Below is a video I shot of the ‘Sea Gate” to the prison. Despite being very hazey the water and rocks were beautiful…

I was surprised to observe just how well the Prison has has been maintained. It is only through the efforts of the Universal House of Justice which completely restored the ancient Prison (originally an army barrack) that we are so lucky to get to visit it today… Going into the prison is very moving, especially entering the room where Bah’a'ulláh was held and the window from which he would wave to those very early Pilgrims who would travel incredible distances just to get a glimpse of Him as visitors were rigidly excluded.

Another moving experience is seeing the grounds where Bah’a'ulláh’s 22 year old Mirzá Mihdí son (known as the Purest Branch)  lost his life after falling through a skylight in the Prison one evening while chanting prayers. The full story and reverence which is shown to the spot of his passing is very humbling. Even going so far as the leave the original flooring untouched after the renovation work to the prison….

Ruins from the fortress of Akka, which was once a prison city when the Ottomans were in control. This city changed hands many times over the centuries and was a strategic sea port during the Crusades. These walls repelled many enemies, even Napoleon couldn't get through.

Inside the Prison of Akka

Pillars in the Courtyard of the Prison city of Akka

Entrance to Akka, where Baha'u'llah was imprisoned for over two years and lived thereafter under house arrest. Banishment to here was considered the death sentence due to the appalling conditions. For example, one-third of 86 Bulgarian prisoners arriving here in 1868 died within one month.

Next stop on Day 4 was our first visit the House of ‘Abbúd…

The Entrance to the House of 'Abbúd

When you first enter the House you are immersed in this big open space with natural light shining down on the staircase leading to the rooms upstairs. Bah’a'ulláh stayed here for almost 7 years and revealed the Kitáb-i-Aqdas here.

For Bahá’ís: You def need to plan another trip to walk around Akka during one of your free days. There is simply too much to see and do in one visit

The Shrine of the Báb on Mt. Carmel, Haifa Israel

At least one Day of your Pilgrimage is left open for you to do an activity of your choosing. For my group, this was day 3 of my Pilgrimage and I ended up spending time with the new friends at the Pilgrim Reception Centre, and saying lots of prayers and enjoying the indescribable tranquility in the Shrine of the Báb.

Some of the activities I recommend doing include checking out the city of Haifa, walking down the Terraces on Mt. Carmel, enjoying the Bahai gardens, going to Bahji (I recommend going to Bahji as much as you can), Saying prayers in the Shrine of the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, visiting the Bahai Cemetery, going to Akka (which is like stepping back in time), or any other of a number of different activities.

One of my first walks down the top of the Terraces on Mt. Carmel on a hazey morning

There was also a Talk by one of the Universal House of Justice Member (can’t find his name atm – forgive me) at 8:00 pm. You will have a least three presentations like this on your Pilgrimage, and there are held in the ‘International Teaching Centre Building.’ This building like most Bahá’í buildings on Mt Carmel was very classy and well made. I really looked forward to these talks in the evening and I still miss getting to go to them!

Pilgrims getting ready for a presentation at the International Teaching Centre Building

For Bahai’s: I recommend going to Temple Land and then over to the Monestary to the cave of Elijah. For those of you who sent me prayer requests before I left, I said about half of them on this day.

The Bahji Reception Centre is the first thing you see when you arrive...

On your second day the excitement builds as you meet your Guide and take your first visit to Bahji. Our guides name was Anne and I simply cannot give her enough praise she was everything you could hope for in a guide, very informative, so sincere in her adoration of the Holy Sites and and such a sweet soul.

The most Holy place on Earth for the Baha'i Faith

A quick note on the Bahai Gardens at Bahji and the Shrine of Baha’u'llah, I dont think my words are even capable of doing just to the experience of going to Bahji, so I will let the pictures do most of the talking if that is even at all possible. Let me say this, no matter what you have heard or what other visitors to this Holiest of sites have shared with me could have prepared me with just how awe inspiring, beautiful and majestic it is.

When you first arrive, you are led into the large iron gates and see a rather large and modern Reception Centre (as shown above) surrounded by a very beautiful landscape. Its not, however, untill you walk down the large path that leads to the burial ground of the Prophet founder of the Bahá’i Faith, Baha’u'llah that the magnitude and size of the gardens become apparent.

As if the walk leading up to this most Holiest of spots on Earth isn’t enough, you become aware of the size and beauty of Bahji, it is a truly amazing experience that I feel so so lucky to have experienced.

Majestic Olive Trees at Bahjí

Depending on what time of year you visit Bahjí, you will see a wide array of different flowers. In this photo: Snapdragons

Another view of the Bahai Gardens in Bahji

For Bahai’s: Don’t forget to pack a lunch on this trip!