Seeing the World With Different Eyes

The city of Akko sits directly on the Mediterranean Sea. The Lighthouse Square offers an incredible view.

I'll never forget the first time we traveled to Israel. It was in 2012 and we were with a small group of people for a specific reason: To photograph and document the medical and culinary aspects of Israel. Although we were all together, we each had different ideas about what to expect and what we wanted to see.

I was in awe at the different terrain, plants and culture around me. My husband was interested in the architecture; another friend with us was concentrating on experiencing the food and the way it was prepared. Each of us were intent on learning about the religious and historic aspects of the country. We had many shared experiences but saw them from different perspectives.

On one specific evening, we traveled to Akko (Acre) where we had dinner at a place called the Uri Buri Restaurant. This 400-year old Ottoman-era structure is owned and hosted by the chef of the same name, (actually Uri Jeremias). Located on Lighthouse Square, the small and delightful eatery, with a seating capacity of about 20, is directly across the street from the Mediterranean Sea.

My husband, Rick, filmed our dinner and the interior of the building. Our traveling companion was the host of a syndicated TV cooking show.

After a long evening of personal stories and entertainment from the owner, around 11 p.m. he decided we needed to see "the rest of the story" and we traveled a few blocks to his hotel which, at that time, had just undergone a major renovation.

The Efendi Hotel has an incredible story of its own; Uri guided us from room to room, dining quarters, open shared spaces and recently uncovered wine cellar.

Being married to a contractor, I was enthralled by the solid marble floors and stairs, the rich tapestry and hand-painted murals. I understood the historic value of the building.

Interior shared room in the Efendi Hotel. Marble floors, hand painted ceiling and wall murals throughout.

Rick was completely engrossed in the details of what they had to do to the building to restore it to its present opulence. Once a palace, the building had been abandoned for years until Uri decided to purchase it and restore it. Originally built in the late 1700's, it was then erected over remains of a Crusader building that had not been exposed until the new construction. Uri purchased it in 2003, and it took eight and a half years of restoration it so that it would be livable, if only for one night at a time.

I saw the palace from the eyes of an awe-struck, want-to-be princess; Rick saw it from the aspect of blood, sweat and lots of investments. Yet both saw it from the incredible historic implications that the building and region held.

When we left, I asked Uri if he lived in the hotel. He laughed and said, "Are you kidding? I can't afford to live there!"

Traveling with a group provides an insight like none other.

If you are looking to see the world, let us help you create your own "travel club" or join one of our upcoming trips.