While back-packing in Europe for five months already, I reunited in Paris with my Dutch friend, Laurien, whom I'd originally met on a train going to Poland. We'd had a great time together, and we kept in touch via Email. Anyway, when we met again in Paris, she told me of her experience of living in a "kibbutz" in Israel a few years back and how much she loved it.
My knowledge of a kibbutz, let alone the country of Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories was minimal -- and negative. The only information I received back home pertaining to the region was of a land of conflict, oppression, terrorism, and war. Laurien acknowledged that there was violence in the region, but convinced me the bad news I heard was not the only attribute and seeing the beauty of the region was worth it.
So, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and begin a new chapter in my life . I took the Chunnel train (tunnel connecting Britain and France under the English Channel) and spent two weeks in London, researching and preparing for my trip. When all was arranged, I took the next flight to Tel Aviv, Israel.
I planned to be there for about two months and then return to London....
....Little did I know I'd spend the most amazing 7 months of my life in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt, where I'd meet my best friends in the world and pass through many wonderful, and some not-so-wonderful, adventures.
ISRAEL
