That right there – that’s the border
It feels relatively normal to stand on the border with another country. I guess growing up in the States, I didn’t think much about standing on the line and looking over at the other side. When you grow up in a country that is forced to defend itself on a regular basis from enemies on all sides … well, I guess the feeling is more than slightly different.
The Golan Heights has been a source of conflict and study for decades. When traveling through the region, signposts are clear to point out where old mine fields still exist. But admittedly, driving through the region doesn’t feel tumultuous – it’s desert and has all the colors of a dry, arid place. If you weren’t paying attention, you might just think that it’s another boring corner of the Middle East.
The kibbutz Misgav Am is the northernmost point in the State of Israel and sits on the border with Lebanon. See that barbed wire fence, protecting the kibbutz? That’s also the border. Kinda crazy. Our guide pointed out the Hezbollah outposts with guns pointed at Israel, and even though I could intellectually understand the constant threat, it felt surreal. And frankly, from that vantage point, it looked too stunning to be scary.
From up here, Lebanon doesn’t look like a bad place. And from what we heard, most of the citizens just over the border as as hopeful for peace as Israel is. It’s just too bad that a few bad seeds ruin the bunch. And they have powerful weapons, so they’re real j&%$!ks.
I wish it could be this peaceful all the time
Following our history and politics lesson in the morning, we needed to do something a little less intense. How does chocolate sound??! If you know me, you’ll know that chocolate is one my key food groups, so this activity was right up my alley.
First we got ourselves a little demonstration from the master chocolatiers at Da Karina. It was hard to get a good photo of what he was doing in the kitchen, and I honestly wasn’t all that interested in the milk chocolate portion. It’s dark chocolate for me, all the way! If I could have broken through the glass window and submerged myself in the vat of swirling chocolately goodness, I most definitely would have.
I really can’t even look at a plate of chocolates like that without salivating. The chef had us taste a variety of the things they make there before we attempted our own. Fortunately, there was plenty for everyone! No fighting allowed. And of course the plate was empty before we all left the room – chocolate should never ever ever be wasted.
I have no idea where my photos of the finished products went. Our teacher friend showed us how to make truffles, and how to decorate our chocolates with sprinkles (jimmies, for you East Coast folks) and nuts, and how to use liquids to enhance the flavors. Man, what a fun activity! I know I’d be 300lbs heavier if I lived nearby or worked at a place like that. The world is a better place with chocolate!
