TL-46-334 Update 2
Quest #Bus334 made it to Tel Aviv (ya habibi) on Sunday afternoon. We arrived to our hotel in Jaffa, which was right by Shuk Hapishpeshim. We had a free night where we got some amazing gelato from Anita, and explored the surrounding area.
Monday morning we went on a walking tour in Jaffa, which included the magnificent and ancient port. We then headed over to Shuk HaCarmel where we were split into 3 tour groups, which included: a food tour, a local tour, and a sustainability tour. Participants got a taste of the many flavors Israel has to offer including Yemenite food, Turkish food, and Moroccan food. Participants in the local tour group had the opportunity to take selfies on the bench where Golda Meir had her portrait taken by a well known photographer. This photographer also took David Ben-Gurion’s upside down photo on the Tel Aviv beach, which is now a sculpture.
In the afternoon, we then did some shopping and had lunch which included 8 Shekel falafel, mamash tyim. We then had Shakshuka dinner at the one and only Dr. Shakshuka. Participants then experienced the vibrant Tel Aviv nightlife.
On Tuesday, the group soaked up some sun at Banana beach in Tel Aviv, then we headed south where we camped authentically amongst the Bedouin community. They showed us their hospitality by cooking traditional Bedouin meals and gave us the opportunity to feed the camels. Who knew the camels were very similar to dogs in their mannerisms? They’re just a tad bit larger. Later, a new level of bonding occurred when we made smores and shared personal stories around a camp fire.
Wednesday morning, we left the Bedouin tent for Masada. Luckily we took the easier trail. After Masada, the moment we’ve all been waiting for, we finally got the chance to float in the Dead Sea. Some of us learned the hard way that the healing power of the Dead Sea is no match for a paper cut. Wednesday late afternoon, we made it to our final destination Jerusalem!!!!
Yom Chamishi (Thursday) we headed to Yad Kennedy for a jeep tour in the hills. We then had lunch at Shalva, where we learned about the story behind how it was founded. Shalva is a non profit that supports individuals with disabilities and their families. The Israel Museum was our next stop of the day where we saw the Dead Sea Scrolls. We then headed to Machane Yehuda for lunch and some more shopping. In preparation for our visit to Yad Vashem tomorrow, #Bus334 shared some personal family stories about the Holocaust. Although our trip is coming to an end, we are all looking forward to spending more quality time during our final Shabbat in the holy city of Yerushalayim.
