Day 2 -- Hiking in the Golan!

After arriving at Kibbutz Afik around midnight last night, 7:30 was early for breakfast. But we were all there -- hungry, tired, and ready to go. Our first breakfast of eggs, cheese, and salad, or toast with chocolate spread provided us with the energy we needed to hike in the Gilabun. The Golan Heights provided a beautiful setting for our adventures. Fig trees, oleander flowers, wading through streams... finally a waterfall!
Our adventures then took us to a family-owned olive press, where Avner, the owner, welcomed us. We tasted six different types of olive oil, including one of their specialities, Garlic Olive Oil. Many of us brought treats to bring home.

After our first shnitzel or falafel or shwarma, we headed to Ben Tal. Amit, our tour guide, showed us the Syrian Border and shared several stories from the Yom Kippur War. I began to get a sense of how important it is to protect this land.

We also visited the Knerret Cemetary. The graves of Rachel and Naomi Schemmer were our main stopping points, as we learned about their beautiful poetry and their personal desire to see Israel live up to its potential as a place of peace.

Lastly, an overlook above the Knerret, return to the Kibbutz, dinner, and games! Tomorrow we are doing another hike and then visiting Tzfat. Laila Tov!