Sunday, January 17

***I just NEEDED to clarify something about my trip to Barcelona. I was pulled from the security line and questioned because I am NOT an Israeli citizen (duh). All other non-citizens, and some un-lucky citizens, get pulled out of line just as I was. I have compared stories with others and was pulled out of line for that reason, not the way I look or any other reasons.***


Since the new year, we've had a day trip and lecture. We went on a trip to visit the Yizrael Valley. We started the day visiting Kfar Yehoshua – The Valley Train. We were told the story of the valley train foundation and its contribution to the development of Haifa and its surrounding.

Then we went to the Alexander Zaid Statue. We climbed up a look-out tower on the Barkan Mountain, overlooking the Izrael Valley and the eastern Galilee. It was beautiful and also overlooking part of the fence of the West Bank.
Skipping our usual hike, we went to Beit She'an. A place of ancient ruins of bath houses, theatre, more. It was really interesting.

Last week, we had a lecture about the history of Jewish names...well it was like the history of Judaism starting with abraham and while going through the history, down the generations, the lecturer explained the roots of the names of each person. It was interesting the way he used the meanings of their names to talk about the history of the people and time. It was, as far as I'm remembering at the moment, the first religious lecture we've had thus far.

Anyway, with about 7 weeks left, I have many trips planned, with the group and on my own. This Thursday, Emily and I are hoping to be approved to miss volunteering and spend the day visiting Safed. Next weekend, the group has a day trip to Jerusalem, but I'll be staying longer, for the weekend with friends. We still have to look up where to stay...but anyway. Thanks for the e-mails.