Ein Gedi

Ein Gedi Falls

Last year, I had an opportunity to visit of one of the most exciting places in Israel, the Ein Gedi. It is an oasis in the desert and green Garden of Eden in the wilderness. It is situated on the shore of the Dead Sea - the lowest part on Earth - at the feet of majestic mountains and cliffs.

Overlooking to the Dead Sea

Ein Gedi combines a wild natural setting with a primeval panorama, history and archeology, tourist attractions and spas. Its unique climate and atmosphere make it a place for a unique desert adventure.

Ein Gedi contains the historical and archeological remains of its first inhabitants, who discovered the magic place more than 5,000 years ago it has also served as a landmark in the history of the Jewish people throughout history. David took refuge in Ein Gedi when he was pursued by King Saul, and rebels fled there from Jerusalem. Valuable persimmon oil and rare perfumes were produce there, and temples and synagogues were established here to strengthen the Jewish stronghold in the area.

Ein Gedi has an international reputation as a health spa. Tourist from all over the world come there to take advantage of the hot springs, mineral waters, and mud baths, and to enjoy the desert climate, bathe in the healing waters of the Dead Sea, and breathe healthful bromide-filled air.

Ein Gedi is an ideal place to become familiar with the desert and its hidden wonders. Nature reserves that have water flowing through them throughout the year. Rivers run through deep canyons surrounded by lush vegetation a sharp contrast to the surrounding desert.

More entries here for Watery Wednesday

Sources: Israel Tourism

I Love Sunset

I shoot these photo when I had a walk by the beach during those times that I felt sad and only. And this is one of my favorite. It was calm and peaceful afternoon walk.

Netanya, Israel

In Jewish Religion , Shabath officially begins at sunset, not it gets dark, so no amount of clouds can bring in Shabath earlier. That being said, Jewish communities actually do have the custom of lighting Shabath candles 18 minutes before sunset. These 18 minutes provide a grace period for watches and clocks set to slightly different times, ensuring that no one begins Shabath any later that the actual sunset.

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Live In Caregiver Duties and Responsibilities

Before everyone get confused, I know some of you are. ^-^ Just want to make it clear that I am a live-in caregiver. Maybe you noticed also that I mentioning here "nursing home". Yes, because I was employed with an old lady who lived in a retirement home. So, I was with her for about four years and unfortunately she died at the age of one hundred one and half. (101.5).

When I was living with her in a retirement home , I was also a live in caregiver, works only with one person privately. A huge difference when I was there are  I didn't do any cooking, no cleaning, no laundry. The home provide everything. She even have a woman who showered her everyday and give her breakfast.  My  sole responsibility is to look after my patient with love and care. 

Unlike today  I'm  a live in caregiver  to a lady (Sara) living in her own apartment by herself.  I have to do all the household work. In short "yaya ni lola" I have to do the food shopping, I have to cook for her, to clean the house, do the laundry, ironing and etc.. even entertaining visitors. But I'm happy because I can practice my cooking and also I have a private room wherein I can have my privacy. The job is not difficult eventually, I'm  always in holiday. I sit with her every  morning by the pool or I can swim and use the pool if I want too and I have an afternoon rest for 2 hours before tea time. A wonderful job that I have difficulty to give it up.

Fundamentally, a caregiver provides compassion, care and assistance to those who need help in everyday living. Thus, caregiver should have patience, understanding, and compassionate. I have listed few duties and responsibilities as a caregiver based on my experience. 

Personal Care :

1. Assist in shower and personal hygiene

2. Provide personal grooming, nails, hair and oral care.

3. If the patient is in the wheelchair - transfer her/him from bed to wheelchair.

4. Toileting assistance and incontinent care.

5. Encourage activities in accordance to patient's needs and capabilities.

Health Care

1. Make an appointment if patient's needs to see a doctor.

2. Report of sudden changes of the patient's physical mental or emotional health to his/her family or if your in a retirement home, report it to the nurse on duty.

3. Provide good skin care and avoid bed sores.

4. Give the right medication according to doctor prescription.

Household Management :

1. Maintain the cleanliness of the patient's house or apartment.

2. Make the patient bed and change the bed sheet regularly.

3. Wash and dry the patient's clothes regularly.

4. Wash the dishes and all kitchen utensils.

5. Do food shopping and etc.. 

Changes or Things To Be Aware Off:

1. If your patient's has a high blood pressure - Be sure to check her/his blood pressure regularly and report it quickly if there is high and low changes. 

2. Changes in Blood Sugar

3. If the patient falls

4. Swelling part of the body

5. Vomiting

6. Confusion and Hallucination

My New Template

Hello dear friends!

You might think your lost asking "Where am I?" "Is these the blog I visited before?" Yes, it is the same blog.

 I got tired looking with my old template and I find it so messy too ( katag ang arrangement). So, with my new template, it gives cool viewing and friendly background.  Hope you agree with me. I started loving it now and I hope it will be my stable layout.

Keep visiting and thank you all!:)

Netanya Beach

Netanya beaches is the most  desirable tourist attraction. It has one of the longest costlines in Israel, with some of the best beaches. A day in the beach is always a good option , especially during those hot summer days.

Here are some scenic views I took yesterday on the beach.

 outside the red flag sign is a danger zone area

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The Voice of Reason

She is 92 years old, petite, well poised, and proud. She is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coiffed, and her make up perfectly applied, in spite of the fact she is legally blind.

Today, she has moved to a nursing home. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making this moved necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home,  as I was asked to accompany her, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready. As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided the visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet curtains that had been hung on her window.

I love it, she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight year old having just been presented with a new puppy. Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room.. just wait, I said. Then she spoke these words that I will never forget; "That does not have anything to do with it she said gently. Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged. It is how I arranged my mind. I have already decided to love it." "It is a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice. I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body had no longer work, or can get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do work. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes is open, I will focus on the new day and all the happy memories I have stored away... just for the time in my life"

In addition , she said "old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you have already put in. And she believed that the background of circumstances may influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become".

With what she said , I realized that she is a very optimistic, and strong woman. She didn't fell sorry of what she got. In fact she accepted it with all her heart. I wish all the people are like her. But it's not, everybody is different.

Tel Aviv - Open Minded City in the Middle East

Tel Aviv is the most modern and westernized place in Israel. Jerusalem is the official capital and the religiuos capital, but Tel Aviv is the center of economic, cultural and social life. Known for their liberation and open minded City in the Middle East. 

When you walk the streets at night you can hardly imagine you are in the holy land. Sidewalk cafes give the city a  European flavor, especially in the areas with buildings. Shopping at the enclosed Dizengoff Center is pleasant. Tel Aviv is also the business center of Israel, and has the largest percentage of young people. Jaffa is the old arabic part of Tel Aviv. It is much older (Tel Aviv was founded in 1909) and is now some sort of the Quartier Latin of the city. Although it has many small and trendy boutiques it still retains some of its flavour as an arabic city. The best reason to come to Tel Aviv is to have a good time, the nightlife is great, there are good restaurants, there are so many shops, the beaches are wonderful and there is always something going on. 

A good place for trendy shopping would be Sheinkin street; Kikar Hamedina is known for its upscale (and expensive) shops; and Azriely center, Ramat Aviv mall and Dizengoff center would answer all your shopping mall needs. Alternatively, you can check out Shuk HaCarmel, a large street market held daily on Carmel St. Bazel and Rotschild streets have the best coffee places; Allenby, Lilienblum streets and the Tel Aviv port is where you'll find all night parties and bars; and you shouldn't miss the beach - for sunbathing and babe watching. Watch the attached video ^-^

Vacation Paradise - Miami Florida

With money you can buy honey - you can go anywhere , whenever you want too. That was the life of my old lady on her early senior years. She and her husband used to have a vacation in Miami Florida. According to her, Miami Florida is like a paradise. Blessed with mild weather and incomparable beaches. A number one  choice for an active travelers of all ages and skill levels, wherein you can do everything such as diving, fishing, boating, or any water sports that you might interested. With my interest with this place, Sara's information wasn't enough. So, I did further research and I found at ehow.com and miami.abouut.com on some things to do in Miami.

10 Things to do in Miami, Florida

1. Visit Metrozoo -  Animals enjoy a free-range atmosphere in the cageless MetroZoo, where residents are sorted by geographic territory. Miami climate provides ideal habitat conditions for animals hailing from Asia, Australia and Africa. Home to white tigers, gibbons, Cuban crocodiles, lions, bears and a komodo dragon, the zoo offers hands-on-activities including the Samburu Giraffe Feeding Station, where you come to face-to-face with the tallest animal in the world.

2. South Beach - South Beach is the quintenssential Miami hot spot. From shopping to partying, this are of Miami Beach is well-known for being a trendy locale.

Heading to the shores of Miami beaches and along harbors and canals allows tourists to catch sight of manatees in the wild. At the intersection of Old Cutler Road, Sunset Drive and Douglas Road, Coral Gables offers a decent location for viewing the herbivore known as the sea cow. Other sites in the wild to consider include Black Point Marina, Oleta Park and Dante Fascell Visitor Center. For an indoor experience, the Miami Seaquarium offers a manatee exhibit in the Celebrity Pool with above and underwater viewing.

Read more: 10 Things to Do in Miami | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_5481685_things-do-miami.html#ixzz0t7n0Kg59

Heading to the shores of Miami beaches and along harbors and canals allows tourists to catch sight of manatees in the wild. At the intersection of Old Cutler Road, Sunset Drive and Douglas Road, Coral Gables offers a decent location for viewing the herbivore known as the sea cow. Other sites in the wild to consider include Black Point Marina, Oleta Park and Dante Fascell Visitor Center. For an indoor experience, the Miami Seaquarium offers a manatee exhibit in the Celebrity Pool with above and underwater viewing.

Read more: 10 Things to Do in Miami | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_5481685_things-do-miami.html#ixzz0t7n0Kg59

3. Seaquarium - The Miami Seaquarium is located right in the middle of the tourist area, on the causeway between downtown Miami and Miami Beach. It's a fabulous stop where you can witness an outdoor aquarium experience that's only possible in our tropical. Be sure to budget enough time to spend at least a half a day there.

4. Miami Beaches - Miami's beaches offer a great opportunity to get some exercise or just enjoy some time in the sun.

5. Everglades - With 1.5 million of swamps, saw- grass prairies and sub-tropical jungles. Everglades National Park is one of the most unusual public park in the United States. Located on the southern tip of Florida, the park is home to 14 rare and endangered species, including the American Crocodile, the Florida panther and the Western Indian Manatee. A large portion of the park is primitive, explored only by adventurist and researchers- but visitors have ample opportunity to walk, camp and canoe.

6. Miami Museum of Science - Check out the latest kid-friendly exhibits at the Miami Museum of Science. You're bound to find a learning adventure for the whole family. The museum is home to the Bird of Prey Research Center and the Weintraub Observatory.

 7. Miami Children Museum - If you have kids (or just like to act like them!), the Miami Children's Museum is a must-see destination. Their motto of "Play, Learn, Imagine, Create" shines through in the wide variety of interactive exhibits that allow children to explore everything from a supermarket to a television studio, picking up valuable lessons along the way.

8. Parrot Jungle Islannd -  Parrot Jungle offers visitors a fun, educational opportunity to get an up-close look at tropical birds in replicas of their natural habitats. The attraction routinely hosts field trips and offers frequent educational programs.

9. Monkey Jungle - "Where the humans are caged and the monkeys run wild" - it's more than a catch-phrase. Monkey Jungle in southern Miami-Dade County is a truly unique park. While homo sapiens walk through carefully constructed wire pathways, many species of primates scamper above your head, swing through trees and interact with each other in ways difficult to observe in captivity. Keep your eyes open; you never know who's hanging around!

 10. Coral Castle - Coral Castle is truly a monument to the uniqueness of Miami! This attractions was built by a Latvian-born Miami resident named Ed Leedskalnin as a monument to his lover. After 28 years of effort, he introduced his 1100-ton coral creation to the world. It's a bit of a trip from downtown, but well worth the time.

Spectacular Canadian Cities

Canada is always my dream. A dream that hopefully someday it will come true. ^-^

Why I love Canada? I never been in these country but I heard so much about Canada through my friends who are living and working there. Aside from the stories they were telling me I did further research in these country and  I found interesting facts that you might want to know. Thanks for gocanada.about.com.

Canada is a country of  outstanding natural beauty. They has a wide variety of landscapes,  the mountains, the prairies, lakes and rivers with many national and provincial parks to protect the habitats.

I have listed spectacular Canadian cities, the most popular destination for visitors.  Although it's doubtful you'll get all of them in one trip.

Vancouver

Is a great to visit if you love the outdoors, but also wants the convenience and benefits of beauty

Calgary

It has a youngest population in the country - and they're always up for an adventure

Niagara Falls

A falls that situated in Ontario, Canada, the most powerful falls in North America. It is probably known as a honeymoon destination, attracting million of newlyweds or just plain romantic couple each year 

Toronto

Canada's largest city and financial center. Comparable to Chicago or New York in that all are big, lively, multicultural cities that offer a lot to Visitors.

Ottowa 

Canada's capital, sits on the border between the provinces of Ontario and Quebec in Central Canada. It's a home to eight national museums, store houses of Canadian culture.

Montreal

Is a unique among cities in North America, comparable perhaps to New Orleans in the depth and the pervasiveness of European history.  Visitors can enjoy a modern city with all conveniences , outstanding shopping and dining but also get a taste of Europe and glimpse back  Canada's rich French heritage in Old Montreal.

Quebec City

A provincial capital, steeped in history and European in flavor. The Old town is the only fortified city north of Mexico in North America and is a world heritage site. 

Halifax

A region has an exciting variety of sights, and attraction. Nature has blessed this area with sandy beaches, rugged shorelines, and colorful gardens.

Victoria

Intimate sophisticated seaside city, is the vacation capital of Canada and the premiere tourist spot in the Pacific Northwest.

Scenic Sunday - Haifa City Overlooking

Overlooking of Haifa City, Israel - Taken my last visit in Baha'i Garden.

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Visiting Paris

Have you visited Paris? I haven't been in Paris but I love to visit this country if given a chance and opportunity. I've made a lot of  research about this country and I'm very fascinated with the attractions and beauty of Paris.

So, if you come for the first time in Paris, then you should start your visit with the Beaubourg and Hale districts. From there one can easily manage to reach the most beautiful attraction of France. The Beaubourg district has become a very important tourist attraction after the George  Pompidou center was built in 1977. The building of the center represents one of the most-known pieces of modern architecture. It was constructed as a multicultural building, hosting the National Art Museum, a cinema with a various saloons, a huge library, shops and amazement halls. Another point of interest in the Pompidou center is the hall called Brancusi Studio, the place where the works of Romanian sculptor., Constantin Brancusi, are exhibited.

For the people who are crazy about shopping, then the Hale is the perfect place for them. There you can find a hyper underground mall, where all brands in clothing and footwear are to be found. Before the mall was built, there was a market there, were people could buy fish, meat, fruit and vegetables. But this was many years ago, in times in King Philippe Auguste. 

Moreover, Saint Eustache is another place a visitor must see after leaving the Hale center. With its majestic arcades and columns, this church is even more beautiful than Notre-Dame, because it combines harmoniously the gothic styles. Moreover, one should not hesitate to see the nai ve sculpture in the Saint Joseph chapel, which belongs to the sculptor Raymond Mason. The scene presents the leaving of fruit and vegetables from the heart of Paris. Once the tourist returns to the Hale he will cross the market of the vegetables from the heart of Paris. Once the tourist returns to he Hale he will cross the market of the innocents, which has in the middle of it a very old fountain, dating from the XVIII century, during the Renaissance.

Near the Hale, the tourist can find the most characteristic attraction in Paris: the merry-go-round. Then, following the Sebastopol boulevard, you can arrive at the most visited sight in Paris: the famous Notre-Dame. For the fame it has, the cathedral is still not so impressive, either in what concerns its measure, and either in its architecture. However, it specific is offered by the great number of tourist we can see there, by the reporters and journalist, judges or beggars.

Last but not least, the Shakesperean Library is also a very important place to visit. It represents the best point of attraction for the bohemian world of Paris. It is a very rich library, having thousand of books from the literature all over the world.

My first week in Israel

I almost forgot this Meme -  Busy? No, certainly  not but I am too lazy to blog. I'm tired and rather set and watch the tennis Wimbledon semi-final. Until I remember that I have some work to do including this lovely meme of Rose of  Nostalgic Marveling  ^-^ .

First I can't think of anything what I can share with you because mostly of my stuff are sent home. Yes, I'm ready to go home in two-three months time after seven years here. I can literally hear now the word "pasalubong ko" LOL!

Anyhow, going back to my nostalgic entry this week and  hence I'm talking about going home, I want to share my first entry ,first job, adventure of this so called Holy Land.

Year 2003, when I left Philippines. When the plane boarded to Hongkong, I told myself that I'll be going back my home country after two years. But that was never happened. Anyhow, I landed  at Bengurion Airport here in Israel, at 3 o'clock in the morning, I dropped a 1 peso coin as my mother told me.  Her superstitious belief that I'll be away from evils eye and should have good health since its my first time in this country. After three hours of waiting an agency person arrived to pick us up. I was sent to the flat of caregivers where they stayed during the weekend for their days off. After two days, the agency called me to be prepared because I'm going to start my job. Gosh, I was shivering and nervous but I managed to control .. (takot lang yon kasi walang alam)Honestly, I never had a caregiver training, nor learned a Hebrew language. I just watched the video how to take care elderly people and got some notes of basic Hebrew words. Unlike today, caregiver certificate and Hebrew language certificate is necessary.

I've met my employer (an old lady) who doesn't know to speak English. She spoke Arabic and little Hebrew  together which was so hard to understand. So, I did sign language just to comprehend. But sometimes was very difficult really specially on meal time.  Hence, I wheeled her to the kitchen and opened the freeze what she wants. LOL! Every word she said I wrote it down and when I'm in the flat I asked the girl what's  the meaning of the word. Thus, I learned a little bit of  Hebrew and Arabic every week.

The thing that I cannot forget was when I went to a partime job. That was my first partime after a murdered week working who cannot understand each other. Somehow, I have to think my placement to be paid quickly the reason why I grabbed the opportunity to work on my day off. It was frightening because she is alzhiemer at the same time a bed ridden woman who has a very loud voice.. waaaaaaaaaa.. I cried I thought she shouted at me. She made poh on the bed, and the smell was horrible. Then, I cried again when I looked back the swivel chair, the computer, the ledger, and air conditioned room. The adjustment of the job was absolutely difficult.

By the time I finished my 22 hours part time job , I called a taxi to take me to my flat. However, the taxi driver dropped me to the place called Kanyon (Mall). He might thought that's the mall I was talking about.   I don't know either what the name of the  mall I was going too LOL. I just told him kanyon gadol (big mall) I didn't have a cell number so I cannot phone any of my relatives. And I cannot explain to him that it wasn't the right mall. My trademark is the building design of the mall. Huh, what an experienced it was, I used a sign language again  but neither way he cannot understand me. I left nowhere and don't know where to go. I just followed people walking, everytime I asked them they cannot understand me. So, I just continue walking until I found the main street that looks familiar to me. It took me an hour before I saw the place where I supposed to go home.

For seven years here, I adopted the life here. I learned the language, the religion, the culture and learned to love the job. I realized that I am pretty lucky being here. GOD gave me the opportunity to tour around his place, Holy Land.