From Syria to serious art

Yesterday we had the opportunity to make our way from our kibbutz up to the Golan Heights, which is an area that sits 3200 feet above sea level and borders Jordan and Syria.  On the long and winding road from our kibbutz, Degania Bet at 600 feet below sea level, we had a prime view of the border between Israel and Jordan which has been peaceful since the Israel-Jordan peace treaty.  Our somewhat nauseating, hairpin filled turn up to the Golan, provided us with a view of the vistas of mountains and valleys that Israel seems to have an abundance of. Upon reaching our destination in the Golan, we were able to see the Syria border, a border that in recent past has had trouble but the area where we were was safe, at the moment. Our vantage point, about a kilometer or two from the border gave us a glimpse into the simple fence that separates Israel from Syria and the UN base that is located there, meant to "facilitate" between the two countries. We had the opportunity to see an old bunker used in a previous war and then went on our way to Safed, a historic town where artists are abundant. Our walk through the town started with the most important element of amy visit to Israel, food. After our falafel and shawarma desires were taken care of, we ventured into a 400 year old orthodox synagogue and then shopped in the open market but not before getting an impromptu performance from street performers.  Yesterday was also when we picked up our Israeli soldiers, five guys and three girls. As we leave Degania Bet now we are off to an adventure in the desert, hiking, camel riding, and sleeping in a Bedouin style tent.

- Matthew A. Trulli