The hot weather

The day began very early and we headed directly through a checkpoint to Jericho. It was very hot and we reached the Sea Level, we saw the desert and the Israeli settlement too. In Jericho we went for a 15 minute walk to buy some fruits, and the bananas itŽs known for.  After that we walked to the tree of Zacharias, and we discussed his story. Then we went to the mountain of temptation, where a church was built. We had a very beautiful view, because the church was built very high, so we were able to see Jordan. After that we got hungry, and went to a restaurant, where we ate delicious food, which was maqluba (upside down). Finally we went to the dead sea, where it was too hot. We swam in the sea, but also in the pool. After this long day we came back to the hotel with a sunburn on most of the group. In the evening we ate dinner, and played games and ended it with a prayer.

 

The most beautiful and tired girls Sama Azar and Anna Nagy

Bethlehem & Refugee Camp

We started the day visiting the Dheisheh Refugee Camp, located south of Bethlehem, where we talked with a man, who grew up in the camp. He told us the stories of the refugees, their eviction from their orignal homes and their struggle for the right to return. After a small walk through we took the Bus to the Nativity Church in Bethlehem, where we saw the place where Jesus was born. We also visited the Milk Grotto. Then we had a rest to eat the wonderful falafel in the shadows of the trees of the manger square.
After splitting into small groups some of us went to see and try the crafting of olive-wood statues, bowls and other souvenirs. Others went to eat the traditional palestinian dessert „knafeh“ or buy beautiful scarfs.Some also enjoyed the fantastic view of the city in a panorama restaurant. After returning to Talitha Kumi and having the – as always perfect – dinner we had a free evening and could spend it however we wanted.. Some of us played card games, some sang songs together some went to bed early. 😉

John & Jakob