Day 1-Arrival & Ceasaria and the Druze Community

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Everyone arrived during the day. We arrived after the sightsighting, but in time for a group dinner with everyone. We were tired but excited about starting the next day.
- Caroline & Jeff Silver

Most of us arrived on an ELAL flight together and although exhausted, we were excited to arrive and hit the ground running. Larry and Shari our tour guide met us at the airport and we were off on our own bus (and Avner, our driver) to Ceasaria. Our first stop was at the aqueduct and famous arches on the beach. We almost lost a couple of kids who were thrilled to see the Mediterranean Sea. Pretty quickly we discovered that our oldest kids, Murray and Charles, each found their way to the top of the ruins and Shari learned that she'll need to keep a special eye out for those two. We toured the beautiful grounds of these ancient ruins and got a taste of the history of this ancient Roman city built by Herrod. We walked thru the large stadium where once chariot races were held and ended up in the well-preserved amphitheater where the natural acoustics are extraordinary even by today's standards. Several of the Rinat kids helped me entertain everyone by singing Od Yavo. Rachel and I warbled a few lines of Gershwin and Rossini to have fun with the acoustics. Even in the very last row we could be heard perfectly. Look Ma, no mic! We continued on to a Druze community where after a bit of a trek we found our selves escorted to a courtyard and a very large room lined with sofas and basic coffee tables. This was a Druze living room and our host told us about the history of this community and their connection to both their Jewish and Arabic neighbors. We were treated to delicious Druze pizza with zatar, tea and date cookies. As we left the matriarch of the home was in the courtyard making large pita on a stone fire, offering us to try some. Charles spoke with her (in Arabic) and learned that all the buildings in this courtyard were her home. I was treated to a visit to another home and it too had this unusual open air structure and sparse living room setup. Off to our hotel for a much needed nap and unpacking. Met up with everyone for a sumptuous dinner and back to sleep! It's been a very long day for those of us who didn't get any sleep on the plane.
- Rica

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Comments

[Debby]

Welcome and Cantor message
Glad you made it! Have a wonderful Shabbat.... and please ask Cantor to check her email for an urgent message about an ill congregant.... Rabbi

[Cantor Rica]

Shabbat Shalom!
Our first two days have been packed with wonderful sights and experiences. Unfortunately the internet is spotty so we hope to have more up soon. Love to all, Cantor Rica

[Carol Abo]

Shabbat Shalom
I'm enjoying your posts and beautiful photos. Best, Carol A

[Cantor Rica]

Our first day updated
Most of us arrived on an ELAL flight together and although exhausted, we were excited to arrive and hit the ground running. Larry and Shari our tour guide met us at the airport and we were off on our own bus (and Avner, our driver) to Ceasaria. Our first stop was at the aqueduct and famous arches on the beach. We almost lost a couple of kids who were thrilled to see the Meditarranian Sea. Pretty quickly we discovered that our oldest kids, Murray and Charles, each found their way to the top of the ruins and Shari learned that she'll need to keep a special eye out for those two. We toured the beautiful grounds of these ancient ruins and got a taste of the history of this ancient Roman city built by Herrod. We walked thru the large stadium where once charriot races were held and ended up in the well-preserved amphetheatre where the natural acoustics are extrodinary even by today's standards. Several of the Rinat kids helped me entertain everyone by singing Od Yavo. Rachel and I warbled a few lines of Gershwin and Rossini to have fun with the acoustics. Even in the very last row we could be heard perfectly. Look Ma, no mic! We continued on to a Druze community where after a bit of a trek we found our selves escorted to a courtyard and a very large room lined with sofas and basic coffee tables. This was a Druze livingroom and our host told us about the history of this community and their connection to both their Jewish and Arabic neighbors. We were treated to delicious Druze pizza with zatar, tea and date cookies. As we left the matriarch of the home was in the courtyard making large pita on a stone fire, offering us to try some. Charles spoke with her (in Arabic) and learned that all the buildings in this courtyard were her home. I was treated to a visit to another home and it too had this unusual open air structure and sparse livingroom setup. Off to our hotel for a much needed nap and unpacking. Met up with everyone for a sumptuous dinner and back to sleep! It's been a very long day for those of us who didn't get any sleep on the plane. - Rica