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.
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, 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!
We boarded the bus and headed to our first stop at Tzfat. Ori shared the fascinating history of the four holy cities. We toured a synagogue, visited a art gallery and had time to shop at some boutique shops in the narrow alley ways. We ended our tour with falafel from a local hotspot.
After the first three days together, Bus 222 feels like one big Mishpachah (family). It turns out that spending 72 straight hours with a group of people brings you all together. Who would have known?
Many of us commented on how the scenery reminded of us hiking memories from home, but the excitement to be here in Israel was real. As we sat scattered among the rocks surrounding a small stream-fed pool, our Israeli tour guide, Moos, told us about the world leading progress Israel is making in terms of sustainable water management.
I have been nothing but excited and grateful to be apart of Birthright, this experience so far has great, I have made new friends and have taken tons of pictures on the hike of the amazing rock formations and the beautiful waterfall.
The next stop involved something we can all relate to: Food. This wasn't our standard lunch. Instead we enjoyed delicious Israeli dishes such as falafel and schwarma. For many of us, the was the first time having these classic meals, and there were nothing but smiles when we finished up!
After finally getting a good nights sleep, we began the day by heading to Tel Dan for a morning hike. Following the hike, we went kayaking in the Jordan River. The most striking part of our trip down the river was watching Jewish Israelis (religious and secular) and Arab Israelis enjoying themselves - laughing and splashing each other absent any animosity or tension.
"We went to Mount Bental, where we could see the Israel/Syria border. We learned the history and recent hardships of that area while getting to interact with UN soldiers from Ireland, Switzerland, and Australia."