The journey comes to an end

After 10 days of amazing adventures, beautiful bonding, and crazy carousing, it is hard to believe that such an incredible trip is coming to an end. The friendships built during this momentous journey are nearly indescribable. The sights, sounds, and smells are forever engraved as memories in our minds.

The weather was a major hinderance on the original plans today. We were supposed to go on a hike in the morning, but due to heavy rain, this was impossible. Instead went to a unique winery where they do not make wine from grapes, but rather liqueurs from different fruits and candies. Then we went to the beautiful and bountiful Baha'i gardens in Haifa. After a sudden bout of heavy rainfall, we decided to get back on the bus and go to a market area called Mircaz HaCarmel for lunch. We left at 12:30 for a presentation at the premier Israeli technical school, called The Technion Institute. After a short discussion of the undergraduate offerings, we were shown a presentation about graduate schools and transfer students. Many members in the group are interested in taking advantage of this exciting opportunity and returning to Israel to further their education.

This concluded our day in Haifa (Amanda's favorite city!). We got back on the bus to return to Tiberias for our final night in Israel. Once at the hotel, we had some free time before dinner to pack, then followed immediately by a concluding discussion. For this, we were each given "awards" written on paper plates. Examples included "Most Jewish Cheerleader," "Biggest Flirt," and "Cutest Couple." Next, we got into groups reenacting each day of the voyage. It was nice to be reminded of what activities we did during the trip!

We leave for the airport at 04:00 local time tomorrow morning and the official birthright trip ends with a 12 hour flight leaving Tel-Aviv at 09:00 and arriving at JFK in New York at approximately 15:00 eastern time.

It is sad to say good-bye to the holy land, but as Ivan said during our discussion today, "Do not think of this as the end, but as the beginning." We have taken with us close friends, sore faces from excessive laughter, and the comfort of knowing we all have a second home in Israel.

~Alexis Read and Alan Morrison