Live Trip Updates – July 29, 2014

Every day we will post live trip updates. Check for the group code (starting with TL-30-) for a specific group…

TL-30-404: This Los Angeles community group had an early rise where they were welcomed by a wonderful Bedouin breakfast after sleeping in the Bedouin tents. Finally, they enjoyed their much anticipated camel trek through the desert. After leaving the tents, the group visited the grave of David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister and one of the most influential founding fathers of the nation. They also visited the southern village of Ahsalim, a growing Negev community which is a partner of the Los Angeles Jewish Federation. In the late afternoon, they drove north and checked into a hotel in the Mediterranean city of Haifa, where they enjoyed a night out in the city. 

TL-30-405: Once again, the group woke up early. They were welcomed by a wonderful Bedouin breakfast after sleeping in the Bedouin tents. After leaving the tents, the group conquered a unique canyon hike through nearby Ein Ovdat, and visited the grave of David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister and one of the most influential founding fathers of the nation. They also visited Naot Farm where they learned about greener methods of farming in Israel, and sampled delicious locally grown herbs and produce. They checked into their hotel in the Mediterranean city of Netanya, and enjoyed a fun night out on the town.

TL-30-406: The group has another great day in the desert. They started the day with a nature hike to the breathtaking canyons of Ein Ovdat. Then, they traveled to Sde Boker, a desert outpost and the grave site of Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion. In the afternoon, they visited a local desert farm for some fun and educational activities. In the evening, the group left the desert and spent their final night in Netanya. 

TL-30-407: The group awoke extra early this morning to climb Masada and view the incredible sunrise over the Israeli desert. They hiked the mountain using the Roman Ramp and learned about the amazing history of Masada from the top. The view from the top was a highlight of the trip for many participants. After returning to the bottom of the mountain, the group had a delicious breakfast and some much needed coffee. Later in the day, the group walked the Nahal David path to visit the desert oasis Ein Gedi and enjoyed some time in the cool waterfalls. Then, they drove to the Dead Sea to have their first float in the salty water at Ein Bokek Beach. The group had a great time floating in the water and had fun covering themselves with mud. After leaving the Dead Sea, the group headed to the Bedouin tents where they are spending their second night outdoors. They learned about traditional Bedouin music, ate a delicious traditional Bedouin meal, and enjoyed a festive evening lit by bonfire.

TL-30-408 and TL-30-409: Waking up very early, these groups hiked up Masada to enjoy to beautiful sunrise. Once at the top, they took in the breathtaking views and learned about the mountain’s amazing history. After climbing back down, the groups enjoyed the cool water of the Ein Gedi waterfalls, a desert oasis. Then the groups floated in the salty water of the Dead Sea. They floated in the water and covered themselves with sea’s famous mud. The groups then went to a Bedouin tent, where they are spending the night. They learned about traditional Bedouin music, ate a delicious traditional Bedouin meal, and enjoyed a festive evening lit by bonfire.

TL-30-410: Today, the group spent their first full day in Israel. They began the morning with a visit to the top of Mount Bental, a historic northern lookout point that provides views of Mount Hermon and the Golan Heights. The group loved the beautiful views. Then, they went on a hike to the breathtaking Banias waterfalls. In the afternoon, the group played water sports in the Kinneret, or Sea of Galilee. They spent the afternoon cooling off in the water, going banana boating, tubing, and playing games. After a fun filled day, the group returned to the Kibbutz and participated in a fun cultural activity. The group’s American staff, Daniel, said the group is having a blast already. Check out some pictures from today…

July 29 - Kinneret

TL-30-411 and TL-30-412: Please see this update written by these groups’ staff member, Shoshana Balk: “We are excited to share the news of our safe and timely arrival to the Land of Israel!!!! We are fortunate to have a diverse, animated, and spirited Birthright group, with whom we are looking forward to sharing our ten day journey. After exchanging money, picking up our Israeli cell phones, and a bridge orientation, we headed straight from Ben-Gurion airport to Tiberias in the North. We enjoyed dinner together at the hotel, followed by icebreaker and an introduction to our trip. We are pumped for a full day of hiking and water sports tomorrow!! Sending you love from the land of Milk and Honey!” Check out some pictures from today…

July 29 - Ben Gurion July 29 - Tiberias

Want to see Monday’s updates? Read the updates from July 28 here!