Wow - what a last few days we have had! The internet has been extremely spotty so haven't been able to update the blog, but finally have a decent signal so just wanted to summarize the last few days and then enjoy all of the pictures!!
Sunday June 22
Sunday June 22
- We started off the day with an ecological tour of Kibbutz Lotan and had the chance to create some arches out of mud bricks and learn all about the kibbutz.
- From there, we left the deep south of the Negev and went up to the Dead Sea where everyone had the chance to put on the mud, float in the sea and just enjoy this once in a lifetime experience in the lowest point on earth
- We washed ourselves off and then went near Arad where we were going to stay at Kfar HaNokdim, which is a Bedouin Tent (mostly for tourists), but to learn about Bedouin hospitality, ride camels, donkeys, go on a short night hike under the stars and then all sleep in one giant tent together!
Kibbutz Lotan
Dead Sea
Kfar HaNokdim Bedouin Tent
Time to ride camels & donkeys!!
Michal Uziyahu (our Colorado Shaliach) comes to speak with the group
A Bedouin Feast!
Monday June 23
- We woke up bright & early at 3:30am to drive to Massada and then hike up the Roman Ramp
- We witnessed an incredible sunrise together, sang songs and enjoyed the majestic view. We toured all around the fortress learning all about King Herod and then mustered up enough energy to hike down the Snake Path
- After having a much needed breakfast at the bottom of Massada, we took a bus and went to Ein Gedi. We took a short hike to an incredible waterfall that energized all of us with the amazing cool water.
- Within minutes of boarding the bus to head up to the North of Israel, nearly everyone had completely passed out after such a wonderful start to the day
- After a few hours of a bus ride, we arrived at our destination of Kfar Kedem! We had the chance to dress up as they did in Biblical times, make our own pita, ride donkeys and enjoyed another amazing feast!
Sunrise at Massada
Hike to Ein Gedi
Kfar Kedem
Tuesday June 24 (pics posted later since on different camera)
- We started off our day with an incredible hike down Mount Arbel where we witness a breathtaking view of the view of Tiberias.
- We then took a windy road up to Zefat where we had some of the country's best Shawarma, shopped, toured some of the synagogues and had the amazing chance to listen to Kabbalist Artists Sheva Chaya (grew up in Colorado, went on IST and graduated from Cherry Creek High School) talk about her water color painting & glass blowing and then followed up by hearing from Avraham Lowenthal talk about Kabbalah and the essence of our very own name and how truly deep the meaning is for all of us.
- We concluded the evening in the town of Peki-in where we enjoyed wonderful Druze hospitality and learned all about this amazing culture.
Wednesday June 25
- Today we started off the day with a wonderful hike around Jilabun. We hiked down to a waterfall and enjoyed the amazing view.
- From Jilabun we took a bus up to Mount Bental which has an incredible scenic view of Israel, Lebanon and Syria. This location was integral in the 1967 war with Syria and is such an important part of Israel's history. You are able to see into Syria, the UN buildings and border from a distance.
- We left Mount Bental and headed towards the city of Katsrin where we visited the Olive Oil Factory. Everyone had the chance to learn about an olive press, put olive oil cleanser on our faces and try their delicious olive oil dipped in Zahatar.
- After enjoying a delectable treat, we went to Tiberias where a boat was waiting for us and we took a short cruise on the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) and singing and dancing to music. What a great way to end the day!!
Hike to Jilabun
Mount Bental
Olive Oil Factory
Boat Cruise on the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee)
