OK, here we go:)
We landed in Tel Aviv Monday morning at 7:30am and boy did we hit the ground running. Getting through Israeli customs is not the easiest thing to do, everyone gets interviewed individually. I had no real problems, but Jeff, our youngest teacher, sure did. Basically the fact that he is young and male singles him out as someone to check thoroughly. The plane was even delayed almost an hour, go figure. Anyway, we met up at the baggage return with Yoram, our tour guide (that doesnt do him justice) for the week. He is amazingly knowledgible, personable and really makes all the sights and visits come alive. FYI, all tour guides in Israel must go through 2 years of training in order to do the job!!
We immediately headed into Tel Aviv and, after a short stroll down Rothschild Blvd, we visited Independence Hall, the building where David Be Gurion declared Israel's independence on May 14, 1948.
From there, we went on a tour of Jaffa, essentially the older part of Tel Aviv. Some really breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coast as we visited the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter. The pic I posted on the previous blog is what I am talking about - a Turkish minaret on the Mediterranean Sea, looking down from the heights of Jaffa. From there we hit the open air market in Tel Aviv and had lunch. I LOVE SHAWARMA!!! Basically it's like a gyros but so much more tasty and flavorful, lots of tahini sauce and real, not processed, lamb. yummo!!
After lunch, we boarded the bus and headed north to Nazareth, a very pretty little town near the Sea of Galilee. We visited the Church of the Annunciation, beautiful courtyard with a variety of murals of Mary, each one donated by different countries from around the world. Religious history has come alive!
From there, we travelled to our hotel near Tiberias, on the western side of the Sea of Galilee, Kibbutz Lavi Hotel, very modern and comfortable. After a brief time settling in, we headed back out for dinner. We went to the Ein Gev Fish Restaurant, literally on the shores (eastern) of the Sea of Galilee, just as the sun was setting - spectacular!!!!! We did not walk away hungry, not from this meal or any other. All meals started with water, oj and lemonade (with lots of fresh mint). And yes, I drank lots - guess I have gotten over my aversion to mint. Anyway, you then have this huge assortment of plates of different salads - hummus (the real thing, wow), tabouleh, olives, different types of breads, and it all just keeps coming. Main course for me was grilled St. Peter's fish, yes, fresh from the Sea of Galilee, a type of tilapia.
During dinner, we met with Muki Tzur, author, historia, lecturer, and born in Kibbutz Ein Gev in 1938. He provided us with a down to earth perspective of Kibbutz life and the early settlement period in Israel's history. It was also the first time the Hebrew word - Aliya - came up. Literally meaning "ascent", it refers to the journey to Israel, especially Jerusalem, ascending the hill to the Old City and the effort it takes to accomplish it. For all of those, this entire week was our "aliya"
Back to the hotel after dinner, and a much needed night of sleep after a very long and busy first day. FYI, I have posted Day 1 pics on my facebook page!
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