Join CAARI 2022 - and visit Timna Park (Part 1)

 

The Canadian & American Active Retirees in Israel, AKA CAARI, is going to visit Timna Park, just 20 minutes north of Eilat from 20-24 February, 2022, with 2-5 week Program Options.  See Timna Park - Part 2 in next post! 

 

Timna Park is approximately 25 square kilometers! A unique geological and archaeological
park that is one of the few places in Israel you can fine granite and igneous rock, as well as, younger limestone rock and copper deposits that were mined as early as 6000 years ago through the times of the Egyptian New Kingdom, approximately 3550 years ago.

 

There are also geological formations and sandstone pillars commonly called Solomon’s Pillars. Lots of hiking trails and an artificial lake that was formerly a pit mine that the JNF/KKL turned into a unique tourist attraction.

Solomon’s pillars that are a very rare formation of Early Cambrian Sandstone about half a billion years ago (550 million year ago) a 50-60 million year period that cellular life transformed to multi-cellular animal life as we know it today. Lots of fossils and mineral wealth are found here. 

 On the site you can find  the earliest copper mines from 6000 years ago or more are located and you can go underground and see the nuggets of the copper ore chiseled out with large hammers.  

Capture the spirit of Israel and join CAARI in 2022.  The CAARI program is a Volunteering, Touring and Speakers forum affiliated with the JNF/KKL. It has been operating since 1983.   This year will begin on  with 2 – 5 week program options. See www.caarivolunteers.com for costs, highlights, itinerary and registration.

Wine tasting with Yair

Shalom CAARI Friends and Family,

It is hard to believe that in a few days we will complete with our 4 weeks of community service work in Tel Aviv.  It was a wonderful experience!  The children were terrific and so adorable, the dogs were loving, and the Botanical Garden is just in the beginning of displaying the colorful spring flowers.   This coming week we will  tour in the Negev and conclude the CAARI Program in Jerusalem. 



Today, Feb 13 we a had special afternoon with Yair .  Most tours visit wineries, but CAARI went a step further, we had a sommelier explain Israeli wines and the history and growth of the  wine industry in Israel.   This way,  we were able to taste a variety of wines from Vineyards throughout the country.  L'chaim to  CAARI!

Afternoon Tours - A Dance movement and working in the fields

We have had some  interesting afternoon tours this week with the Canadian & American Active Retirees in Israel program.  On Sunday, after our community service work, we went to one of the  Batsheva Dance Company’s dance studio’s in South Tel Aviv's Florantine neighborhood for a lesson on the Gaga dance movement. 

We are sure that you are VERY familiar with Lady Gaga, but do you know that in Israel, they have Mr.  Gaga!  This is actually a movie about the renowned artistic choreographer,  Ohad Naharin.  

So you are saying…What is the Gaga dance movement? Gaga is a new way of gaining 

knowledge and self-awareness throughmovement of your body through dance.  Gaga provides a framework for discovering and strengthening your body and adding flexibility, stamina, and agility while lightening the senses and imagination. 

That is what the CAARI program is all about: gaining flexibility, with stamina, agility and imagination! 

On Tuesday afternoon we  experienced a Hashomer HaChadash Program at an Experimental Farm, not far from Tel Aviv, in an area called Zrifin near Rishon Letzion.

When we arrived there were several other groups who had come to also have their own pioneer experience.  We met with Tzofia, who explained this special organization. that focuses on agriculture and  safekeeping the land of Israel through education and participation.Thousands of youth groups, students, tourists and families volunteer in a variety of programs.  

 Our job today was to pick off the fruit from trees that were used in an agriculture experiment.    It was a beautiful day and we all enjoyed clearing the trees of rotted fruit and we completed the task in no time.  

We also got to pick some fruit for us - nothing like a orange or clementine right off the tree!    

TImna Park - a geological wonder!

Aaron Greener, an archaeologist, gave us a talk on Timna Park while we were in Tel Aviv.  His presentation showed pictures of the area but the truth is - you have to be there in person to truly see the beauty of the area.  

The Park covers an area of 60 square kilometers with many trails for hikers, cyclists and backpackers and a lake, which is where we had lunch.    We were in awe with the majestic rock formations, archaeological sites, dating back centuries, and  the history of the area including the ancient cooper mines.  

Yes, in the CAARI tradition, many of decided to walk up Solomon’s Pillars which are  towering sandstone columns. Perfectly formed by Nature! 

We climbed up and up over rocks, assisted by fellow CAARITES, we made it to the top.  And, what a view including the hieroglyphics. 

As Pearl described the day  - it was exhilarating!  Ask Esther!