Running around the world by kparnell

This entry finds me in Israel - well Haifa to be exact. I was looking forward to this business trip as I thought it would be good to get some summer sun in before Christmas - after all Israel has just seen several years of draught so sun was guaranteed?  When we flew in the lightning  was spectacular and was followed by a mild rainy spell. The afternoon cleared a little and the sun came out. I had to go to a meeting but before I went I watched a few swimmers enjoying the calm seas behind the man made beach defences. Being a keen swimmer I promised my self a dip the next day. Unfortunately the storm came back with a vengeance . The lightning was amazing and lasted for many hours. I’ve never seen a storm stay in one place for so long. The rain continued to beat down all night. When I got up and looked out over the beach the waves were breaking over the beach defences. The storm must have been severe as some of the large rocks protecting the beach had be dislodged. Needless to say the sea was now too dangerous to swim in and to add to that the wind was now very strong.

So the fall back position was a beach front run. It was a little tough as the wind was so strong but the ozone smell of the sea made up for it. The promenade was deserted apart from a few dog walkers. It must be a great place to come in the summer with lots of beach front bars and even some metal out door gym equipment. If only they did these in the UK. I got to the end of the prom and decided that even if I could not swim in the sea at least I could touch it. I ventured down to the water and past some unusual seagulls - they were black and grey! I touched the sea and drenched my trainers and headed back to the prom. In the distance I could see the Israeli Google HQ - how bizarre!

I headed back to the hotel and was treated to a small glimpse of the sun coming out from behind the ominous black rain clouds. I noticed that someone had put out some newspapers under some rocks in an under cover seating area. Perhaps for the locals to read whilst they sat looking at the sea? Nice touch if it was.

A great way to start the day. Makes you feel truly alive.