Our Trip to the Galilee by Anice Stark (Toronto, Canada)

Dear Friends and Family,

Our trip up to the Galilee and Golan was one of nature and colour - the most colourful in all the years we have been travelling there. The profusion of flowers, the shades of the green fields were a feast to our eyes.

As we walked up the trail to see the Gilboa Iris we saw a sea of reds, blues, yellows, white garlic, large flowering fennel bulbs - I can't remember all the flower names - but just magnificent waist high growth. We saw only a few of the Irises as there weren't as many this year due to the lack of rain.

One of days, we walked the Bible Trail (a Canadian JNF Project) which overlooks the Jezreel Valley. While standing on the top of the hillside, looking down into the valley, we viewed all the planted crops - very geometrical in their shapes, everything in some state of growth, and many flowering trees. Even the scent came up to the hill where we were standing. All our senses were working and so were are emotions.

Other days included a hike at the Dan Nature Reserve, a visit to the mystical city of Safed which also included a trip to the newly built, Blue Valley Canadian JNF project on the outskirts of the city. We met the Director of the Canada Center in Metulla who took us on a tour of this amazing sports facility and some of us did a little bowling. Ok - we are are not ready for the Olympics! We went to Agmon Hula (another JNF Project) to witness the beginning of the spring bird migration - with the storks, pelicans, cranes and over 100 varieties of birds.
We concluded our trip on Friday (in the middle of pouring rain) with a chocolate experience at a candy factory in Degania and a visit to Zippori. We didn't even get wet! But we know this water is badly needed and will help continue to 'green the Galilee'.

Back in Tel Aviv for Shabbat and the Purim festivities and our departure Sunday evening. Oh where did the time go? Another wonderful CAARI experience!

Who are those masked people - could that be Susan and Neil getting ready for Purim?

Shalom and Hag Samach,

Anice Stark

Tuesday, Golan Artists

Shalom,

Another wonderful day that most tourists don't experience. But, than again - the CAARI program is not like most tours. Today we spend with local Israel artists - from painters, sculptures, woodmakers, potters to Shimon who makes shofars.

Sorry this is short, but the Neil, guide is calling us and we don't want to miss a thing.

Will write more later.

CAARI 2010

Feb. 22 - the Gilboa

Good morning,

It is a clear day as we drove up, up, up to the Gilboa. Wow - what a view of the Jezreel Valley and the wild flowers along the roadside are just gorgeous! We met Kacha (a retired army officer) who gave us an explanation of battles that were fought in the area. He also took us to the security fence so that we could understand the current situation and see first hand. The border is pretty close!

The day was perfect for a walk along the JNF Canada's Bible Trail and the view of the valley became more spectacular - with green farm fields, dozens of fish reservoirs and mountains in the distance. Time for lunch - a what a lunch! We dined at the local Spice Ranch - delicious salads, homemade breads, cheese and herb tea - perfect!

Shalom from the Kinneret,
CAARI 2010

Feb. 21 - Day 1 in the Galilee

Greetings,
This morning that left Jerusalem for our week in the Galilee. It is hard to believe that this is our last week with CAARI 2010. Where oh where did the time go?
Our first stop was Gan Garu - you are probably asking what is this - we asked the same question. It is an Australian Zoo - with koalas, kangaroos, cockatoos, sheep, emus, and all kinds of birds, etc. We all ooed and awed and talked to the animals. Enjoy the pictures of us feeding the kangaroos.
Next stop - walking the scenic Gilboa Iris Trail. This is the time of year that the mountain is covered with a carpet of colorful spring flowers - just beautiful.
Final stop of the day was Kibbutz Gesher - whose history dates back to the early days of Statehood. It is located on the Jordan River - which serves as the border with Israel and Jordan. It is also the site of an early hydroelectric plant from the 1930's. This plant supplied both Israel and Jordan with electricity before the War of Independence.
Tonight we are spending the night at a lovely kibbutz, located on the Kinneret.
Shalom,
CAARI 2010

Friday, Feb. 19 - Jerusalem

Shalom,

This morning Amotz Asa Al, Wall Street journalist and former editor of the Jerusalem Post, spoke to us reviewing Israel's successes and challenges this past year - from the economy, to political issues and diplomatic efforts. Most interesting and enlightening!

Our morning tour was another "off the beaten" track site - the Underground Prison from the British Mandate Period. Our guide told us interesting stories of those pre-State days including the sacrifices that young members of the Haganah made for the State of Israel and for Jews around the world.

We walked to Mechane Yehuda, Jerusalem's marketplace and Ben Yehuda Street- did a little eating and shopping. It is now late afternoon, shops are slowly closing and in another hour or so it will be Shabbat. However, the cafes are still filled with people enjoying the warm temperatures, good food and spirit of the day.

We want to take this opportunity to wish all of you a Shabbat Shalom and enjoy the weekend.

CAARI 2010.

Thursday - Feb. 18. - from the Negev to Jerusalem

On the road again - leaving the Negev for Jerusalem. We will miss the wonderful breakfasts at our desert hotel - great cheesecake, scalloped potatoes, and the unusual spices and flavorings in the foods. They have jellies made from all kinds of fruits and vegetables - very tasty.

Today we experienced a desert special - a camel ride! Most of us took part - so enjoy the pictures. You can see we really had a good time and lots of laughs!

From there we went to Ammunition Hill - where the fierce 1967 battle of Jerusalem took place. We met with one of the fighters - Kacha - and saw the new exhibit - an impresssive JNF project.

In the evening we had an interesting speaker, Adam Seigel, who spoke on real estate in Jerusalem. We always wanted to know "how much"!!

Warm Regards from Jerusalem,

CAARI 2010