TL-50-521 Update 1

72hrs- feels like 2 weeks! Let’s recap 🙂

Our group met at LAX, and began the journey with the El Al flight. During the flight, members got to sleep, catch up on tv/movies/books/pod casts, chat in the middle and back of the plane, and enjoy chatting with Israelis who weren’t on our trip. We arrived to TLV airport, and got settled with logistical stuff (baggage claim, SIM cards, bathrooms, exchanging money, and coffee/snacks, plus a lunch provided by birthright). We then began our drive to our first hotel. There, we checked into rooms, some took a dip in the pool, others reclined on hammocks, some showered, and some even took a nap. Then, we met for an introduction session with our first ice braker, getting to know one another more. Then we had dinner, followed by a rules, regulations, expectations session. Then- off to sleep!

Thursday, we enjoyed breakfast, coffee, and headed to Arbel national park. We hiked and learned the history of that area. We then met with our seven Israeli officers who joined our trip. This was followed by a tasty lunch. After lunch, we enjoyed a magical Jeep tour in the desert, while learning history of the region and touching upon current tensions along the borders surrounding Israel. This was followed by water sports in Tiberias (aka, tubing in the Sea of Galilee). We returned to the hotel, had free time to freshen up and bind with one another. We then enjoyed a very tasty dinner, followed by an activity (how did you get here?). Afterwards, the participants were able to enjoy a concert on the beach either a famous Israeli artist. Folks got some shuteye, while others enjoyed the beach and live music vibes.

Friday, we awoke, enjoyed breakfast and coffee. We checked out of our hotel and drove to a school in Tiberias to volunteer our time planting and improving a garden for autistic children and the overall school community. After our time giving back to society, we enjoyed lunch, followed by driving to the Mediterranean Sea to have beach time.
After the beach, we drove to Jerusalem, where we will celebrate Shabbat.

We arrived, checked into our new hotel, and had downtime to shower and recharge.
 For Shabbat, we did a Shabbat activity, followed by dinner, followed by a Jewish identity activity. Then we had time to unwind together in Jerusalem at the hotel.

Tomorrow, we will get to sleep in a bit, enjoy breakfast, and head to the Israeli museum. We have time to enjoy free time together, to chat, play games, and engage in optional yoga and meditation. We will do some more Jewish identity activities, get to know each other more closely, and relax after a busy week.

We are just beginning our journey – get ready for all the fun packed days to arise!

Shabbat shalom from bus 521