Saturday, February 20, 2016

Arrive in Jerusalem


Wishing all a Shabbat Shalom.  Thursday night we arrived in Jerusalem We viewed Jerusalem from Mt. Scopus and Mt. of Olives.  Wow!
Friday morning, Amotz Asa-El, commentator, spoke to us.  In the afternoon many of us walked around the City - it was a beautiful day.  In the evening, a few of us attended services at the Great Synagogue with the beautiful voices of the choir.  CAARI had their traditional Shabbat dinner.





Feb. 18 - Hiking Ein Gedi and on to Jerusalem

Ah....leaving the Dead Sea.  Bags packed and loaded on the bus.  First stop, Ein Gedi Springs Nature Reserve.  Hiked the springs, visited and ancient synagogue and arrived in the Jerusalem.  Hard to believe that we are in the final days of CAARI 2016...but still so much to do and see!




















Hatzeva Vidor Research Center

Who thought that visiting a JNF Research and Development Center could be so interesting and amazing?  In the morning, we boarded the bus and drove south through the Arava.  As described in the brochure - almost every visitor of the Arava wonders...who are the crazies who have settled in the middle of the desert?  And, what could possible grow in this dry, brown barren ground?  Well, we were so impressed with the people, their commitment, and their achievements.   We first saw one of the best movies describing the Arava - so well written and produced.  Then we took a tour of the exhibits and one of the hot houses.  Another amazing site!

Back to the hotel in the afternoon, Some relaxed and others enjoyed Masada!  In the evening the hotel hosted a reception just for CAARI!  We were treated to local refreshments and tasty sweets.  Another incredible day!




























Feb. 15 - Arad Artists and Desert View

Ah...sunshine, warm temperatures, blue skies and magnificent vistas.  Last night we arrived at our hotel, the Prima Club Spa.  We explored the hotel, found the spa, the saltwater  and the fresh water pools.  The grounds are lovely with bright red geraniums.  The  buffet is plentiful and it is going to take some time to figure out where everything is!  In the morning some of us had spa treatments and others took walks to explore the area.

In the afternoon, we boarded the bus for a 'ride' up the hill to Arad and a visit to sculpture artists, Miri Leibovitch and Edward Schuster.   The “Eshet Lot” Artist’s Quarter is located in the industrial center . The hangars, which were converted into galleries..  CAARI was so impressed with the colorfully dressed and detailed dolls,made out of colorful pressed paper, look so human and Shruster’s large bronze sculptures.  What talent!  











 
After our visit with Miri and Edward we drove through Arad and took a 'short' walk to view the sun setting on the desert!  Breathtaking! Another wonderful day!