HUMMUS

Hello again from the bus driving through the Golan Hieghts. This trip is still just incredible. Ill go ahead and tell you some things we've been up to. We rode camels! Had a relaxing shabbat at the kibbutz. Hiked nearby and learned about how kibbutzim work. We went out saturday night to the Port in Tel Aviv. Thàt was very fun. The next morning we had a beautiful drive to Rosh Penah and picked up the Israeli soldiers that will be joining us on the rest of the trip. They are all super cool and I've enjoyed getting to know some locals. We drove through the Galil mountains. We walked around Rosh Pena which was so awesome because it felt like a real just local town. I know I said the falafel in Jeresulum was so good but this topped it! It tasted so good and authentic. We hiked the slopes of the Golan hieghts through small waterfalls with breathetaking views. Today we went for a big hike in the Golan Hieghts. It was so beautiful. There was this one view of the town and the mountains in the foreground acted like a windowsill to the background. We went and saw some old war trenches. We were at this one cofeeshop on top of a hill where you could see the border of Israel and Syria. We went on a tour of an Olive Oil factory and it is the most eco-friendly one in the world. We just got finished kayaking in the Jordan River! That was so amazing and peaceful. Were heading back now to the new Kibbutz we are staying at for dinner. Peace :)

Israeli update numba two

Hello again loves. Yesterday we visited the Holocaust museum called Yad Vashem. It was also a beautiful drive getting there. Being my first experience at any kind of museum like that, I was very moved. It was a spectcular site that was built so wonderfully and respectfully. We then drove to the Bedouin tents. Bedouins are very interesting, I suggest you research them. There we learned about their customs, had amazing food, and hung around. I saw stars for the first time in so long! Its amazing seeing the same big dipper that I see back in the states. So we all camped in a big tent and then woke up at 4 in the morning! This was to go see the sunrise at mount Masada. It was spectacular! We learned about so much history up there. The ruins are over 2000 years old. Then had a great hike back down to a yummy breakfast at a kibbutz. Then we hiked to the waterfalls in Ein Bedi and swam in them for a bit. Then went to the Dead Sea! It was amazing to float in it! I also think that the salt water was great for my dreadlocks. It does burn your eys though (and some other body parts I need not mention). We also covered ourselves in this mud from the sea, when it hardens it is great for your skin. I feel super smoothe now. We had lunch and now we are on the bus headed to another Kibbutz where we'll be staying the night and celebrating shabbat. I am very much looking forward to it. The hospitality I have felt here is incredible! I am going to try and take a nap now as it seems I have been up for days. Peave n Love ya'll. :)

first 2 days of Israel

Alright I suppose now is a good time to update since we have already done so much. Time is very confusing right now but I will try and do my best. The Birthright group and I arrived yesterday in Tel Aviv around noon. We were all very tired but powered through. I can't even explain how it felt to finally be here. It is so amazing. From the airport, we took a bus to the city of Jaffa. Amazing views overlooking the water and Tel Aviv. We then went to Independence Hall and learned much of the history of how Israel came to be. We walked around and then settled in at the hostel. Last night some of us sat on the roof having great conversation. I really feel a connection to everyone here. So today we woke up early had breakfast and then drove to Jerusalem. This was the most beautiful drive of my life. The land is amazing here and I really seem to feel the holyness of it. We spent the first part of the day in new Jerusalem and for lunch I had the most delicious falafel sandwhich! We then hiked over to old Jerusalem and toured there a bit. We went to the Western Wall which was just beyond incredible. So much has happened there and I could just feel an intense amount of this energy. I put a note into a crack of the wall. We then drove to a smaller towns community center. We volunteered there for a few hours working on the garden. Not sure what the rest of the night will entail. Big day again tomorrow though I know. I am just so appreciative of the fact that I am here and I wish more of my family could see some of the things I'm seeing. That's all for now I am so beat. Peace n Love

first two days of Israel

Last Morning in the States

I have had a great weekend with my sister in New York City! We had a picnic in Central Park on Saturday, and went to a delicious Middle Eastern restaurant with her friends that night. It prepared me for all the Hummus I'll be eating these next couple of weeks. Her friends are super nice and I had some great conversation.
Yesterday, Sunday, we hung out and ran some last minute errands for my trip. I feel I am prepared although my backpack just feels so heavy. I'll get used to it though.
Now I am at a coffee shop on the East Side while my sister is at an appointment. When she gets done, I will go meet her, and then we will head back to her apartment.
I am meeting my Birthright group at JFK around 3:00 and my flight takes of at 7:00. It will be the longest flight I have ever taken. I hope to get some sleep, but if I end up talking to people the whole time, that'll be fine too.
It's so strange that I have been thinking about this trip for so long and now it is finally the day! I can't wait to meet the other kids and start seeing the sights!
That's all for now, I will try to check it when I am in Israel.
Peace & Love
Shelby

Step One: Complete

I have arrived in New York City tonight!
Last night I had an amazing time, my friend Sarah had a great going-away party for me. Lots of great friends, jamming all night. Amazing food, drinks, and conversation.
Almost didn't make it to the airport today, huge thunder storm came in just as Sarah and I were driving to the airport. But I made it and got on the plane, really quick flight. I know it will be my last short flight for quite some time.
As the plane was leaving, I was staring at the Chicago skyline. I realize how mush I love this city that I now call home. I'm going to miss it, but I'll be back.
Arrived at Laguardia airport. I split a taxi with a very nice woman named Laura and her daughter. Looks like a great night in the city.
Its so great to be with my sister Rachel now. Her apartment is adorable. I'm looking forward to our weekend together before I head out.
That's all for now.
Peace :)

Test

Can I do this?