Well, as the exam horizon approaches, its time to reflect on the incredible week we had in Israel on the first ever pre-Pesach Bogrim Tiyul.
It all happened so fast, term ended and suddenly we were all in Ben Gurion airport, great to be back. We were all on such a high getting there, people thought we were making socialist Aliyah in an urban framework (maybe soon). The atmosphere we created from the very start was superb (I'm going to run out of superlatives soon), straight down south for a welcoming breakfast in Yerucham. We were all given a copy of the tochnit, which everyone kept in pristine condition as if their lives depended on it.
And so the 2004 Chalutznikim set off on their journey under the expert guidance of Michal and (Thierry) Omri. Yonatan constantly warned us of a very dangerous, nerve-wrecking ladder down a mountain, which was infact an 8-foot ladder. We were lucky enough to have lunch with guest speakers such as Amos Oz and David Ben Gurion (on paper anyway). The pictures on the website of the unique scenery just don't do it justice. Every few minutes as you walked uphill or downhill, and turned around, a new breathtaking view was seen. It was also great getting to know my fellow bogrim on a personal level for the first time, it was a true kvutzah.
When it was time to set up camp with our friendly scorpions, the food which awaited us was too good to be true (I'm salivating at just the thought of those marinated chicken kebabs). All-you-can-eat kosher buffet, every night, any weight we lost during the day was put straight back on but we didn't mind. We were also given so much food to carry during the day that we had to accommodate a 'second breakfast' into our already-contented stomachs.
And so this was the tiyul, lots of fun and food, a dirty swamp to swim in, a special rock with built-in facepaints and plenty of stone-throwing competitions (Dan B, we salute you) with the best views you can find. The ideological, passionate discussions were top drawer and the only problem we had with the tiyul was finding something to complain about.
After 4 days, we got back on the bus and ran straight to the toilets and showers of the Ariel Hotel in Jerusalem where we were greeted by the lovely Shnat kvutzah. It was great to see and hear how ideologically-charged they have become and our common goal (as our tiyul song goes) 'l'atid tov yoter' (to a better future). We decided that we will be doing more as a Bogrim movement and that Habo doesn't stop after movement work. After a special Kabbalat Shabbat service at the Kottel and an interesting visit to the Carmel winery museum (how do they make those different bottles?), it was time to pack our bags and say farewell to the Shnatties (see you in a month, aww).
After a day of possible careers to consider in Israel if (sorry, when) we make Aliyah, it was back to the airport and back to our everyday lives.
I think I can say for everyone that it really got us thinking about our futures, not only just in Habonim Dror but in Israel. Thanks to everyone who organised the trip, as you know it was so worth it. All that is left to say is; roll on Bogrim Tiyul 2005
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