We've just returned to Tel Aviv after 2 days of no email, radio, phone or TV. We dropped of Josh's laundry and have a few moments at a local internet cafe. The first message I just read was from Andrew "By now I am sure you know what happened in Tel Aviv..." What? What? What happened? A quick click to CNN.com informed us of the bombing at the night club on the beach here. I'm not quite sure where it is in relation to our hostel. That said, I am sure we will have an early night this evening.
Josh and I spent the past few days in the great outdoors. The country is beautiful. We've visited 5 national parks and have the sunburns to show for it. On Friday morning we snorkeled at Eilat. A bit cold for extended periods in the water, but we did it all the same.
In the afternoon we visited Kibbutz Lotan, north of Timna Park on route 90. Josh's school has a relationship with the kibbutz. They are an extremely ecologically focused group, with educational programs on recycling, composting, etc.. They have a great phrase they use "give your garbage a second chance." Which they have done. While we were there they were working on a new structure made from stacking old tires, and then filling them with garbage and then creating a clay/mud plaster around it to form walls.
Josh and I attended Shabbat Services and then joined them for Shabbat dinner. Another delicious meal!
We drove that night to a hostel on the rim of Mitzpe Ramon (huge monster crater). The next morning we went for a 5 hour hike through a canyon and along the crest of the canyon. The photos (eventually) will say more about the beauty of this park than I can.
After the hike we drove north, past Tel Aviv to a small city called Caesarea. After getting lost (imagine that) we managed to find the youth hostel. Actually Josh was the hero this evening, he insisted we try this building that looked a lot like a naval museum. He ran out of the car, knocked on the doors rang the buzzers and his instincts were correct. It was a boat shaped youth hostel with port-hole looking lamps and all the trimmings. Not to mention a most excellent shower.
And well this morning we explored the ruins of Caesarea. I would type you all about it, but now we must go pick up some laundry.
