Dark Streets in Foreign Countries

Hmmm. Well, my daughters won't like this post. I did just what I would have yelled (figuratively speaking) at them for doing. After coming home from the Canyon Grand (my first visit), I had taken the bus and was back in the neighborhood I was getting to know pretty well - Mercaz HaCarmel - Center of Carmel - which is in my hotel's neighborhood. I scoped out a shorter way back to my hotel from the bus stop. The bags were heavy and just wanted to finally get settled for the evening. It was easily 10 PM

Now the bus runs along a major street. Lots of shops, lots of night life, folks sitting out on the sidewalks in cafes, etc. Not to worry - right? Right.

As I figured out by looking at the map on the bus on the back, if took Rabbi Elchanan Street to George Elliot Street and I could make it back to the Dan Gardens without going the long way around - not that when I first took it I knew it was the long way. Again, I wanted to save time and get back to my room and put my feet up.

Well, I did save time - but once off the "main drag" by 1/4 block I was in an ordinary neighborhood. Now Mercaz HaCarmell is definitely the "nice" part of town - but neighborhoods of houses with only modest street lighting can still be qualified as - hmmm - worrisome.

There I was, the lone female (though of substantial size, especially here in Israel) with purse slung around her neck, cell phone around her neck, toting bags from the mall. Yep - the kids would have yelled.

Even though my navigation was perfect, I doubted myself at the last minute because the street looked steeper than I remembered it should be down to my hotel. What did I do? I took a left rather than going mostly straight ahead and I ended right back where I started from - only a block a little further along the main drag.

This steep street that I didn't take is the short way UP to my favorite restaurant.

So, I did make it home without problem - just a little longer on the feet and more ready for bed than ever.

So, girls, do as I say, not as I do!!

Wishing everyone safety in their dark streets, Rabbi Heath