Fort Simpson (Feb 17/06) - A five-year wait was worth it for Diane and Tyrone Larkin, who recently returned from a pilgrimage to Haifa, Israel.

Tyrone and Diane Larkin in Haifa, Israel, during their pilgrimage. - photos courtesy of Diane Larkin

The Larkins, who are Baha'i, applied five years ago to go on the nine-day pilgrimage to the city that is the spiritual and administrative centre of the Baha'i faith.

"It's a very personal decision to go on a pilgrimage," said Diane Larkin.

A pilgrimage is something you feel inspired to do, she said. This was their second pilgrimage, having travelled to Israel before, more than 27 years ago.

"It's a very moving experience," said Larkin.

For a Baha'i, going to Haifa means being in the holiest spot on earth. Larkin said it's a privilege to be able to go on a pilgrimage and say prayers for assistance in such a holy spot.

It's also difficult to explain in words.

"It's a very personal experience and it's hard to share with anyone else," she said.

The Larkins were with approximately 250 other pilgrims who were put into smaller groups of about 40 by language preference.

They were encouraged to spend as much time as possible in the shrines, which include the Shrine of the Bab, the martyr-herald of the religion and the Shrine of Baha'u'llah, the religion's founder.

But the pilgrims also toured the administrative buildings for the religion.

In the archives, they were able to briefly see the only painting depicting the Bab and the only photograph of Baha'u'llah. Images of the two men are not allowed to be reproduced.

Part of the experience was meeting Baha'i from other countries, said Larkin. The couple met a family from New Orleans who had lost everything in the recent flood.

They also met Maoris from New Zealand and talked about issues they face that are similar to those of aboriginals in Canada.

Despite being in Israel, Larkin said they felt very safe.

There was some security in modern shopping areas where metal detector wands were used and they saw a few military planes fly overhead.

The Larkins enjoyed the olives and cheeses and ate falafels and swarmas.

Although it was winter there, the climate was moderate with temperatures between 5 and 15C.

"Compared to here, it was fabulous," she said.

Larkin said they will carry the memories from their pilgrimage with them.

"It's a precious experience," she said.