Today we started out our day by going for a dip in the Mediterranean. We drove down a dirt road to a secluded beach and got ready to jump right in! We had been warned about the jellyfish, but that didn’t stop us from cooling off in the beautiful sea. A few minutes in, after only a couple waves, we all realized that every limb was stinging. We got out and saw that we had all been stung! Fortunately, we turned this mishap into a positive and had some great photo ops.
Next stop, Tel Aviv! We began our tour at the Shalom Towers and talked about the formation of Tel Aviv, the first established Jewish city. We learned about the hardworking group of young people who made a dream become reality. Our experience continued at Independence Hall where we were informed about Mayor Meir Dizengoff, the first mayor of Tel Aviv. Although the city had once been a desert wasteland, it was clear to us that it had come a long way. We were able to sit in the same room where Israel became an official Jewish State.
Next, we got back on the bus and went to explore Jaffa, the Old City of Tel Aviv. We started at the famous clock tower and our wonderful tour guide, Hilik, gave us a tour and we made a quick stop for Shawarma and Falafel. Hilik handed out questions for each of us to ask the locals and we all split up and explored the flea market. We all tried the world famous Jaffa oranges and had our first shot at bargaining. We were able to experience and finally connect with the Israeli locals. Before we left, we visited a famous wishing bridge and saw a really cool floating orange tree suspended by cables! We walked through more of the ancient streets of Jaffa and learned about mythology and also the importance of Jaffa to Christianity.
Exhausted, we returned to the hotel, changed out of our sweaty clothes, and got ready for the amazing food of the Kibbutz Shefayim Hotel. Yael and Ben led rousing games of Sheep and Wah, our two favorites! Everyone expressed their feelings about the day, and although we were all tired, we had really enjoyed ourselves. We were really starting to feel at home in Israel, connecting with ourselves, each other, and our Jewish values. We can’t wait for another exciting day in Tel Aviv!
Love your exhausted but ecstatic teens,
Your Diller Teen Fellows
Written by: Lizzie Shackney and Hannah Busis
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