Our first full day in Israel took us on a water hike, to the Syrian border, testing Olive Oil products, rafting, and SHAWARMA.
When I first heard “water hike” I thought this meant some serious climbing up waterfalls and rock faces etc. What this was, in fact, was a stroll through a flat river at Majrasa Estuary. We learned all about how efficient Israel is with their water supply using desalination. If you’re interested, you can read more about it here.
Majrasa Estuary Water “Walk”
Next up was adventuring to Bental Observation Point in the Golan Heights. The Golan Heights are a hugely significant military region. On an International map, the land is recognized as Syria, however Israel has occupied the land since the Six Day War in 1967. From the observation point we were overlooking Syria. SYRIA. In the midst of a Civil War, Syria. The hottest topic of all News, Syria. Talk about a real experience. We got to walk through old military bunkers and “debate” the benefits/negatives of keeping ownership of the Territory vs. giving it back to Syria.
Bental Observation Point
Overlooking multiple Kibbutz (villages/communities) on the Israel side. One of our group leader’s Mom met her first love down there many years ago.
Looking out at Syria from inside one of the old Military bunkers
Walking out of the bunker
Next up was lunch in Katzrin. I thought I was going to eat fallafel, fallafel, and more fallafel, but Amit (our other leader) sold the SHAWARMA so hard I had to try it. I was too excited to eat it to take photos, so here is a summary of shawarma and it’s magicalness
After lunch we got to test the amazing products at Olea Essence.
This is their beautiful visitor center!
next… RAFTING ON THE JORDAN RIVER! So fun. I’ve been rafting in Maine and Thailand, and this was by far the mellow-ist. Our raft consisted of 5 ladies and Randy, our hero. He paddled and steered us the whole way while we casually sat and enjoyed (and laughed, a lot)
Belle Lutte 