As cabs and sheruts alike pulled into the gates of kibbutz
Yechiam a sigh of relief was felt by the scores of Avivians seated within as
each and every one came to terms with the fact that they actually missed the
place which has become our home away from home. Following a weekend spent in a
variety of different ways, some felt a significant downgrade from their
accommodation and meals, and others the complete opposite, thus is the
dichotomy created when some spend time in one Israeli city and some in another
due to the difference in culture between various cities, for example the
nightlife hotspot that is Tel Aviv and the more relaxed Haifa. Upon our return,
greetings were brief as most realised the need to hit the hay owing to the imposed
work wakeup times which for some are earlier than they returned home from a
night out on the weekend.
Some awoke looking like they had never left, albeit not
many, whilst the bulk of the group were feeling like they had never left, still
substantially drained and ready for bed. All varieties of work took place,
barring Rachel’s and my own employment in the chicken coop, which was soon the
case on a permanent basis due to ‘insurance issues,’ no one is complaining…
hence we joined the hospitality crew in painting a number of benches and
railings. Lunch was consumed by all in the cheder ochel aside from the usual
omission of Jared Engelman, Sarah and Alexa whose job in the kindergartens
requires them to eat with the kids who they have quickly become pseudo-parents
to. Contradictory to my previous comment, we have since become acclimatised to
Yechiam food and it no longer takes a physical toll on anyone. Following lunch,
due to Tracey and Daniella’s acknowledgement of the sleep-deprived state of
many group members ‘compulsory nap time’ was enforced until dinner.
A brief program was scheduled to follow dinner, all things
were set up and raring to go, however technical difficulties prevented the
videos which were intended to be shown from being viewed. Instead, a barrage of
amusing videos including Molly’s personal favourite ‘dubstep cat’ and Millie,
Gabby and Alexa’s choice of ‘two camels in a car’ were shown at the request of
a restless audience. Soon all departed, ready for a short period of chill time
and the eventual reprieve of sleep.
Work again was scheduled for all group members however the
hovering sickness which dwells within our group struck once more, preventing a
upwards of four people from fulfilling their work commitments. Work continued
as usual without any standout highlights as far as I am aware. Lunch consisted
of shaped schnitzel whilst dinner featured non-shaped schnitzel, yet again the
repetition of Yechiam’s menu was a talking point. The meals were separated by
the viewing of an episode of the Simpsons which featured the family venturing
to Israel and many being struck down by the infamous Jerusalem Syndrome, it
made for rather poignant and humorous viewing, enjoyed by many, especially
myself, an avid lover of the aforementioned show. Following dinner a program
was run by the Judaism Committee (Jared Engelman, Zoe and Adi) which comprised
of an examination of our worldwide and personal role models or heroes and the
attributes which enable them to be classed as such, it got everyone thinking.
Finally after a long couple of days, sleep was finally
attainable. However, some are still left wishing that the same taxis and
sheruts which escorted them to the kibbutz following their weekends would pick
them up again, however this time whisk them away into an opposite direction.
Another awesome couple of days down, 117 to look forward to!
Jake
No comments:
Post a Comment