Slow Food as a Way of Life 

Pausa was originally conceived in the spirit of and according to the Slow Food Movement, which subsequently led us to establish the nonprofit organization - Slow Food Upper Galilee. The most active chapter in Israel, we aim to reinvigorate people's interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes, and how food choices affect the rest of the world. Like other clusters the world over, we affirm the following: 

• Everyone has a fundamental right to pleasure and, thus, the responsibility to protect the traditions and cultures that make this pleasure possible. The Slow Food movement is founded upon the recognition of the strong connections between plate and planet.

• Slow Food is good, clean and fair food. We believe that the food we eat should taste good; that it should be produced in a clean way that does not harm the environment, animal welfare, or our health; and that food producers should receive fair compensation for their work.

Pausa is a gourmet inn which offers both warm hospitality and fresh cuisine in the slow food tradition.  Whenever possible, our food comes from our own garden or from those of our neighbors. It is best eaten at leisure and in the company of friends. 

For more details about the local Slow Food Movement or how to become a Slow Foodie yourself, we welcome your questions or check out our website: www.slowfood.org.il 
 

Pausa and Mother Earth 

Pausa - as both a community and a business - is committed to the principles of responsible ecotourism which include, minimizing the negative aspects of conventional tourism on our environment and enhancing the cultural integrity of local people. Beyond these concerns, those involved in the field of ecotourism regularly promote recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, public transportation, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities. 

How does this play out at Pausa? In general we keep our grounds clean and quiet and try to conserve water and recycle natural resources; we encourage the purchase of local products, work with local purveyors, and hire local residents (primarily students) to work on site, all in an effort to try to preserve the vitality of our community.  

As you walk our grounds, you will notice Pausa's clearly labeled trash bins for separate disposal of plastic, paper and glass, which are then recycled locally. Moreover, Pausa's chef composts his organic garbage and then reintroduces it back into nature in our own garden. This practice is closely related to our strong ties to the Slow Food Movement. 

Pausa is also acting to directly decrease our water and energy use. For example, we rely on drip irrigation for our agricultural needs and use a timer lighting system. 

When possible, Pausa tries to use environmentally friendly cleaning products in our guest rooms and public spaces. Pausa's signature towels, bedding, robes, and slippers are professionally laundered between guest handling by a local cleaner that uses cleaning agents which are gentle on the environment. As a practice, we don't refresh the towels used during stays of two nights or less, but are happy to, if requested.  

In other words Pausa, understanding the enormous value of tourism for our beautiful region, is trying to minimize the cost to the environment through our own activities and by increasing community and guest awareness. Don't just take our word for it though - since 2007, Pausa was cited by the LIFE Project (an NGO dedicated to the sound management of Jordan River sources) as a recognized operator in the region's ecotourism community, an honor of which we are most proud!  
 

Thank you and enjoy your stay,

Your hosts - Einat and Avigdor