Hey babes!
I feel like we are all in different timezones and phases in our plans right now. I just finished my midterm week, Syd is pushing through exams, and Alexa is preparing for travels.
It really scares me how fast time flies. I have just over one month (gah). My goal for this semester was to really explore and get to know Israel (through sampling restaurants, hiking, and attending events all over the country) before this semester ends (*tears).
We had a two-week Passover vacation and everyone at the international school decided to travel to Europe and Northern Africa. I decided to stay in Israel and check items off my bucket list. My school was leading a “Sea to Sea” hike, where you hike for three days from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee. Hiking is really fun. I love the challenge, the sunshine, the fresh air, the soggy sandwiches and the awesome conversations. When you’re hiking for seven hours a day you really get to know people. Small talk ends really quickly and then I always find myself having fascinating conversations about politics, love, nature, travels, and anything that comes to mind. In such a fast-paced daily life it is so hard to find time to have deep conversations and find the time to breath deeply — hiking is just wandering with a purpose. It is strange, but I love the burning feeling in my lungs and the burn of my thighs when hiking uphill. The feeling of accomplishment, mixed with shortness of breath, sweat, and a big smile when reaching the peak, is wonderful. At the top of the mountain we were able to see the border with Lebanon and we were on the hill directly opposite from Tzfat (a cool mystical city in Northern Israel where everything is painted in “blue”). Due to Easter and Passover vacation, there were so many students and groups visiting from many countries. We were running late, so we had to run for part of the hike. It was challenging but so much fun! We were jumping on rocks and climbing hills and enjoying the warm sun on our cheeks. At night, we made smores and sang by the bonfire! Sunrises are free. Waking up early to watch the sunrise by the Kinneret (Sea of Galillee) was so peaceful. Our last day of hiking was pretty relaxed — more walking than hiking. We had to walk through banana fields to finally make it to the Sea of Galillee to go to the beach, for a well-deserved and necessary dip in the water. The water was so cold but so refreshing! I learned how to skip rocks on water and sipping fresh mint tea on the beach was heavenly.
My cousin from Germany came to visit me for a few days during my break and we had the greatest time. We hiked in a beautiful nature park, hitchhiked to the Dead Sea, and explored Jerusalem! I am really glad I decided to stay in Israel instead of running around Europe. It is now hitting me that time is running out — and that scares me.
Thursday was “Yom HaShoa” — Holocaust Remembrance Day. All the restaurants and cafés were closed to pay respect to this special day. Israel was established after the Holocaust and there are many Holocaust survivors living here. There is a siren that is sounded throughout the whole country and everyone pauses for all the people that didn’t make it through the Holocaust (Here is a video of the siren — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeozUSWdoQA). This day gave me chills and I am going to Poland next week to go on a special Holocaust remembrance trip.
Tonight is “Yom HaZikaron” — remembrance day for fallen soldiers. I am going to a ceremony tonight and am going to the military cemetery tomorrow to pay respect to the fallen soldiers. Apparently a family member or friend sits by the grave all day and shares stories about the buried soldier. I know I am going to be an emotional wreck, but I am really happy to be here on this day. Tomorrow is “Yom Haatzmaut” which is Israel’s Independence Day!! I am SO excited. There are Israeli flags all over the city and there are massive parties and bbqs which take place. We have a huge student party on a rooftop in the Old City tomorrow and I am really looking forward to it!
In the next few weeks I am also going to Turkey for a couple of days. I am going to Istanbul and Coppadocia (google a photo!). Can we all please skype soon!
Love you babes!
– Anna