Live Trip Updates – August 4, 2014

Every day we will post live trip updates. Check for the group code (starting with TL-30-) for a specific group…

TL-30-408 and TL-30-409: These groups have now returned to the U.S.  Welcome back!

TL-30-410: The group awoke extra early this morning to climb Masada and view the incredible sunrise over the Israeli desert. They hiked the mountain using the Roman Ramp and learned about the amazing history of Masada from the top. The view from the top was a highlight of the trip for many participants. After returning to the bottom of the mountain, the group had a delicious breakfast and some much needed coffee. Later in the day, the group walked the Nahal David path to visit the desert oasis Ein Gedi and enjoyed some time in the cool waterfalls. Then, they drove to the Dead Sea to have their first float in the salty water at Ein Bokek Beach. The group had a great time floating in the water and had fun covering themselves with mud. After leaving the Dead Sea, the group headed to the Bedouin tents where they are spending the night. They learned about traditional Bedouin music, ate a delicious traditional Bedouin meal, and enjoyed a festive evening lit by bonfire. Check out some photos from today…

TL-30-411 and TL-30-412: Today, the group spent a somber day in Jerusalem. They visited Har Herzl National Memorial, which honors Israeli soldiers who lost their lives in combat. Har Herzl is also the location of Theodor Herzl’s grave. Afterwards, they toured Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial and museum. Then they hopped back in the bus and headed south to the Negev dessert where they will spend the next few days hiking, floating in the Dead Sea, and riding camels.

TL-30-413: The group did not travel north to Haifa and Netanya as originally planned, but enjoyed a full day in Jerusalem instead. In the morning, they met the Israeli peers who will be joining the group for the next few days. They participants are very excited to get to know their new Israeli friends as they continue their journey. After some introductions, the newly expanded group toured Jerusalem’s Israel Museum, as well as the Knesset, which is home to the Israeli government’s legislative branch. In the afternoon, they walked through Mehane Yehuda, Jerusalem’s largest open-air market. At the market, they were able to shop and sample delicious and authentic Israeli foods. In the evening, they headed south to the Negev Israeli desert, where they spent the night sleeping under the stars.

TL-30-414 & TL-30-415: Today these groups met the Israeli peers who will be traveling with the groups for the next several days and enjoyed some free time to relax on the beaches in Netanya.  The participants got a chance to get to know the Israelis while hiking the Alexander Stream. The groups then headed down South where they will spend the night camping under the stars.

TL-30-416 and TL-30-419: These groups arrived in the late afternoon, Israel time, and headed up North where they spent some time getting to know each other by playing some ice breakers.  They are looking forward to their first day of touring tomorrow. Check out these photos of TL-30-416’s travels…

TL-30-417 and TL-30-418: This group landed bright and early this morning at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport and immediately headed up north for a welcome ceremony at the Caesaria Aqueduct. They started the trip off right with a hike on Mount Arbel overlooking the beautiful Galilee region.  They then headed to their first hotel for dinner, ice breakers, and a much needed good night’s sleep.

Want to see Friday’s updates? Read the updates from August 1 here!