A Visit Home: Day 15 - Sfat Bartering & Galilee

6/22 – Monday: Sfat & Northern Galilee

7:30 – Breakfast
8:00 – Shacharit – Luke 15
10:00 – Tel Hatzor
11:00 – Sfat (Safed) – Lunch, Shwarma
2:00 – Tel Dan
4:00 – Banias
5:30 – Galilee Beach swim
7:00 – Dinner at Hostile
7:30 – Worship & Discussion on their Reflections
8:00 – Talmid Study

We woke up bright and early, ate breakfast, and went to Capernaum for a quick visit.

I learned a new skill today: bartering! We went to some shops in Sfat, where everything sold should be purchased around 50% of the asking price. I bought myself a new necklace, as a memento of my new-found ability. Of course, it is a piece of jewelry that will remind me of Israel when I wear it - but also serves as a comparison between two worlds. In America, everything is corporate. Prices don't change, but they are also more straightforward. The Golden Medina sells silver for a flat rate (obviously leaving room for capitalism).

We also saw a Sephardi synagogue in Sfat. Everything is painted blue for good luck, especially doorways and railings - ancient Kabbalistic concept.

Next we ventured to the Tel Dan nature reserve. The spring was cold and blue - a fascinating sight to see. We hiked up the rocks and watched as the water rushed beneath them.

When we returned, we swam in the Galilee. I had the pleasure of talking with three young Israeli girls who were vacationing in the area. They asked us questions about America, and we asked them about their lives in Tel Aviv (where they were from).

After dinner, I played guitar as we sang some Hebrew songs.
We did our study and reflections to end the night.

Can I talk about these cups for a moment?
They are EVERYWHERE in Israel, and they are AWFUL!
So flimsy, I can crunch it with my eyelid.
Most drinks are commonly served with it.
Overall quality here is much different than USA.
Although... I am very thankful for the water inside.