Today we had the option of hiking in the Golan or having spa day back at the hotel. Although sleeping longer was tempting Many of us chose the hiike. The hike was tough, but climbing the “900” steps was worth it because we got the chance to swim in the lake with the waterfall.

 We had a hour and a half to walk around in Tiberias. After Lunch we went to the graves of the Rambam and Rabbi Akiva.  It was very meaningful.

Today we had a great day repelling at Keshet arch! A lot of people were scared but conquered their nerves. We re all so proud of them. After repelling we went to the jail in Acco. We watched a video about the freedom fighters who risked their lived for the establishment of the state of Israel. We then boarded the bus and went to the Mercaz Klita where we played with Ethiopian children. They were all so cute, and we were so happy to play with them.

We went to mountain Bental. It was amazing we were able to see the borders of Jordan and Lebanon. We toured the bunkers and saw where the soldiers used to live. It was very inspirational. Next we went jeep riding! It was so much fun! We all went so fast and sand was blowing everywhere. Afterward we all jumped in a lake near by to cool ourselves off. It was a great day. We went back to the hotel and were given free time. A lot of us went to the beach and had a great time.

Our first Shabbat in Israel was spent in the beautiful city of Tzfat. Friday night we davened a carlbach Davening at shul. The shul was packed with everyone singing in the streets. We then made our way back to the hotel for the meal. After the meal we were surprised with an oneg with our fellow NCSY TJJ bus. Shabbat morning people slept in but some boys went to the mikvah! They left early in the morning and came back in time for morning prayers. Shabbat day was restful, with our lunch meal and some mandatory shluffy time. After rest we took a tour of the old city of Tzfat. We learned about the history and the mysticism of Tzfat. Saturday night we were surprised with a dance boat party! We danced all night on the Kinneret it was beautiful and so much fun!

Today is the start of all of our adventures in the holy land, and what a start it was. 6:30 am we land in Ben gourian airport in tel aviv the inspiring feeling of just being in Israel is so exciting! From the airport we meet our security guard and additional medic Mimi. The group loads up a new buscans we make our way to Caesarea. We all then davened and ate lunch in an ancient ampitheatere. After lunch we all watched a movie on the history of Caesarea then with Gidi as our tour guide we set out to explore it. After Caesarea we had free time before our next activity so we all had some time to shop in Haifa. After the mall we headed out to surfing lessons! We got to the beach and all changed into surfing gear, including wetsuits and boards. After a short demonstration on how to get up on the board we all got in the water and found out just how hard surfing really is! After surfing we all go to the hotel and ate a dinner and had ourselves some shluffy time!p

  We then went off to Kfar Kedem, where we learnt how farming was done back in the day. As well as making our own pita. We were all educated on donkeys, and had the privilege to ride them with a friend leading. We were told to switch from leader to rider half way, but the luckier ones got to ride the entire time as their leader did not want to switch. We concluded the day with shopping time at Zichron Yaakov, and made our way back to the Youth Hostel. .

Today the day had finally come: our last day in Spain. It was a bittersweet day as everyone was sad to leave the magnificent beauty of Spain but also excited to head to the Holy Land- aka real food. So how exactly did ICE spend its final day in Spain? Well we first embarked on a seven hour bus ride back to Madrid. As we were ready to get on the bus, we were surprised to find out that we had one last session with our chavurot during the bus ride. Everyone engaged intensely into the last discussion he or she would have with his rosh chavura. The long bus ride was, as usual, filled with chatter, laughter, and a lot of sleep. As we arrived to Madrid, we stopped at the Real Madrid Stadium. Everyone gazed in awe as we walked around the same stadium that the Spanish soccer team play on TV. We were not only by the field, but we also entered the team’s locker room and also passed through a hall filled with the team’s numerous trophies (including the recent euro cup that Spain won), awards, and jerseys. Clicks of cameras filled the air as everyone wanted to capture this once in a lifetime moment. Everyone left the stadium with their souvenir bags filled with jerseys, shirts, and other items and got on the bus to head to dinner. As we drove to the airport, we said farewell to our beloved tour guide Tomash and our driver Daniel. While we boarded the plane, we felt a little sad to leave Spain but mainly relieved that we were departing to a land most are familiar with and a place with real food. Goodbye Spain, hello Israel

we had such an incredible first Shabbat! The Elliot hotel was very accomodating and allowed us to have a rich experience. We prayed in one of the four shuls in Gibralter, Nefusot. The singing there was unbelievable. During Shabbat lunch we learned about Gibraltar’s history. Later we did some improvisation with our very own Gidi. When we went back to the hotel we were greeted by the former mayor of Gibralter (who is a religious Jew!). Then we were all given free time to walk around and hang out. Later that day we had a shoot the Rabbi session, this allowed everyone to ask any questions they ever had about Judaism to Rabbi Lashak. After mincha we heard a powerful story by Rabbi Lashak followed by a beautiful ebbing. We ended Shabbat on a real high note!

After Cordoba, later that day we made our way to the beautiful city of Seville. In Seville we visited the breath taking Plaza De Espana, the government building. (It was so gorgeous this scene could have only been taken from a movie…which indeed it was! This palace was featured in the American movie: The Dictator.) Plaza De Espana is filled with paintings and tiles that can take your breath away. Later we visited Ferdinand and Isabella’s Spring Palace. There we walked through its beautiful gardens and pools. Later that evening we took a sunset cruise on the Guadalqivir River. After the cruise we went back to the hotel and had a relaxing evening.

After our stop in Toledo ICE traveled to Cordoba city. There we took a tour of the Mezquita De Cordoba, a famous mosque that was converted into a Cathedral. After that everyone had free time to walk around and take in the beautiful sites, as well as shop! We visited the Jewish quarter and learned about the Rambam (Maimonides) who flourished there. We learned about his major role in the Sephardi community in Cordoba, along with his major works and philosophy.