3:00 AM Thoughts
After several days of travel that blended into one, the morale at breakfast started off a little slow due to jet lag. Despite a slow start on our first full day of Shorashim, #Bus460 gradually came alive as we approached the Zavitan hike. Personally, Birthright was off to a rocky start when I arrived safely in Tel Aviv, but was informed that my luggage had arrived safely in Frankfurt…Fortunately, with a bit of patience, a communicative Ben Gurion Airport staff, and unwavering support from the Shorashim [dream] team, my suitcase was delivered by the time we returned from our day in the Golan Heights sun.
When we arrived at the starting point of our first hike, Yossi assured us that in order to make the most of this hike, all we needed was sunscreen, water, hats, and a positive attitude. Due to my lack of luggage and the hat requirement, I ended up with the privilege of borrowing a rainbow umbrella hat for maximum comfort, fashion, and sun protection (see top photo). Once we embarked on our first outdoor adventure, our group stayed in a single file line to ensure a landmine free path and minimal contact cow manure.
After much trekking, hydration games, history lessons and a couple spontaneous dance and rap performances, we arrived at the watering hole where we were greeted by a 45-year old man jumping off a 30-foot cliff into the cool, refreshing stream. As the sun reached its highest point, our group made the most of the swimming opportunity between games of לראות אותך בארוחת בוקר (AKA Donkey in the Middle) and various “selfie” photos.
The return hike to #Bus460 led us to our next adventure…lunch in Katzrin, a small city in the Golan Heights. We had an hour to explore options including but not limited to Shwarma, Falafel, and Hommus. We were very lucky to be accompanied by our favorite Israelis who helped us every step of the way, ensuring that us American tourists would get the most out of these Israeli lunch classics. I was fortunate enough to be in an adventurous group who ventured to two different restaurants in order to experience both authentic Shwarma and Hommus.
After lunch, we took a 15-minute bus ride to the Syrian border for an unforgettable experience. We were in clear view of Syrian soil, and less than 60km from Damascus. With my only perspective on Syria being from the mainstream American media, I hadn’t dreamed of being in clear view of the country. We had the opportunity to hear first hand accounts of Israel – Syria relations from Omer and Yossi, as well as meeting UN Soldiers and exploring an Israeli bunker. Yossi’s comment really struck a cord with me, indicating that while today’s Israeli – Arab relations are unstable and uncertain, everything could change in a matter of days…and that Damascus has excellent hommus, which is one of many reasons Yossi dreams of a day where borders are open for civilians to drive back and forth as they please.
As if a 4.5-mile hike (confirmed by several FitBits) and a trip to the Syrian border weren’t enough of an adventure, we made an afternoon stop at the Jordan River where we rafted and paddled along the shallow river for a couple hours. Between a flipped raft, extensive splashing battles, Tarzan impersonations, and the lazt river feel of the rapids, our groups of 4-6 river adventurers did some great bonding. In between the outdoor action, our bus-rides consisted of beautiful scenery, discipline warnings from our driver, and Hebrew lessons from Shir.
After a long and exciting day in the sun, we made our way back to the Kibbutz for a traditional dinner buffet and some icebreaking games. All and all, this trip has thus far given me a sense of connection to Israel and Judaism that would not be possible without the outstanding staff and participants. I know I speak for most everyone when I say I’m eager to take on tomorrow’s adventures.
