Day 4: Welcome to Tel Aviv
I woke up on the morning of the fourth day full of excitement. This was the day that we were to travel to Tel Aviv. On our way to Tel Aviv, we learned about the JNF and their mission to improve population distribution thoughout the southern half (the Negev) and in the north of Isreal. One of JNF's longest, most important and well-known efforts is planting trees. We made our way to a JNF forest and had the opportunity to plant seeds that would become oak trees. I felt that we were helping to improve Israel even through the smallest gesture. That somehow our short yet amazing time here would be remembered by the seeds we planted that would eventually become oak trees.
After planting the seeds, we promptly boarded the bus and made our way to Tel Aviv. Our first stop in Tel Aviv was a panel for entrepenures in Israel. We listened to the presentation and were struck by how much innovation has to come out of a country that has such limited resources. Money and time has to be spent efficiently otherwise this country would struggle to survive. Instead, Israel thrives, largely due to the beautifully resillient people creating new revenue streams and innovative technologies. We wrapped up lunch after the entrepenure panel and left to go to the beach. I'm not going to lie, my favorite part of the day was the beach. I am a long island girl that has always loved to play in the waves, and now I had the opportunity to do so with over fourty of my new, yet incredibly close, friends.
After applying and reapplying as much sunscreen as my body could handle, I was to ready. We all ran into the water together amazed that the water could be so beatuiful and warm. We climbed on top of each other taking pictures and laughing and playing in the waves. Occasionally a strong wave would come and knock a few of us down, but we would emerge from the water unhurt and laughing. I spent two hours in those waves laughing and playing with friends, and that is something i will never forget. Eventually, we had to say goodbye to teh beach, walking away with sadness playing in our hearts, yet excitement at the prospect of the new adventures the next day would inevitably bring.
