"Vacation" Time

We are currently staying at Kibbutz Ketura in the south of Israel near Eilat. We got here two days ago and we already have climbed two mountains, went snorkeling, wove baskets, made challah, and of course much more.  When they said that we were going south for a week without school I thought that meant lots of sleep. Despite the lack of sleep I still love it here!

For those who don't know what a kibbutz is here is an original Wikipedia definition: a communal farm in Israel, cooperatively owned, with members who receive no pay but who gain housing, clothing, medical care, and education from the cooperative. Ketura's main businesses are solar energy, dairy cows, algae plant, some farm products, and of course, its guest house which is where we are staying.

The hike we went on yesterday was very unique. The top of that mountain is the only place in the world where you can see four countries at once: Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. During services today Arie pointed out the fact that while we could see four different countries you couldn't see the borders between the countries. It made me feel so different about the whole controversy going on. You couldn't tell what was a Jordanian city or an Israeli city.

Fun Fact: My mom's friend knows someone on this kibbutz. Jewish Geography = best game ever

Today we woke up at seven, had tifilot (services), had breakfast, then split up into groups for activities. My group did basket weaving, but first we had to go pick up the palm fronds from the date orchard. We picked up the branches but instead of going back to the kibbutz we kept walking and ended up on the border of Israel and Jordan. I was not allowed to cross the border-you know, barbed wire and all, but I still got to play on the sand dunes right next to it. We ended up basket weaving for only twenty minutes.

 Last week I climbed Masada and went to the Dead Sea. The hike at five in the morning was not as bad as I thought it would be, plus watching the sun rise was spectacular. The Dead Sea was a lot of fun, especially putting mud all over me. My skin was so smooth afterwards!

 This week I had one normal day of school-and it was only a half day! Monday was Purim which was so much fun! Last week the chava had it's own Purim celebration which was actually kinda enjoyable. The best/worst part of it was that the Russian school's students dressed up as communists. Stalin and all. I'm not quite sure what to think....

The rest of Purim was normal-well as normal as you can get with Purim! I dressed up as a cow girl one day and a zebra the next. We volunteered at three different places. I went to Yad LaKashish which is a place for elderly Jerusalem residents to work. They do all sorts of arts and crafts that are all extremely gorgeous and it was so hard not buy everything. The rest of Purim we hung out, played games, ate, and avoided school work. 

Tuesday I had school in the morning then an ICC test in the afternoon. It took me about three hours but I think I did OK. Hopefully. Wednesday we came to the kibbutz. 

Well tonight is Shabbat so I have to get ready. I hope everyone had a good week. Shabbat shalom!

P.S. Its Lindsay's birthday tomorrow. Happy Birthday Lindsay!!!!!!!

Sunrise on Masada

Purim

Shuk!!!!

Meital and I