My personal favorite part was seeing the faces of the participants when they finally got off the plane and realized they were in Israel. In a word, awe.
My personal favorite part was seeing the faces of the participants when they finally got off the plane and realized they were in Israel. In a word, awe.
So far, it has been a splendid time meeting everyone from our bus from all around the US and the Israelis that are along for the ride as well. The Israelis help make our experience more authentic and memorable and are doing a great job of doing so.
Looking forward to an exciting and physically demanding day tomorrow (filled with hiking and kyaking). Until tomorrow, time for some well-earned sleep!
We spent a lot of time going around saying our names so we could get to know each other better. The team building and bonding activities were a lot of fun and a great way not only to learn everyone’s names quicker but to become more comfortable being ourselves among a new group of people. The afternoon free time was an opportunity for us to either rest or relax by ourselves or with our new friends. Having Havdallah was a very meaningful way to end our first shabbat together and to start the next phase of our adventure.
I am happy I was able to have a brief taste of the true Israeli life and set the context for the incredible cultural journey. am happy I was able to have a brief taste of the true Israeli life and set the context for the incredible cultural journey.
Today was a great first day! We began in the Golan Heights, which was a wonderful start to our discussions of Israel's security challenges.
Today, we kicked off our tour of Israel wth a hike in the beautiful Golan Heights. After lunch we went to the top of Mount Bental. It was a little chilly and windy because we were actually inside of a cloud, but I was happy because there was a coffee shop there! Later in the afternoon we travelled near the Sea of Galilee where we got a chance to swim and relax in the hot springs. Overall, it was a great day and I am very excited to continue our adventure here in Israel!
Arriving after a long day of traveling, we finally arrived at the kibbutz safely. We scarfed down a delicious dinner and then rang in the New Year at the local bar!
Our first day was filled with unplanned weather, some snow caused our hikes to be cancelled. Instead we were able to tour Olea Essence where we learned extensively about olive oil and sampled six flavors!
Had a great Shabbat, after dinner we played games and got to know eachother more personally. A modified rock paper scisors tournament ended in in the Hava Nagila!!
We were greeted with open arms and big smiles by our new Israeli friends, and we even learned a new song in the middle of the airport! We're only in the middle of our first day, but I know that the following 10 days hold some of the best experiences that I'll have.
Our group arrived in Tel Aviv, after a long flight, greeted by a line of Israelis still in their IDF uniforms dancing and singing like fools. It brought a huge smile on my face and immediately made me feel comfortable, at home, and excited to meet all of them.
After this, we got on a bus to travel a few more hours north to Kibbutz Afik. We then had to run around Afik in search for our rooms which were nowhere near where we were at; it was an adventure. The first of many I’m sure.