Day 1
After enduring a 10-hour sleepless flight, we touched down at Ben Gurion Airport. We then enjoyed a 45 minute line for passport control. Exhausted from this series of long waits, we reunited with our lovely Shorashim-mates. We were introduced to our Israeli companions that would be accompanying us during our 10-day stay, followed up with a traditional Shorashim dance in which we formed a circle joining hands, jumping to the right while shouting, 'Achim, Achim, Achim Achim Achim! Simcha, Simcha, Simcha Simcha Simcha!' This dance, while being an intriguing sight for surrounding spectators, also re-awakened our sleep-deprived spirits. After converting our US Dollars for sheckels and some snacks as a bonus, we were treated to a 3-hour bus ride, stopping at none other than McDonalds for a bathroom break. We then rejoiced at our arrival in Israel with a shot of... grape juice, saying the
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Shehechiyanu shouting 'L'Chaim!' in unison. Hopping back on the bus, we continued toward tonight's destination and our current location, the Malkiya Kibbutz. It is beautiful here, covered with green grass, thick trees, and luscious flowers of reds and yellows. We joined for some ice breakers, and we all felt our group cohesion strengthening by the minute.
~Russ Levine
