Over the Rainbow

After our second evening in the kibbutz, we wake up, garbed in t-shirts (NO TANK TOPS), hats, and bags to hold our 1.5L of water and optional cameras BECAUSE we are going for a HIKE. Not a walk around the kibbutz, a HIKE.  In the lovely mountains of the Golan, we set off.

It was beautiful, and we walked through all sorts of lovely alcoves and patches of water/rocks/flowers. Definitely the most entertaining part was listening to the shrieks as people (i.e. divas) tried to figure out how to cross the different parts of the stream by hopping from rock to rock.

you know…just chillen on the rocks in a little alcove of beautiful vegetation and water

We arrive at this awesome cave, and basically chilled there for a bit. Looking back, we took so many breaks…if I went back and did this hike now, I would probably laugh at easy it was compared to what I do now. Sorry to sound like an asshole, but it’s been <2 weeks in Greece and I’ve wiped out at least 4 times because of such steep up/down hills, and the more breaks we take, the longer we’re in the sun. I’ve just never been really aware of personal safety I suppose.

looking out of the cave. 

Okay after the cave…was the waterfall!! I’m pretty sure they told us not to swim near the waterfall, but that was probably just for insurance purposes because about half of us swam to the waterfall, then under the waterfall, and then climbed on the rocks behind the waterfall. I had casually ignored that we were supposed to bring a bathing suit, so I ended up just going in my sports bra and athletic shorts. Did I mention the water was freezing? Perfect; I’m sure you can imagine why. Luckily, I didn’t give a shit. Thank goodness. Also, I gave my camera to someone who didn’t want to go in, so I took 0% of the pictures in the water. Shout out to Peter for the candid photography.

at some point I was there behind the waterfall. fucking awesome.

After the waterfall, we conclude our hike by meeting the bus at the top of a very long hill, where there were thankfully steps to help our ascension. We arrive at the top, and there is an ice cream truck waiting for us! And we weren’t allowed to buy anything. Awesome. However, they did immediately take us to a shopping mall, which had an awesome food court. Funny thing: all of the Americans are in these huge lines at the shwarma and falafel places. I sit down with my hummus plate and the Israelis next to me have ordered the largest plate of shit show I have ever seen in my life. There were 4 of them, so there was this platter with a burger at each corner. In the middle of these burgers was a fucking mountain of French fries, onion rings, and mini hotdogs. I swear I have never seen such a display of American food in my life…not even in America. I understand why they would not want shopping mall hummus and falafel when they can get good shit all the time, but…seriously? Holy shit. My arteries were clogging just looking at it.

Okay after the shopping mall, we went to what felt like the tip top of the Golan, from where you could see Israel and its neighbors around the north. It was a Syrian barricade, but some beautiful, brave Israelis gave their lives so that Israel may have it.

what staff told us: basically, the green part is Israel.

Next, we went to this beautiful cemetery where the famed poet Rachel (obvi supposed to be said in Hebrew but I don’t have the skills to insert the Hebrew letters here) was laid to rest. The Israelis sang us one of her songs, and then we looked around to appreciate the beauty of this magnificent cemetery and boarded the bus once again to head back to the kibbutz.

aren’t they so cute with their guitar and music?

Once we were at the kibbutz, I think we had some free time to shower and make ourselves nice after our sweaty adventures of the morning before dinner. After dinner, we had a pretty intense conversation about Jewish identity, where the discussion got a little heated. I believe I conducted myself very respectfully and articulately, but hey, when don’t I?

For our last night at the kibbutz, we of course made our way to the kibbutz bar. This time, however, I was not particularly interested in dancing like a fool or drinking, but I did play a round of pool with our sexy medic. Afterwards, I happened upon Elliott, who would be a wonderful addition to friends of Charles, if you catch my meaning. We decided to chill outside the rooms with some other lovely people (though far enough so that our forgiving staff wouldn’t get mad) and soon drew quite a crowd. It turned out to be a pleasant evening of chatting and smoking (cigars, of course, once again courtesy of Elliott), made especially pleasant by the appearance of drunk bitch, once again 9 shots deep. I just don’t get it. Kibbutz. Bar. Like why?