Though it is early in the trip, Israel Outdoors is living up to the “outdoors” adventure and so much more. Let me first say that the Israeli landscape is much different than I had pictured in my mind. Quite candidly, I was expecting lots of sand and maybe some rolling hills. If I had to compare it to a place in the United States, it reminds me ever so slightly of Colorado sans snow.

Yesterday started off well with a healthy breakfast of salads and eggs at the kibbutz (this type of breakfast is taking some getting used to)! The energy was needed for an incredible uphill hike on Mount Meiron. The views were breath-taking all the way up and we were even able to see into Lebanon from the summit.

Invigorated, we set off for the city of Tzfat.  What’s so special about Tzfat? It’s the birthplace of Kabbalah  Jewish mysticism. The city is also home to a large artist colony with many American ex-pats who were drawn to the community’s beautiful and peaceful way of life.  We were even invited into the living room of one of these artists whowalked us through Kabbalah 101. His tremendous artistic talent and life philosophy were moving.

After this emotional and enlightening download, we took a break for lunch and free time. Real falafel and freshly-squeezed pomegranate juice- scrumptious. A group of us spotted a sign for live glassblowing and decided to check it out. Surprise, another ex-pat. She explained how the creation of glass work is essentially the same as our journey through life in that we are broken down through hardships, but that we become even more beautiful and unique when our shards are pieced back together. It was refreshing to meet someone so young with such a healthy outlook on life.

The last outing of the day was a dip in the hot springs of Hamel Tveria and we left feelingrelaxed and ready to eat. We ended the evening with a few fun activities put on by our IsraelI our peers who have been extremely helpful explaining their culture. I can only imagine that this trip is going to get better as our friendships grow stronger and we dive into even more Israeli and Jewish culture. I’m so excited.

-Alyssa Banford