Day 10 - Shalom Israel
It has been a long trip, but I cannot believe we are already on our last day! It is insane how great the trip has been, and we still have a full day ahead per usual. I woke up for my last Israeli breakfast. I had eggs and french toast...pretty much like an American. I then waited for the bus and enjoyed the scenery of the Golan Heights from our hotel. It was interesting because the hotel was located around a mountain, so when we entered we were on the first floor, but the floors went down instead of up. Our room was on floor 3, but in the elevator it was -3 because we were three floors down from the lobby instead of up like a typical hotel. And, even though we went down, we still had windows and could see outside because we weren't underground, simply lower on the mountain.
I then got on the bus. Our wonderful transportation for the trip; the infamous bus. Don't we all look so happy?
I was finally able to fall asleep on the bus. Everyone slept on our bus trips but I never could. I think the lack of sleep finally caught up with me.
We finished our bus ride and hiked the Golan Heights. It was beautiful and filled with waterfalls and rapids.
We reached the big waterfall and took a few pictures. I got one with my awesome roomies, Ali and Alyssa, for the majority of the trip.
Did you know almonds grow on trees? Well they do, and I have a photo of the sign and tree to prove it.
After the Golan Heights, we continued to the Jordan River. Today was a very water filled day if you couldn't tell.
We had the opportunity to go rafting on the river. Very fun. Jess and I wanted to kayak but they did not offer that to our group. So, we had a lovely rafting group of five: Me, Jess, Jordana, Leo, and Nick.
Here we are rafting along. You can see I am working so hard...maybe not having the option to kayak worked in my favor. We were only given two paddles for some reason and because Nick and Leo had also wanted to kayak, Jess and I graciously gave them the paddling opportunity.
After having time to change and lounge around the river, we made our way to one last dinner at a hotel. I filled up on my last plate of schnitzel, brisket, hummus, and all types of veggies. We had a closing group activity where we each shared our favorite experience on the trip. And, we posed for one last group shot with another beautiful landscape.
Our last sunset could not have been more perfect as we took our final bus ride to the airport.
After gathering our stuff and saying a very rushed goodbye, we headed into the airport where we waited on line...for a very long time. Our bags had to get scanned, and let me just say the scanning machine was ridiculous. They must really not want people to bring home souvenirs because as the bags come out of the machine it basically gets catapulted out and thuds onto a downward moving ramp for us to collect (or piece back together) at the end.
I found that Israel's Ben Gurion airport was just as exciting as the other landmarks we explored, when I passed a synchronized swimming poster. Woot!
Nick and I spent our free time in the airport exploring the duty free store with free drink samples. I also bought a little souvenir camel, and Nick bought a neck pillow for the ride. He was very excited, and all ready for 12 hours in the air. Can't you tell?
After landing we went through customs and I finally got my passport stamp, although not in my passport because some countries won't let you enter if they see you have been to Israel. Crazy, I did not know that. I then said a few more quick goodbyes, and met my cousin at the airport. I stayed at her house (where I slept ALOT) until the next day when I drove home.
My trip was definitely one of a lifetime. It was better then I ever could have anticipated, and although I have tried, words cannot express how amazing it was. I hope you have enjoyed reading about my journey. My posts about Israel are complete, but feel free to ask me anything you want about my trip. There are so many experiences I could expand on, and I would love to relive the trip some more.
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