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

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