Day Eight - Authentic Israel indeed! (Paul Baylin)


Wednesday, October 17th:

Eilat to Jerusalem... A.k.a.  On the bus, Off the bus

We got on the  bus at 8:30 a.m. to travel to a Bedouin weaving collective near Beer Sheva, in the small town of Lakiya, to be followed by lunch there.  Along the highway we passed a nature reserve called Chai-Bar, where wild ostriches, oryx and other animals could be seen from the bus.   

When we arrived in Lakiya, we got off the bus, and were greeted by a Bedouin woman who directed us to seating in a large tent.  After everyone was seated we learned not about weaving, but that we were in the wrong place! Sooo… back on the bus. A short ride later and we arrived at the correct place and got off the bus.  The weaving and embroidery collective was founded by a Bedouin woman who went against the norm and attended nursing school. She returned to her village and began helping children with cancer and educating women with breast cancer.  The weaving center was opened in a 118 year old mud and rock house, referred to by the locals as a “palace.”  The discussion was inspiring, especially from a feminist perspective where women struggle to improve their standing within the society.  After lunch… back on the bus.

We arrived in Jerusalem at the Haas Promenade, in the Talpiot neighborhood on the outskirts of the city. We got off the bus, and had our first panoramic vista of the beautiful city.  The group assembled and the Rabbi led the Shehecheyanu prayer (on new and momentous milestones) to celebrate the special occasion of our arrival. 

Then... back on the bus - to the Mount Zion hotel.  Off the bus at hotel to check-in.  30 minutes later, on the bus to Machane Yehuda market, where we met world famous chef Yuval Attias who guided us on a short walking/tasting tour.  
Then we went to his cooking school for a group cooking lesson and dinner.  It was a  fun experience, and most of us have never had a better meal prepared by nearly 40 people.

Back on the bus at 9:15-ish.  Off the bus a few minutes later to visit the Western Wall and the Kotel tunnel tour. Describing the feelings of visiting these places for the first time is very difficult.  My personal reaction to this experience was complex, deeply spiritual.  The place is truly awe inspiring.  The religious and historical influences, combined with the construction engineering feats is really overwhelming. My words cannot do it justice.

Back on the bus at 11:30-ish, exhausted, to return to the hotel.  This was a fulfilling,  educational, and amazing day.  Needless to say it was also long. Off the bus at the hotel, where hopefully everyone will get a good night's sleep.

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