And So it Begins...

After a long, sleepless ten-hour airplane ride, it all started with my mysterious bruise. Doing countless name games and icebreakers helped us come to the realization that knowing the difference between FOUR Mikes, TWO Adams, TWO Dannys, and TWO Katies was virtually impossible. This was the birth of the infamous nicknames. On our bus we have "Cheeky Mike", "Punching Mike" (responsible for my bruise), "Fire Mike", and "Michigan Mike" (Erin's least favorite...GO GREEN!). We also have a comic relief which includes a unique partnership between Alex and Cheeky Mike. There are also two bromances/married couples which include Brayden and Steve and Alex and Cheeky Mike. Our first few days included a hike through the Golan leading to a wonderfully refreshing waterfull that led us all to feel super accomplished once we were finished, a bonding experience/overnight camp at a Kibbutz that we all called home after only three short days, naming the kibbutz animals (except for Erin who we all protected from the "killer" dogs), the stray cats that are comparable to pigeons in the USA, delicious falafel, shawarma, hummus, carbs, CARBS, did we mention carbs?, and just the best first few days of a trip that made strangers into family. More to come! Peace, Love, & Hummus- Erin & Rachel (the creater of the nicknames)