Friday, January 13 - A 2000 year old Boat!

The day began with the sumptuous Israeli breakfast and they serve some breakfast here at the Dan Carmel.   The group boarded with bus and began the journey to the ancient port city of Dor, located at Kibbutz Nacshalim to meet Kurt Raveh an underwater archaeologist who was our guide for the day.  Some of us knew Kurt from past CAARI programs and always impressed with his knowledge, experiences and his love for Israel - his adopted home.   Kurt was instrumental in assisting with the recovery of the 2000 year old boat found in the Sea of Galilee, near Nof Ginosauer.  He described the amazing story of how the boat was found and recovered.  We were all impressed with how they overcame the problems in the recovery of the ship and more impressive was the ship itself.   We were told the story of how the boat was secured and the foam applied to protect the wood (that under water for all those years) the boat was put in water and slowly added wax.  One problem -  worms began attacking the wood.  So...what they did they do...used goldfish to eat the worms.   Back to the hotel for a quick rest before the traditional Shabbat Dinner.    The group was impressed with the number of your families who came to celebrate Shabbat, the camaraderie of families, the children and singing and the variety of foods.   For us, it was a joyful introduction to Israel.  We were also impressed with the warmth, humor and friendliness of the group.  Looking forward to the coming days! 

Shabbat Shalom,

CAARI 2013

CAARI Arrives in Israel

We landed in Israel and so-so happy to be here.  It was a very long flight for some of us with extra 5 hour delay in departing Toronto and Philadelphia...for others the flight was on schedule.  It was a wonderful reunion to see familiar faces and to be introduced to new 'CAARI' friends.  We have 13 'returnees' and  13 new participants for the first part of the program.   Off the plane and on a bus to drive to Haifa where we will be for the next 6 days. The staff at the Dan Carmel warmly greeted us when we arrived at the hotel.   A quick look at our lovely accommodations, dinner  and a good night's sleep so we will be ready to begin CAARI 2013!  The weather is still a bit stormy and cool, but who cares - we are in Israel!    Glad that to see that all green and the Kinneret is RISING.

Warmest Regards,Anice Stark
Toronto