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Watching the sun go down into the sea

Yesterday evening after work, my family and I went swimming at our nearest beach. Our nearest beach is Nasholim beach. One of the most amazing beaches in the world, it has everything a sea-lover might wish for. Small and large sea coves to explore, baby fish that you can either chase between the rocks or allow to nibble on your dead skin, a huge collection of sea shells and waves that are often large enough for surfing. You can look for the hidden mermaid's chair to make a sitting wish, catch some fish or sift for ancient archeological treasure. Our favourite bay at Nasholim is just big enough for a tiring swim from to one side to the other and back again. If you'd rather do beach instead of sea - the sand is white and soft and made for lazing. I usually stay in the water as much as possible. Life in Israel can be tense, so it is nice to float aimlessly without any thoughts in the Mediterranean sea. The summer is slowly coming to an end which means that the water is finally coo...
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The End of the Winter

Almond blossoms are the first sign that the winter is near its end.

In the United States the groundhog is used to predict the end of the winter. I may have it wrong but apparently if the groundhog comes out of his burrow and can see his shadow then winter will lasts for another six weeks.

In Israel the almond trees tell us that winter is drawing to an end. They are the first trees to blossom and brighten up the landscape with unexpected dots of pink and white. It is almost as if the landscape are draped randomly with large swathes of lace.


These beautiful trees seem to 'appear' during the end of January/ beginning of February. The rest of the year the almond trees blend in the landscape and one hardly notices these trees. The almond blossoms not only remind us that the winter is coming to an end but also that Tu b'Shevat ( the trees' New Year) will soon be celebrated.

It is now already nearly the end of February -Tu b'Shevat has come and gone, the spring flowers have started to appear  and soon all the almond blossoms will be gone. I just had to write a post about the  amazing almond blossoms though. I have come to love these beautiful trees and even though I expect them, they always surprise me with their beauty.






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