Day one. The blizzard almost knocked us out. It swept into DC Friday night, closing roads and shutting down bus travel to New York. Alternative travel plans were hastily arranged and we met up at JFK International Airport as planned for an on time departure Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, three of our trip mates didnt make it.
At the airport, we met our lovely American chaperones, Lani and Sarah. We held some icebreakers in the terminal as curious onlookers walked by. Spirits were high.
We flew to Israel by way of Frankfurt. 18 hours later, we touched down in Tel Aviv. At 68 degrees and a clear night --not a flake of snow -- we were happy.
We were shuttled to an olive grove on a hill overlooking Tel Aviv for a welcoming ceremony. There, Ariel, our dreadlocked Israeli chaperone explained to us that thousands of years ago, in that very place, Judah Maccabee and his gallant followers staged an insurrection against the Greek empire. We lit candles and talked about our hopes for the trip.
9 pm. We arrive at Kibbutz Gadot in the Golan Heights, a two hour busride from Tel Aviv. We are weary from travelling, but ecstatic at being in Israel and at having the opportunity to eat a decent meal after too much Lufthansa airline food. We were served a bountiful feast of chicken, meatballs, couscous, and, of course, hummus.
11pm. We were taken to our quarters, which were clean, and to the relief of all, had working showers. Tomorrow, we are off to the Golan for a day of hiking and frivolity.
Seth Engel, Washington, DC
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Enjoy your Visit.
ReplyDeleteDavid R.
Kibbutz Gadot