On the way home...

Hi friends!

After 10 days here in Israel, everything's finally coming to a close. It's 4 am in the Tel Aviv airport, and I am currently typing this as everyone is desperately fighting off sleep. The rest of the non-extending group is enjoying a combination of kosher McDonalds (Chicken McNuggets just aren't as good when they taste like real chicken) and the last falafels of the trip, with conversation being a contest of who is the most tired.

I think its safe to say, though, that we are SO tired not just because of the time, but also because we topped off the trip with a great afternoon and evening. After arriving in Tel Aviv this morning, we visited Independence Hall (where Israel declared independence during the, you guessed it, War for Independence), and followed that up with swim time at one of Tel Aviv's perfect, 80-degree-water beaches. We were able to meet up again with our Israeli soldier pals, which was definitely a highlight of the day because they had become a truly awesome part of our trip family, and we had missed them. Finally, we celebrated the trip with one last dinner, and a night out on the beach before making our way to the airport, where we are now. Annnnd that's pretty much it! We board in about 15 minutes, and will be home with you all before we know it. Wish us a good flight, and see you all soon!

-Matthew Krisiloff

Safed

"Yesterday we explored the charming mystical city of Safed (the city of Kabbalah) and traversed one of the highest peaks in Israel, Mount Meron!! Today we're off for Tel Aviv to meet up with our Israeli friends for our last day!"  --Amanda J.