So far, things are pretty great here.  My classes are interesting, I’ve made some great friends, and have been taking advantage of everything Tel Aviv has to offer.  But this isn’t a Tel Aviv post.  Last weekend, my program took us on a trip to northern Israel.  It was so nice to be back in the Golan and Galil region after four years away.  We hiked, we toured, we drank, we got no sleep.  Pictures below:

Our first hike, Mount Arbel.  Those clouds soaked us about twenty minutes after I took this.

Climbing down Arbel Cliff.  Possibly dangerous, definitely terrifying.

My best friend/roommate and I pre-rain on top of Mount Arbel

The view from my hotel room.  This photo barely does the full moon justice.

Day 2: The Chula Park and Nature Reserve in the Golan Heights.  This water was full of catfish!

Hiking the Banias with my girlfriends.

Afternoon snack in a Druze village.  The orange ones are sweet goat cheese pastries, and the golden brown are mostly made of honey.  Weird, but SO delicious.

Doing the evening lantern tour at Nimrod Fortress with my friend Jon.

One last view of the Kineret on Sunday morning

Lee and I meeting some cows at Kibbutz Deganya Bet, one of the oldest kibbutzim in Israel

Boston fall traditions in Israel: Apple picking.  Sadly, no cider donuts or hayrides here.

Finishing up the trip with a little wine tasting 🙂