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Welcome to our Blog where you can find daily updates about
all the latest news from 'A Taste of Israel' Trip 2010
Tuesday 1st June |
Group 1 - We started the day very early (again!) with UJIA volunteering. We first got up close with some birds and other animals, the most beautiful of which was the kingfisher, it had stunning blue wings and was quite regal! We also saw otters swimming in and out of their homes in the sides of the river banks. We then built bird houses to encourage birds to live in certain areas so they could eat caterpillars which were destroying the vegetation. Whilst doing this we learnt about the environment, we really felt like we wanted to make a difference. Following this we went Kayaking, which was exhilarating and very wet, we got quite competitive splashing each other and trying to steal oars from other boats, but overall it really brought the group together. After drying off we sat down to a special lunch of burgers and chips which made a nice change from sandwiches! Later that afternoon we went on a cruise in the Kinneret, it was however a special cruise as although we enjoyed the views for a bit, the main activity was a lot of dancing and drumming on bongos. It was majorly hot but very exciting and a lot of fun! Dinner was pizza and salads, another treat and everyone was very lively following the cruise. In the evening we went to the market which was really pleasant as the hot day had turned in to a pleasantly warm evening. Don’t worry guys, whilst wondering around the market we bought some presents for you at home! As it was Annie’s birthday the evening finished with Cake and a game of ‘wah’ - The perfect end to an amazing day. Just a brief note to say at the end that although we are having a great time with barely a moment to think of you (although Annie manages somehow!) we do miss you very much.
Love Annie, Sarah and Georgia From the Staff The students were very tired and slept on the bus again, but really gave their all to the activities; it was great to see them take an interest in nature and challenging each other in the Kayaking. Despite the busy schedule they are all in very high spirits! Best Wishes ___________________________________________________ |
Group 2 - Yet another amazing day! We woke up early yet again – this time at 6.15am. We then did tefillah outside our rooms on the grass, had a nice breakfast and got on the coach. We went to a soup kitchen that is made for the poor families in Israel and is also for holocaust survivors who can’t afford to live now. This proved to be very exciting. We cut and peeled tomatoes and cucumbers and everyone enjoyed it. After that, we walked for 15 minute to the coach and went to Yad Vashem, the holocaust museum. When we got there we went in groups to our assigned tour guide and walked around the museum. We saw everything from Hitler’s rise to power which we new about from History to what happened in the camps. It was very emotional and a lot to take in and understand, especially at our age. We then ate lunch at a hill near the museum. Following this, we visited Mount Hertzl and the Theodor Hertzl museum. It was very interesting and we all learnt a lot about such an inspirational man. We then walked around Mount Hertzl and visited gravestones which continued to increase the tug on our emotions. Later that evening, we sat around a campfire, sang songs, ate marshmellows etc. Today I learnt that we should appreciate what we have and never to take life for granted. Many people are not as lucky as us, and died just because they were Jewish.
Ollie Hart xxx ___________________________________________________ |
Group 3 - The day that never ends!!! Today we got up at 3.30am (yes, AM) so that we could climb Massada and (aim to) be at the top for sunrise. A crazy group of ten decided to run up with Eli, our madrich. Mayan and Joseph made it first - you go guys! Some of us took it a little easier - not that it was easy! - and whether at the top or somewhere in the middle, we saw the most beautiful sunrise that reminded us of the beauty of G-d's creation. A special tefillah service was held at the top before a tour of the fortress and the cable car (thank goodness) down. Then we went to the Dead Sea. The girls and boys went to separate beaches and thoroughly enjoyed the experience after the hike up Massada. It didn't end there though! We then went to En Gedi which is a natural fresh water spring. We all loved the fresh water after so much salt! Finally it was (only!) lunchtime. A picnic lunch and then we headed off to Tel Aviv. Unfortunately, our coach broke down. We waited, in the heat, for our replacement. It meant that our well earned rest time before dinner was eaten up but we all trudged on as well as we could. Finally we made it to our hotel, and after a quick turn around, went to Azriely Mall for a pizza dinner (our first milky meal in seven days!) and a spot of shopping. Before we went to bed, we were treated to a mini-concert by Sam in the lobby of the hotel. We gathered around the baby grand piano and Sam played Fur Elise, I Got a Feeling and others, as we sang along, or just enjoyed - what a treat!
Then off to bed! Zzzzzzzzzzzz... From Group 3 staff, students and Madrichim. PS We apologise for the late posts but we have had internet connection problems since Sunday which are hopefully now resolved!!
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