June 7 Activities with No Limits

June 6, Day 3, Wednesday: Day three was our day going to the most north east corner of the country, Golan heights, where we visited an archeological park, Tel Dan, went to an artist colony, and the Golan Heights winery for wine tasting. We tasted a Riesling, a red wine, and a dessert wine that had a little brandy. I loved the dessert wine and got a little tipsy. We went to the gift shop where I purchased a small bottle of wine for $10 equivalent. Lydia bought a white mezuzah and a t-shirt. In the artist colony we had a lovely lunch with tuna or cheese or egg sandwich, whole grain rolls, and pastries. Some time of orange drink was also served. We visited a couple of jewelry stores and Lydia bought  earrings and a ring, but was given a necklace with a glass flower bead. We then drove past the Sea of Galilee and on to Tiberius/a for dinner. The scenery was beautiful with the water a bright blue. The marketplace had fast food type places and sit down restaurants. We had a French bread pizza for dinner. Not sure what Lydia ate, as she was out with new friends. Most places take plastic, but I am glad that I got some sheckles for the market.

June 7, Day 4, Thursday, Mifgash Day 1. Mifgash are Israelis who participate to develop the relationship between peers in North America & Israelis. We now have 3 Mifgash with us. Sapir Lieb & Shiran Fridan are two young women. All Israelis serve in the military after college, then go on with their private lives. Sapir is a law student who is disabled with paraplegia and her companion. Natanel Yhuda is staying with Mickey Kay, our staff member. Natanel is currently serving in the military in intelligence and is a graphic designer. He is also a wheelchair user with a power chair and his English is difficult to understand as his voice is somewhat hoarse and breathy. We drove to Jerusalem where we met the mifgash at the Haas Promenade in front of the conference center where the Taglit 13 year Mega Event was held. We are no longer staying at Beit Kay and are moving to the Leonardo in Jerusalem. The Mega event was exactly so—there were maybe a couple thousand seats filled by Birthright kids from US, Canada, India, & Australia. Lots of loud music by various Israeli stars, including a 13 year old from the Israeli version of So you got talent, etc., and Hope6, which is a Hebrew reggae band. There was dancing, singing, pyrotechnics, and lots of confetti shot down from overhead. Lydia stood holding onto the handles of a w/c in front of her and danced. She had a blast and I really enjoyed the music too. We ate fast food falafels. It was a really late night, meaning that at 1:30 a.m. we hit the pillow. I am generally cranky at night and in the morning until I have my coffee, as we are getting little sleep on a regular basis, but holding up otherwise.

The gal with short curly hair and eyes closed is Nicole "Nikki" Greenspan, who is staff of Routes Travel, who contracts with Taglit (Birthright), coordinates all aspects of the trip, hires our wonderful guide, Elat, and our security person/soldier, Neer.

Charles Bronfman & Michael Steinhardt are co-founders of Birthright Israel. You can click to go to the Wiki about their history with the organization, etc. They are the two elderly gentleman in the pix above.