So after a long flight with not much sleep, it was really hard to think about getting moving and thinking, but at our first stop, the nature reserve, Neot Kedumim, which means “ancient oasis” we got to tie many thought provoking ideas to the natural conditions that people in this area of the world have faced for years. First their is the lack of water, which some plants like Tamaris and Hyssop have adapted to live in and the ways that people captured water for their use. We saw a 1700 year old cistern which is still operational today, capturing water in the winter and then saving it for use in time when it is needed.
Our guide, Sara, made the comparison that like the Hyssop plant which lives in harsh conditions but still gives us something of value in its flavor which is used as a spice, we too, when times are tough should strive to always give something to others. This was an amazing take a way.
Then the goat and sheep herding exercise was a great experience (maybe not for the sheep and goats) but the following discussion about how shepherds in shepherding their flocks have to utilize the same principles (and visa versa) as both leaders and teachers.
The last stop for the day examined a 2000 year old aqueduct which utilized hydraulic cement. The same cement was used to create an artificial harbor at this town south of Haifa (Caesarea Maritima) also 2000 years ago by Herod the Great. The fact that this technology was discovered at that time is amazing.
The day was finished off with an amazing dinner at Namal24 which brought the group together with some fantastic food. Then off to bed for some much needed rest before day 2, but I am sure some jet lag will come into play. If Day one is any prelude to the next two weeks, this will be two weeks to remember for the rest of our lives!