We write this from the comforts of the dear ol’ Leo Inn, back in Jerusalem for the final leg of this truly incredible journey. After what have possibly been the most draining 24 hours of this trip, we’re feeling exhausted, but accomplished, and finally have a moment to think about yesterday’s adventures.
We woke up early (as always) on the Kibbutz, and after a delicious breakfast, began the journey to our next destination. En route South, we stopped at the beautiful Hula Lake to take in the sites and sounds of Northern Israel’s diverse and vibrant wildlife. Along with some great photo opps, our guided tour included the opportunity to watch and learn about the “banding process” and even help release a bird back into the wild. Back on the bus, we were headed to the desert— but not just any desert—the Negev. After about three hours of winding roads, and Efrat’s insightful commentary (for those of us not taking a nap), the scenery had changed from lush green, to dry tan mountains of rock contrasting with the bright blue sky and majestic Dead Sea.
When we arrived at the Kfar Hanokdim desert encampment, we were greeted with tea and lots of camels. After a short camel ride (or donkey ride, due to a camel shortage, though all rode camels in the end…), we learned about the many traditions of Bedouin hospitality while enjoying more tea in addition to song and dance. The hospitality didn’t end there. Dinner was delicious—our favorite meal so far—even if it was eaten on the ground, in a tent, sharing plates with three other people and using our fingers.
And as if sharing this meal wasn’t bonding enough, we connected with each other on a deeper level after dinner, with an introspective program. The desert at night provided the perfect backdrop for reflection and discussion of our own connections and experiences with God, faith, and everything in between. The night’s organized activities ended with a drum circle, where we then learned about each other’s “unique” rhythmic styles.
After the drum circle, some got ready to go to bed in our AWESOME, 40+ person Bedouin tent (complete with heat and electricity… Thank Goodness!), while others chatted around a fire or went for a moonlight star-gazing walk, led by the one-and-only Efrat.
Whether it was the camels, the drums, the massive tent, or the desert itself, something about this experience brought us even closer together. What began as a group of Jewish Wahoos and IDF soldiers just one week ago, is starting to feel more and more like a real family, and we’re looking forward to enjoying every second of these last couple days together.
-Phoebe, Susie, Eleanor