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
