Each year on the CAARI program we do a tour of Jaffa, the clock tower, the square, the underground museum, and the old streets. This year – it was different! We went to the old American Colony (originally inhabited by Christians from Maine) where we saw one of the houses renovated from the 1800’s with some of the original wood on the back and sides of the building. Aside from the slightly different shade, it was difficult to tell. Imagine – they brought this wood from Maine! We also visited a grand house which is now a hostel. It belonged to the Peter Ustinov’s (the actor) Grandfather. There we met Pedro an architect who is in charge of the renovations and rebuilding of the area. He showed us original glass slides from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s. The slides were shown on a projector from that era of life in Palestine, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem – what great views! He found this treasure of slides while cleaning out one of the old buildings. We ended our visit with a tour of the old Jaffa port which is also being renewed. They had just uncovered the orginal steps to the port built by the Turks. We couldn’t help thinking of the people who walked these steps as they landed on the shores of Palestine. The renewel in the area is unbelievable. It will be a great place to visit next year.