5/16/12
The word of the day is “flexibility.” I’m writing to you now
from the beautiful kibbutz of Chafetz Chayim right outside of Jerusalem.
Kibbutz? But I thought we were staying in a tent?? What say you??
“Flexibility!!”
Our day started in Eilat. A cool sea breeze greeted us as we
schlepped our bags to the lobby. Apparently you haven’t “done Israel” unless
you get stuck in at least 1 elevator…
From Eilat we headed south to check out the Egyptian and
Jordanian borders. Then we started the journey into the depths of the Negev to
one of planet earth’s most spectacular spots: Machtesh Ramon.
For those who are wondering what a “machtesh” is: it’s a
“machtesh.” While the word sounds like Hebrew, it’s not. Basically, a machtesh
is a rare geological site where you can behold layers of stone that go back
millions of years. We learned about the machtesh and then spent a few minutes
in silent contemplation.
We lunched in a youth hostel overlooking the machtesh and
then travelled on to Sdeh Boker and Ain Avdat. The former is a kibbutz in
the middle of the Negev where David ben Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister,
spent the final years of his life and was ultimately buried. The view from his
gravesite is stunning. Ben Gurion’s grave has three dates: his birth, his
death, and the day he made aliyah to
Israel. On that topic, one of your kids told me that he/she plans to serve in the
IDF one day. They were going to write this on a note and hold it up in a
picture for the blog. I suggested that perhaps they would want to think about
it a bit more and possibly, just
possibly, discuss it with their parents rather than writing it on a piece of
paper for a picture on the blog!
Ain Avdat is
probably the most famous hike in Israel (besides Masada). It is a hike through
a magnificent canyon, complete with Ibex scouring the cliffs. A stream runs
through the middle of the canyon and the sounds of birds echo off the canyon
walls. It was extremely hot but the kids did great. The conclusion of the hike
is a steep ascent that includes a series of ladders built into the side of a
cliff. Everyone did great. We also learned the mating practices of the Ibex!
These will not be forgotten.
From Ain Avdat we
made our way on the journey to our overnight outdoor experience. While the kids
were riding the camels and having a blast, our tour provider was making
arrangements for new accommodations, as something got lost in communication. We
rode the camels, met “Abraham” and “Lot” who welcomed us to their tent for
dinner. Dinner was divine: meatballs, chicken, babaganoush, hummus, rice, pita,
and other delicacies. By the time we were done, we’d made arrangements to be
here at Chafetz Chayim. While some of the kids were sad, they quickly came
around to the idea of towels, warm water, beds, and all the other trappings of
a beautiful kibbutz. When they found out that they’d be sharing “apartments”
(rather than single rooms, by gender OF COURSE) the questionably comfortable
“mattresses” of the tent were long forgotten. The fact that it was chillier
than expected may have contributed as well!
As adults we know that things happen and that sometimes,
“Man plans and God laughs.” The chaperones were surprised by how quickly the
kids wrapped their minds around the new plan and we look forward to
acknowledging their maturity with a sweet snack tomorrow!
