My trip started in Tel Aviv on Saturday night. Abbie and Chen (2 of my cousins) and I went to meet up with David (another cousin... all of same family) and a few of his friends in downtown Tel Aviv to see a live musical performance. One of David's friends was in the band and the club was called the "Underground". As we walked down the steps of the club I could hear the Israeli Music of the band Tali's Men and feel the heat and humidity of so many people packed into the small room. Tali was the lead singer with an incredible voice and "her men" were great guitarists and pianists. David was called up to play piano on one number, to which of course he had an amazing performance. After the performance and meeting lots of people we went back to Abbie's house in a suburb of Tel Aviv.
The next day we made our way to the beach. Abbie, David, Chen, and I spent the day enjoying the water, a little breeze, and a whole lot of sunshine. The sand was hot and water was perfect. We walked around Tel Aviv for a while before David left for work, and Abbie, Chen, and I decided to go home to get ready to watch the final game of the World Cup (Mundial). Abbie's backyard is set up with the tv, lots of chairs, and a coffee table. We sat outside and enjoyed the fresh air while watching Spain finally beat Holland.
The Moms (as we later started calling them), my Mom and Vivian (my cousin's Mom), took a bus to Tel Aviv early the next morning and we hit the road again to Zichron Yaacov. Zichron is located toward the center of Israel and is less than 20 minutes north of Ceasarea. The community is set on the side of a small mountain over looking the Mediterranean Sea. We checked into our beautiful boutique hotel with the most amazing views of the Sea and then made our way back to the Midrachov (City Center). We shopped and explored before opting for an afternoon nap before dinner.
The next morning we got up early and left to go for a hike around Benyamina park and nature reserve. The park was created in the memory of Baron Rothchild, who was laid to rest there. The Baron was a major contributor to Israel in the late 1800s. He helped to establish some of the oldest cities of Israel, including Zichron Yaacov. The park was amazing. There was a rose garden, a fragrance garden (for the visually impaired), a palm tree garden, and more. The park is incredible and the landscaping was breathtaking. From there we went to the Museum of the First Allyiah. We learned about Baron Rothchild and more about the history of Israel and Zichron Yaacov. The people who decided to leave Europe in the late 1800s that came to Israel were true pioneers. They endured the greatest hardships, poverty, and disease trying to reestablish a great Jewish presence in the Holy Land. The Baron eventually introduced wine making to the area and with time and substantial financial contributions the city of Zichron flourished.
Our final day in Zichron we went to a small Kibbutz to visit an Underwater Archeological Museum. Kibbutz is a site for substantial archeological finds from Roman times to remnants of Nepolianic weapons. The Kibbutz is set directly on the Sea and excavations are ongoing. There are layers upon layers of history packed into a small cove which was a resting point between Ceasarea and Akko. From there we went to Tishbi Winery. We took a tour of the Winery that was established in 1882 under the financial help and guidance of the Baron Rothchild. Tishbi is certified under the highest levels of Kashrut (Kosher) and the wine was delicious. After stocking up on wine and wine jelly (mmmm), we went back to the Midrachov for a Hummus lunch. We finally said goodbye to the beautiful historically fascinating town of Zichron Yaacov and started our drive south. We stopped at a beach next to the ruins of Ceasarea to enjoy the setting sun and the clear blue water. Mediterranean sunsets are breathtaking. Once we had our fill of sand between our toes and the ocean waves lapping at our feet we packed up the car again for the drive back home.
I have a little over a week until my summer program through Aish HaTorah begins, so I'll be staying in Tekoa and Jerusalem for a while to get situated. I feel as though I've seen so much of Israel is such a little time. When I have another break I want to see more of the northern parts of Israel, but until then... it's time to get ready for school!
Picture 1: Tishbi Winery
Picture 2: Ceasarea
Picture 3: the view from our hotel in Zichron
Picture 4: the rose garden
Picture 5: at the beach in Tel Aviv
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