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

Wednesday, Feb. 17 - Hiking Mitzpeh Ramon & visits

Hi,

The views are spectacular, the weather marvelous and we are enjoying a few days at this lovely hotel. Last night some of us took advantage of the pool before dinner. Would you believe it was so warm, we had to sleep with the windows open?

Our day started with a 3 hour hike in the canyon, visit to Sde Boker Environmental School where we saw the kids float preparation for the Purim Parade, and ended the day with a visit to Ben Gurion's Hut, gravesite and view of the Zin Valley.

Will write more details later.

CAARI 2010

Negev Visit - JNF Projects & Beersheva

Hi,

We are on the road - driving south through the Negev. Will write details later, but thought you would like to see where we visited - Aleh Negev Facility in Ofakim and the new hydrotherapy pool, Nahal Beersheva (JNF Project in Beersheva) and Tel Beersheva.

No - we weren't doing construction work, but walking through the underground ancient water source in ancient Tel Beersheva - the reason for the hard - hats!

Having a great time!

CAARI 2010