Group at Lotem

Lotem

Haifa

Haifa

Haifa

Nature preserve at lotem

Rosh Hanikra cave cut by Mediterraneam & grottos

Rosh Hanikra tunnel description

Rosh Hanikra cable car

Day 1 continued. The flight to Israel was really amazing. Yes, it was long, however, the service was so supportive. The attendants were very available, assisted with Lydia's transfers, actually walking with her at times, in order to reach the toilet. They seemed very comfortable, unlike the US attendants. I heard that they were trained by the medical reservations specialist, Rona. The food was good and it was difficult to understand what meal were we eating, because of the time zone difference. We eat breakfast at 1:30 a.m. EST, etc. Most of the passengers were Birthright travelers and very noisy as they were excited to be together. They seemed to know each other and there was a rabbi on board. Also, some ultra Orthodox men & women who prayed in the middle of the night were present. Lydia seemed very comfortable on the trip and was awake most of the time--not me! I dozed on an off intentionally to try to get some sleep and get on schedule.

Once we landed we had a full day of sightseeing, eating, and trying to stay awake. We were around Tel Aviv and took a hike around the area. It is rather dry with irrigation in some areas. We had an hour 1/2 bus ride and many of us fell asleep. The tour guide, bus driver, and Routes travel staff are wonderful! So helpful and knowledgeable. Lyd is meeting great young people of all sorts of abilities and interests, and enjoying herself immensely.

We have been staying in Naharyia at Beit Kay and also visited Akka, which is a very historic place. We are learning much about the complex history of Israel. Tuesday we visited an area outside of Lebanon, Rosh Hanikra, and a nature reserve at Lotem. We played standup and w/c basketball. Two of the participants are serious basketball players (1 is now a staff member) and the rest just played. it was a real hoot! You can see pix on Facebook at Amazing Israel.