Live Trip Updates – September 2, 2014

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

TL-30-438: Today, the group had a fun last day in the desert. They began by hiking the beautiful desert canyons of Ein Ovdat. Then, they visited Sde Boker, a desert outpost and the grave of Israel’s first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion. Next, they traveled to Naot Farm to learn about desert farming and play with baby goats. Afterward, the group sadly had to bid farewell to the Israeli peers who had been with the group for several days. Once the group departed from the Israelis, they headed out of the desert and into Tel Aviv for a group night out on the town.

TL-30-440: The group had a challenging and exciting day, today. It started before dawn when the group hiked to the top of Masada to see the incredible sunrise over the desert. Then, after a relaxing breakfast at the bottom, the group cooled off in the desert oasis at Ein Gedi. Next, they traveled to Ein Bokek Beach for a float in the salty Dead Sea. After some free time at the beach, the group had a final activity to say goodbye to their Israeli peers. Then, just the Americans headed to the Bedouin tents to stay the night. Upon arrival they rode camels and finished the night learning about Bedouin culture and hanging out around a campfire. Here is the group on Masada and at the Dead Sea:

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TL-30-441: Today, the group began their day before the sun, when they hiked up the great Masada to see the sunrise over the Israeli desert. It was a beautiful sight for the entire group. Then, at the bottom of the mountain, they enjoyed a delicious breakfast. After, the group walked the Nahal David path to the desert oasis at Ein Gedi, and then made their way to the Dead Sea for a float. At the end of an exciting day, the group had to unfortunately say goodbye to the Israeli peers who have been with them for the past few days. Then, the remaining group traveled to the Bedouin tents to spend the night. Here, they rode camels, learned about Bedouin culture and music, and ate a delicious Bedouin style dinner. Here is the group with their Israeli peers:

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TL-30-443: The group began their morning today with a hike up Masada in order to see the sunrise over the Negev from the top. Then, later, the group traveled to Ein Gedi National Park to walk the Nahal David path to the desert oasis. Next, the group visited Ein Bokek Beach at the Dead Sea to go for a float in the salty water. After a fun day, the group boarded the bus and drove to the Bedouin tents where they will spend the night tonight. At the tents, the group rode camels and then attended a presentation to learn about Bedouin culture and music. They finished the night relaxing and doing fun activities with their Israeli peers. Here is the group on Masada and at the Dead Sea:

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TL-30-444: This morning, the group started their day with a hike up Masada. At the top, they learned about the history of Masada and watched a beautiful sunrise over the desert. After eating breakfast at the bottom, the group traveled to Ein Gedi to walk the Nahal David path to the desert oasis. Then, the group visited the Dead Sea for a float in the salty water at Ein Bokek Beach. After some free time at the beach, the group continued their travels to the Bedouin tents where they will spend tonight. At the Bedouin tents, the group went for a camel ride through the desert and then learned about Bedouin culture and music. They enjoyed an authentic Bedouin dinner and finished the night relaxing around a campfire.

TL-30-445 and TL-30-446: Today, the groups had their first full day in Israel. They started the day at Mitzpe HaShalom, a beautiful observation point in northern Israel where the group could see a great view of the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and the Jordan Valley. Then, they went on the challenging Nahal Zavitan hike. After lunch, the group cooled off with some water sports and tubing in the Sea of Galilee, or Kinneret. They finished tonight with a fun cultural activity on Israeli music at the Afik Kibbutz.

TL-30-447: The group has officially landed in Israel today to begin their 10 day journey. Upon arrival at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, the group met their tour guide and headed north. Once they arrived at the hotel in Tiberias, they settled in and enjoyed a festive first dinner. They finished the night getting to know one another with icebreakers and program introductions.

Want to see Monday’s updates? Read the updates from September 1st here!