36 Hours in Geneva

GENEVA, the political and transportation hub of Europe, is one of those seemingly unavoidable cities. It's like a Swiss version of Atlanta: practically everyone passes through sooner or later, whether they want to or not. But there are plenty of reasons to stay longer. Not only is Geneva blessed with a sweeping lake within beckoning distance of the snow-covered Alps, but its medieval ramparts have also long served as a cultural haven for the world's exiles and freethinkers. Switzerland's famous neutrality also means that there is a thriving community of expatriate polyglots, many of whom work for international agencies like the Red Cross and the United Nations. So if you fly through Geneva, add a couple of days to your stopover.

4:30 p.m.
1) DATE WITH A FOUNTAIN

Walk or bike along Lake Geneva's glamorous lakefront, where, on a clear day, you can see snow-capped Mont Blanc floating in the horizon. Rent a Bike (41-51-22-51-4820; www.rent-a-bike.ch), at the Gare de Cornavin, the main train station, has bicycles starting at 23 Swiss francs, or $19 at 1.21 Swiss francs to the dollar, for a half day. Start at the immaculate Jardin Anglais, with its famous 15-foot flower clock, one of Geneva's signature sights. Then glide over to the Jetée des Eaux-Vives, a breakwater that leads out to the Jet d'Eau, one of the world's largest fountains. From afar, the fountain might not seem remarkable. But from under the 459-foot-tall column of misting water, it's an awesome spectacle, especially when it's illuminated at night.

8 p.m.
2) FONDUE RENDEZVOUS

Every visitor to Switzerland should sample at least one bubbling cauldron of cheesy stuff, and Restaurant les Armures , inside the Hôtel les Armures (1, rue du Soleil-Levant; 41-22-310-3442; www.hotel-les-armures.ch), is a fondue institution. This wood-beamed restaurant with muskets on the wall is at the top of Old Town, which winds around a hill overlooking the Left Bank. A plaque near the front door commemorates a 1994 visit by Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton. If you're famished, order the cheese fondue with mushrooms (27 Swiss francs).

10 p.m.
3) COCKTAIL CROSSROADS

Walk dinner off with a stroll through the narrow medieval streets and head toward one of the city's favorite meeting places: the leafy Place du Bourg-de-Fours, the former medieval marketplace in the heart of Old Town. A dozen restaurants and cafes surround a tiny 18th-century marble fountain in the cobblestone square. Tiny La Clemence (20, place du Bourg-de-Four, 41-22-310-1096; www.laclemence.ch) is a popular spot during the day for café au lait and a croissant. At night, it draws a lively mix of students, businesspeople and politicians.

Saturday

10 a.m.
4) PROTESTANT HILLTOP

Though the walls of the tiny Old Town are covered in graffiti, the cobblestones and stone facades look much as they did during the Reformation, when John Calvin and John Knox found refuge there and created a “Protestant Rome.” Signs of the Reformation are evident at Cathédrale St.-Pierre (6, cours St.-Pierre; 41-22-319-71-90; www.saintpierre-geneve.ch) with its green-copper spire crowning the hill. A side chapel with 15th-century angel frescoes is a riotous contrast to the austerity of the cathedral's nave, which was stripped of its decorations by 16th-century Protestant reformers. Climb to the top of the north tower (3 Swiss francs) for a sweeping view over the city and the lake.

1:30 p.m.
5) SWISS SCHOOL OF ART

The airy Musée d'Art et d'Histoire (2, Charle-Galland; 41-22-418-2600; www.ville-ge.ch/mah/) features an admirable cross-section of art history, including exceptional works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Cézanne and Picasso. For a real treat, head to the second-floor galleries and get lost in the Genevoise landscapes of the Swiss painters François Diday and his student Alexandre Calame.

3 p.m.
6) VILLA VOLTAIRE

Anyone who says there's no money in philosophy should visit Voltaire's former home, now the Institut et Musée Voltaire (25, rue des Délices; 41-22-344-7133; www.ville-ge.ch/imv). Voltaire was a shrewd businessman, and his writings on liberty and sharp wit won him rich and powerful patrons, including Catherine the Great and Frederick the Great. From his Palladian villa set in an immaculate garden Voltaire in the 18th century set forth the ideas that would help spark the French Revolution. You can read them, along with his personal letters and manuscripts, in the philosopher's sumptuous salons.

5 p.m.
7) HIGH-END TIMEPIECES

If there's any doubt that you're in the world capital of watches, wander down Rue du Rhône with its diamond-encrusted and gold-plated shops. Check out Bucherer (No. 45; 41-22-319-62-66; www.bucherer.ch), which has been selling high-end timepieces since 1888 and has what is thought to be the world's largest selection of Rolexes. A mere 44,000 Swiss francs buys the special-edition platinum model. Not unusual enough? Go up the street to Marconi (No. 53; 41-22-311-3630), a boutique watchmaker that makes only small-run editions. Its clunky, over-the-top timepieces (600 to 850 Swiss francs) look like something Willy Wonka would wear if he could afford them.

8 p.m.
8) ALPINE ARABIA

Geneva has a growing Middle Eastern community, as evidenced by the Arabic script on storefronts, banks and offices all over. For a cultural taste, follow your nose to Rue de Berne, where Libyan bakeries, small teahouses and Middle Eastern restaurants stand side-by-side with the city's small, tidy red-light district. La Caravane Passe (11, rue du Dr. Alfred-Vincent; 41-22-731-3431) is a casual family-run restaurant popular with immigrants and students. Order a steaming plate of traditional lamb couscous (15 Swiss francs) and wash it down with pots of foaming mint tea (3.50 Swiss francs).

11 p.m.
9) TECHNOCRATS

Geneva tends to shut down early, but there are a few spots where you can party with the city's moneyed class. If the high cocktail prices (25 Swiss francs) don't faze you, head to the Platinum Glam Club (18, quai du Seujet; 41-78-726-6941; www.platinum-club.ch). White sofas and V.I.P. lounges surround a pulsating dance floor, where the city's well-dressed 20-to-40-somethings gyrate under strobe lights and smoke machines. The music ranges from thumping techno to Middle Eastern dance music, and notable D.J.'s have included the likes of Busta Rhymes and DMX. Admission is 25 Swiss francs for men, free for women.

Sunday

11 a.m.
10) MODERNIST BRUNCH

Who says the Swiss are humorless? Certainly not the cheery waiters at Faim (5, rue Châtelain; www.faim.ch; 41-22-340-2575), a Scandinavian-sleek cafe on the Right Bank. The funky décor, tasty eats and rotating photo exhibits draw the city's bright young things every Sunday morning. A brunch plate, including delicious restaurant-baked bread and jams, is 28 Swiss francs.

1 p.m.
11) PEACE COMPLEX

When you hear news reports of “negotiations taking place in Geneva,” it invariably refers to the Palais des Nations (14, avenue de la Paix; 41-22-917-4896; www.unog.ch), home to the second-largest United Nations office, after New York. Sprawled along Geneva's Right Bank, this complex of grand offices was built from 1929 to 1936 to serve as the headquarters of the League of Nations. When it was reconstituted as the United Nations after World War II, this became the U.N.'s European headquarters, housing an alphabet soup of organizations like Unicef and WHO. The hourlong tours — in any of the organization's 15 official languages — take you through the enormous Assembly Hall and the commemorative galleries (10 Swiss francs; passport required). Later, stroll the surrounding 87.5-acre Parc de L'Ariana. Avoid being nipped by the peacocks that roam wild. In a city as safe as Geneva, this might be the greatest danger you'll face.

Attractions:
The Baur Collections
Cathédrale St.-Pierre
Fondation Martin Bodmer
Institut et Musée Voltaire
Maison Tavel
MAMCO
Musée Ariana
Musée Barbier-Mueller
Musée International de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge
Musée d'Art et d'Histoire
Palais des Nations
Patek Philippe Museum

Women In Art

Bahá'u'lláh had also in His writings given a most important place to Art, and the practice of skilled trades. He had stated that the practice of an Art or Trade in the true spirit of service was identical with the worship of God.

(Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 71)

Shappi Khorsandi - Persian Comedian

Here is another E-Persian comidian :) Enjoy.

Emancipation of Women: the case of China

A friend of min just shared these disturbing pictures of foot binding with me. This practice started during in the 7th century, when women bound their feet to replicate an imperial concubine who danced with her feet wrapped in silk and whose feet were said to look like lotus flowers; the other concubines were envious and they all started binding their feet in order to impress the emperor.
Girls' feet were bound so tightly and so early in life that, as adults, they were unable to walk significant distances. They were essentially crippled and deprived of autonomy. Foot binding a symbol of status, since only the wealthy could afford to keep women unproductive.
This pratice supposedly ended in the early 20th century.
What more can I say? The values of this world are messed-up...

Restaurant Haifa, Isreal - SintaBar

For all you lovers of meat, for those who find it hard to find a nice cheese burger in the land of kosher, for people who like to sit at a table of 12 people and still be able to talk to each an every person present, I have the perfect solution: Sinta Bar. This small intimate bistro lies in the heart of the Carmel. Chef Ram Lasri offers a Moroccan pastille stuffed with spring chicken, dried fruits and pistachios, escalope served on beet leaves with hyssop pesto, or a lamb burger, served in different weights. Address: 131 Moriah Boulevard, Telf: 972-4-8341170.

P.S. And for ANYONE, who recommend that you go to Cannibar, you might as well invite them to join you. As the proverb says, "Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer!" Cannibar is a definite visit to the bathroom with your head in the throne...sorry for the graphics.

Restaurant in Haifa, Isreal - Namal 24

Talk about a hole in the wall! This restaurant is in the shadiest part of the Haifa port area. Our charming taxi man even refered to it as "harlem", but any danger you might be exposed to it forth it. Haaretz newspaper has describe it as the "hidden gem" of Haifa. Namal means harbor in Hebrew and is situated in Ha (The) Namal (Port) 24, hence it's name.

Hidden behind a heavy metal door which opens on to a staircase, this restaurant is a loft containing one of Haifa’s most beautiful restaurants. Architect Nathan Feibish built this space to showcase his work, with intimate nooks with plenty of atmosphere and character. The menu is made up of French gourmet dishes, with touches of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Restaurant Outside of Haifa, Israel - Noga's Casserole

HaKdira Shel Noga (Noga's Casserole) is in Moshav Beit Sha'arim (on the Haifa-Nazereth Road). It is country style cuisine without a single note of falsity. Tel 04 983-0730.

The inside is wide with wooden tables etc just like your everyday "far away from home yet on the road so let's go there" restaurant. The outside is great - they have a great big loan where you can sit (or lay down) and relax after your meal and right behind it a great big vine bearing the most wonderful huge grapes. Beautiful!

Restaurant in Hertzeliah, Israel - Minna Tomei

If you enjoy a combination of various culinary traditions while it does not fit specifically into any particular one, you will enjoy Minna Tomei. In its smoke-free environment with color-lit walls, the concept is Japanese style kitchen that is prepared openly in front of the guests. Our favorite was the Jazmine rolls (picture below) - very much recommended! Some of the people I went with compared it to the famous Sushi Samba, which is one of my personal favorite restarants, but with more reasonable prices and more variety of food for those who are not so crazy about eating raw fish. Telf: (09) 9618877

P.S. You definitely need to organize for cabbing or transportation because Hertzeliah is the weirdest city - where cab drivers will not take you from the train station to the area of the city where this restaurant is situated (right of the highway on the second exit of Hertzeliah when you are coming from Haifa direction).

Restaurants in Tel Aviv, Israel - Nanuchka

It has been a while that the girls and I have been discovering some exquisite restaurants in Tel Aviv. Since most people will only eat somewhere that comes with good recommendations, I am posting this to reassure you that you will NOT be disappointed of the food and service of these hot spots - hands down, extraordinary culinary experiences! ...as for the company, I'll leave that to you (heeheehee).

Nanuchka is a Georgian restaurant where all the dishes are made by the owner herself. The restaurant consists of 4 dining rooms, all nicely decorated in a traditional Georgian style with music and entertainment (ex. our gay waiter not only advised us with the best dishes, but was hilarious, hospitable, and very charming).

Georgian food is doubtlessly an authentic gastronomic phenomenon, which includes all types of meat and fish. The choice of fruits, appetizers and vegetarian meals is even wider – as an ancient settled culture Georgians developed a rich vegetarian menu. The different combinations of a variety of spices, fresh organic food, and the excellence of the cooks, make Georgian food an unforgettable experience. Address: 28 Lillenblum St. Telf: 03-5162254

Baha'i Musical Project

Perhaps most of you know already about this, but I'm really excited that the launch date of the new album Arise from the Drawnbreaker Collection is coming out on 24 May 2007.

Inspired by the challenge of the Universal House of Justice to reach out to junior youth and youth worldwide. An amazing group of artists came together to create an album about faith that would appeal to their peers. The result, Arise, the groundbreaking debut album from the Dawnbreaker Collective. Featuring an eclectic mix of styles including Hip-Hop, Spoken Word, Folk, Roots and Pop. Arise is a true journey into what it means to be spiritual warrior in todays society. The Album is produced by Benny Cassette one of the hottest young producers in Hollywood and includes the talents of Andy Grammer, Rob 'Iodine' Sinclair, Isfandyar, Devon Gundry, Vahid, Ray Loo, Matu, Mathai, Ruth Foreman, Jamal 'J-bird' DeGruy and the sublime vocals of Tara Ellis.

Visit their new myspace page and hear some of the music, buy the single and watch some videos.

President Bush Makes Fun of Himself (really)

If you have difficulties following his lead, try watching a couple seasons of the West Wing and come back to our Presidents speeches. I love President Barlet. Thank you West Wing.

Maz Jobrani - Persians and Arabs

So much material to work with - to my Persian friends, you'll love this! and to others, learn a little more from where I come from.

Masses are waiting

It have been a while the Plan of God has been unfolding.

Beit She'arim and the "Real" Herb Far

Wow! As if my amazement and love for this country couldn’t grow. Yesterday, a friend of ours took us on a field trip to her town and its surroundings. We started with the archeological site of Bet She’arim. This is an ancient Jewish town where the Supreme Court of the region settled once they left Jerusalem to re-write the civil code of laws. Also, Rabbi Judah Hanassi is buried here and this attracted many others to be placed next to this much loved figure. There are two highlights, which I found marvelous. The first is the name of the city: Bet (house) She’arim (gate). The doors of the caves where the sarcophagus are placed are elaborated at the door of the residence; thus, implying that these caves where homes of the deceased. This town was considered to be the “meeting between two worlds – the world of living and the world of the dead.”

Following, we then went to a delicious restaurant that we would not found without our dear local and an exquisite herb farm. Here you can find the biggest, larger, hugest-mongus assortment of spices, dried fruits, and dried flowers. You can even scent the spices from the parking lot.

Finally, we ended up in Bet Lehem Haglilit. From what I hear this place has a lot to say, but we didn’t have enough time to discover it. To be continued….