First Station

I mentioned earlier how incredible the rejuvination of Jerusalem's first train station is, but it really deserves more space, especially because we are there SO often!  The station was a completely broken down shambles when we were here in 2011 - see Ronnie in front of it here.

In the past few years, they have completely re-purposed it and it is AMAZING.  There is a beautiful path that is created right on the old tracks that can be walked and it turns into a gorgeous paved path.  They rent bikes and kid trailers, segways for following the path about 6 miles to the current train tracks.  There is a free app to download that gives you a walking or bike tour.  There are restaurants, shaded areas, a huge movie screen for outdoor movies, a history of the area, shops, and an incredible and mostly free area for kids that includes a gymboree, daily activities, face painting, building blocks, train tracks, etc.  It is gorgeous, "green", and such an honor to the original use.

We rented electric bikes and took the kids in a trailer.  We had a BLAST and the extra boost of the motor makes you feel like you are a real bad-ass rider! It was slightly scary navigating as we got out of the station and into the city, but to see these trails built beautifully out of no-mans-land is so cool.

Ronnie has taken the kids there a million times to play, as the area designated for kids is incredible.  We have gone to a music class there that is incredibly adorable and very similar to ones we've done in the states.  As with most everything here, it is in English!!

Every time we go, Cela feels the need to get up and dance.  And I quote "I really need to dance now". And so, she does...look at those curls flying!