Shabbats on Aviv provide a chance for some much needed
relaxation, facilitated by our amended wakeup time which was this week set at a
mouth-watering 1PM. Not all took their opportunity for additional sleep, with
most awake only slightly later than usual whilst Harry ‘could sleep on a bed of
nails’ Rosen managed to grab more shut eye in one night than some have had
cumulatively for the entire trip! All those who made the tiring 5 minute trek
to the dining room discovered that breakfast was surprisingly nice, consisting
of actual challah, shakshuka and cereal amongst other edible items. Following
breakfast was lunch which was yet again comprised of chicken in various shapes,
accompanied by sides, which on this occasion were corn and some less than scrumptious
potatoes. Chill time followed as gradually people headed off to the Wi-Fi area
near our rooms to Skype those who they miss most, close family and friends. Our
next program of the day was a Judaic themed one, in which we were split into
groups, handed a summarised torah portion, a genre and a sect of Judaism and
assigned the task of acting out the portion, in a manner owing largely too our
genre and sect. The portion shared by all was the story of Jacob’s marriages to
Leia and Rachel, his years of work in the field followed by his dream and
arrival in Canaan. Some genres included science fiction, rom-com and soap
opera, whilst sects included modern orthodoxy, ultra orthodoxy and Reconstructionist
to name but a few. Performances were… entertaining… to say the least.
Next up was havdallah, a short service was conducted by Oded
and Jared Engelman, in which the traditional candle and odours made their
appearances as we bid farewell to Shabbat for another week. Dinner was next and
yet again indiscriminate slabs of meat and sides were served, with vegie
patties provided for our vegetarians. Our after-dinner program was run by the
Media Committee consisting of Millie, Sarah, Bec and myself. The program
featured an ‘Aviv Quiz’ in which participants were split into pre-determined
groups and asked to answer questions on the goings-on of our first three and a
bit weeks of Aviv. Questions were humorous... if I do say so myself. Smiles
dictated me to believe that the program was a success. Chill time and bed time
soon ensued, with all aware of the impending birthday of one Grant Goldman
which would fall on day 25.
As Grant awoke on Sunday morning he was greeted with ‘happy
birthdays’ from all directions, mitigated only by the fact that he was forced
to wake at the earlier than desired time of 8AM. We headed off to Nahariya, our
nearest somewhat major city, looking for a spot of non-Kibbutz fun and to
complete our necessary shopping and personal upkeep. We were rather
disappointed… after some were ripped off by pushy Israeli cab drivers, the
Nahariyan sign which read “a resort for fun-lovers” gravely misled us.
Basically put, there was nothing to do in Nahariya bar sit in coffee shops,
purchase products and fill our stomachs. However, some of the girls manage to
occupy themselves as the beautician as after just three weeks they could not
bear to go any longer without a wax. As most completed their shopping there was
nothing to do other than take a seat at a coffee shop, eat as much as our
budgets dictated we could and waste time until it was time to depart. We did so
gradually, returning to the kibbutz just in time for lunch which was skipped by
most owing to the large meals eaten in town largely thanks to the availability
of food which was actual edible, which has been few and far between as of late.
Next on the agenda was Ulpan, we learned about times and the
days of the week, in a rather conversational method. Following Ulpan was
dinner: beef patties, bread, runny tomato sauce and salad were the best of a
bad bunch. There was a buzz at our various tables as most discussed what they
were to wear to Grant’s secret 18th birthday party which was to be
conducted that night, subtlety was encouraged. As the boys preoccupied Grant,
the girls set up the party, complete with costumes and drinks. As Grant
entered, his look of surprise brought happiness to all as we completed a short
program including various discussions in ‘speed dating’ style before getting
into the party or as the Israelis like to say ‘mesiba.’ Drinks flowed and games
were played until the night came to an end, as all departed back to our rooms,
ready for chilling followed by bed. Grant’s birthday was celebrated by all, and
each and every one of us are grateful we got to spend his 18th with
him!
Another couple of awesome days down, 125 days to look
forward to!
Jake
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