So it took us a while to get the blog started today because we could not find a good warm place with spectacular internet connection. So while being carefully observed by the black and white cat that is creeping around (one of the many cats walking randomly around the kibbutz), we will start the blog from the beginning of the day. We started by waking up and going to breakfast at 7:43am. After a full breakfast we headed for a tour of the kibbutz gonen, which began at 7:45am, where Tzipi (a resident of the kibbutz) explained the mystery smells of the kibbutz (fertilizer), and the cool features of the kibbutz such as spraying cats from within the confines of your shower, and getting your horoscope from the t.v. (Scott's said no intelligence and no energy for the day). At a platform that overlooked the Hula Valley, we listened and took pictures of the view as a warning siren went off indicating that missiles went off in the area from nearby Lebanon. At first we had no idea what was going on, but the alarm soon stopped. A few moments later the alarm sounded again and this time we get on the bus and left for Safed, where we were updated on the situation. Two missiles were indeed fired and landed in a nearby area but no one was injured and there is no threat from Lebanon. (Scott was able to deflect one of the missiles with his impressive bicycle kick into Syria)

At Safed we explored the ancient mystical city and learned about Kaballah an and Safed's role in the war of independence. While sitting in the cursed square that formerly inhabited by an excommunicated Rabbi, we listened to Gilad's history of the area and visited a flying synagogue which was very beautiful. We also went into another synagogue that was unique because it had a bima in the center. We then had free time to shop, eat lunch and look at the microcalligraphy and art for which the area is known.

We then took a trip to Rosh Hanikra where we took ridiculously fabulous pictures of the grottos. First we took yellow and red cables cars down the steep but short ride to the grottos, then we spent about half an hour excavating the water tunnels. After which we watched an interactive film about the legend of the area during which we got sprayed with water and blown on by the fan. We then took the cable cars back to the top at which point we stood right next to the border with Lebanon and waved at the guards.

We then took an hour drive to Acre during which time we listened to music and jammed on the bus. At Acre, also called Akko, we went through underground tunnels and escape routes including the templar canal. We were also able to witness and hear an army initiation from afar. We then took a stroll through the nearby city and watched a beautiful sunset with a view of Haifa.

The trip home wasn't as long and tedious as usual and the ride went by quickly. After which time we had dinner (better then most nights... schnitzel!!)

During the next few days we may not have internet access because we will be leaving in the morning for the south and the Bedouin tents. (They may be easy on the go, but stubborn about their switch from dial up to T1).

written by: Scott Silver 2012, Julie Chudnovsky 2013, Evan Waltzer 2010, Adam Stambler 2011