A Moving Few Days | Shorashim - Israel with Israelis

A Moving Few Days

By Peter Caronti

The first step onto the ancient lands of our great ancestors marked the official start of this pilgrimage what we will call home for the next 10 days. The faces of old and new friends fill the bustling airport as we are greeted and welcomed by our native family. The welcoming embrace , energy and high spirits act as the most fitting catalyst to this life changing journey we currently navigate through compiling the essence of knowledge, culture, and the true meaning of love amongst the beautiful human beings that make this earth the most unique place to live.

The opportunity to raise our consciousness to grow our home into the future we deserve has been an exciting trip. The small bantering and elementary level exchanges bloom into meaningful bonded transfers of energy and the indescribable feeling we have meeting someone with the intentions of becoming a friend. Through the transition of planes and time zones added up against everyone's daily grind, these obstacles were no match for the true miracle occurring before our weary eyes. The first segment of our newly sprouted adventure began with a sunset accompanied our cruise as the rolling hills, vibrant greens and intriguing landscape filled our minds with ecstatic energy for this new experience.

The Kibbutz Gadot of Golan Heights became the perfect live platform and foundation to recharge and re-center for the next day. The selection of homegrown produce and local recipes prepared by our generous host satisfied the well-known travel hunger. The application of old practices once again connected us as our family meal commenced. The day began as the sun peaked above the horizon and the coo of mourning doves humbly greeted us. The flow of the day led us on a steep descent into Jilaboon. The diverse mixture of landscape and labyrinth-like path brought us to a naturally occurring collection pool that had been detected on camera and lens. It will be a good time to get the same as the one I had a been fed steadily by a billowing waterfall. The crisp water was the perfect remedy to combat the daily heat as our trip continued. The hilling terrain shifted from high to low showing the erratic nature of the geographical plates, as our caravan pushed onward to our yet to be traveled path. The vast landscapes continued to impress as we completed/our final ascension. Upon completing the conquest of Jillaboon,  the local ice cream man's selection of sweets served as our deliciously decadent spoils. The journey led us to the river Jordan as we navigated the rapids amongst fun and friends. The speedy voyage down the river balanced the tranquility and chaos that occurs in the daily life in all corners of the world no matter what our particular state. The miracle of true happiness caught the observant eye as a fellow raft rained down bitter, cold shrapnel. Even without the ability to speak love and give positive energy, the adventure served as the liaison to connect us to newly encountered friends. Happiness has no voice, no look, and no restrictions in this journey of life.

Wednesday Morning started with a high vantage point as we looked over the ancient battlefield of Mt.Arbel. The weathered stone had been polished and smoothed by the constant descending traffic. The roofs in the village displayed the diversity amongst the village , a synergy of a flat and pitched roofs that will be passed down to future generations. The ancient steps and cave which acted as a place of solitude during war times. These ancient ruins and picturesque steps serve as the most fitting stage for another family photograph. The passerbys a lone grazing cow and an old olive press placed perfectly in the center of  our path. The soil mimicked that of bold Turkish coffee .The deep blue shades of Tzfat greeted us as their hues blended into the seemingly graspable sky. The rich tradition , nergy and craftsmanship poured through the streets as we explored this mystic mosaic like oasis perched in the sky. The exchange of history transformed the traditional synagogue into a mobile manifestation, #Bus538.

Today marks  the end of our stay at the Kibbutz Gadot. The place we have made our home and many memories at is left but never forgotten as the sun shines brightly on our backs. The race to Tel Aviv began as our bus motored down the open unblazed trail. The Seanet Hotel chosen as our new sanctuary amongst this new opportunity for adventure deeper in Israel and its many gifts.

The crystal clear water, soft sand and company of friends made the beach a great stop before our casual stroll through the thriving market. The new innovation and architecture of the Israeli Stock Exchange was just as impressive as the State of Mind program ran by Taglit. The many applications and new technology have allowed Israel to become a leader in energy as well efficiency amongst the entire world. The interactive display provided useful applications like Lingualy and Worldmate which are useful tools wherever your travels may take you. The selection of fresh produce,spices and local cuisine filled the air with the most tempting of smells. The restaurant we visited had a modern take on shawarma and kabobs.The combination of super fresh herbs, perfectly seared beef and the richness of the freshly baked bread balanced with the acidity of the tomato dressing. The evening filled with fun and dancing at a local hangout. The modern atmosphere accompanied with the latest musical hits keep the energy pumping after a jam packed day entertainment.

Starting off the day with an unforgettable piece of history of the assassination of former prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, an event which changed the state of Israel forever. Israel has continued to work towards a united state while maintaining their positive diplomatic relations. What will Israel have to do to achieve respect and acknowledgement as a state.