So, the big question is, do you want to subject yourself to the joys of taking your adorable munchkins up North when you next visit Israel? Buckle up, folks, because the answer is a resounding YES!
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Picture this: the other week, I embarked on a daring adventure with my two little rascals, aged 6 and 10, to Israel's breathtaking Galilee region. And let me tell you; it was a rollercoaster ride like no other. First things first, I armed myself with enough snacks and drinks to feed a small army. We're talking Bamba, Bisili, and of course, Israel's world-famous Jaffa Oranges for good measure. Let's face it, a 2.5-hour drive from Tel Aviv with traffic can feel like a never-ending journey to Narnia, with the lion and mystical creatures replaced with our beloved Israeli drivers.
To conquer the treacherous roads, we had to make a strategic move. Rise and shine, my little adventurers! With our Waze app fired up, we hit the road at 6:30 am, hoping to outsmart the traffic and seize the day. Ah, the sacrifices we make for family fun!
But wait, there's more! My dear child, bless their fragile stomach, has a special talent for taking motion sickness to a new level (as it would turn out, multiple times). Luckily, I made sure to pack an ample supply of sick bags, however, forgot the air freshener. You get my drift? Or is that whiff? Pro tip: don't forget the cold water because nothing says, "road trip chic," like a refreshing splash of H2O to accompany the symphony of hurling sounds. Oh, the joys of parenting!
Our first stop on this epic journey was none other than the enchanting kibbutz of Kfar Masaryk. Nestled in the western Galilee of Israel's north, this picturesque community took us back in time, allowing my little adventurers to walk in the footsteps of Israel 75 years ago.
I told my kids to hold on to their socks because things were about to get educational! At the historic shoemaker's workshop located within the Kibbutz, we witnessed the ancient art of cobbling. My kids were fascinated as they realized that shoes don't magically appear on store shelves. It was a truly fascinating experience, though I secretly hoped they wouldn't demand custom-made shoes from the poor sales assistant on our next trip to Foot Locker.
But that wasn't the only surprise Kfar Masaryk had in store. As my kiddos learned, in the "olden days," all the children on the kibbutz used to be housed in very small huts called "kids bunkers." How exciting, they thought. Fun sleepovers every night! Of course, what could go wrong with kids sleeping in a confined space together? (Note: Sarcasm levels have reached maximum capacity.)
So, my dear fellow adventurers, Kfar Masaryk took us on a wild journey of education and discovery. It was certainly a morning to remember, filled with laughter, learning, and the occasional existential crisis about our modern parenting techniques. Now it was time to head further north to the Druze-Arab town of Peki'in.
Peki'in, oh sweet Peki'in, welcomed us with open arms and the tantalizing aroma of chocolate swirling in the air. Our destination: "La Chocolate," where an expert chocolatier, who had honed his skills in Europe, awaited our arrival. We unleashed our inner Willy Wonka creating scrumptious chocolate treats.
In a moment of sheer brilliance, we birthed a new concoction known as the "Masada." Picture this: cold chocolate milk with ice cubes. Simple yet revolutionary. We certainly left our mark in the chocolate world and from that day forward, the "Masada" reigned supreme, forever etched into our hearts and taste buds.
Here comes the plot twist: Despite the ongoing battle with car sickness, nothing could dampen my child's spirit or desire for all things sweet as he politely requested (shouted) for permission to gorge on our recently acquired chocolate bounty.
Anyway, if you find yourself in Peki'in and want a non-chocolate-centric experience, simply request to join the chocolatier's father on a mesmerizing journey to the town's ancient synagogue. The kids reveled in walking through the village, witnessing its storied history unfold before their eyes. And yes, even a little prayer escaped their innocent lips as they stood within the sacred walls of the synagogue. Care to guess what I prayed for? Let's just say I may have silently beseeched the heavens for an endless supply of chocolate and a cleanup crew for my perpetually queasy child.
So, my intrepid companions, Peki'in enchanted us with chocolate-induced euphoria, fruit-picking adventures, and spiritual moments in the ancient synagogue, however, soon our tummies began to rumble.
As lunchtime arrived, we drove to another Druze town called Hurfeish where a mouthwatering lunch awaited us. Authentic delicacies from the Druze cuisine danced before our eyes, teasing our taste buds with promises of flavor-filled bliss.
Oh, the stuffed grape leaves! The kids couldn't get enough of these bite-sized parcels of heaven. The magic of this lunch went beyond the scrumptious food thanks to our host Savta Maha, a true storyteller at heart, who regaled us with tales of her life, the village, and the remarkable women within her society.
With our bellies full, we drove to the magnificent Jewish National Fund USA waterfall park in Ma'alot-Tarshiha, an oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of life. This park featured a treasure trove of games and amusements. It was a playground on steroids, with slides, swings, and climbing frames that dared us to conquer new heights of bravery. The kids' eyes lit up like fireworks, their excitement infectious as they darted from one thrilling adventure to the next.
But alas, all good things must come to an end. Yes, my friends, our journey back home had its fair share of challenges. Child number 1's struggle with motion sickness persisted, reaching even new heights.
Yet, even amidst this less-than-ideal situation, we couldn't help but smile. For it was a testament to the unpredictability of life, the unexpected twists, and turns that make our journeys memorable. It was a reminder that sometimes the most memorable moments come from the most unexpected sources.
So, to my fellow mamas and papas, here's the bottom line. When you're next in the Holyland, of course, visit Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, but don't forget about Israel's spectacular Galilee region if you're looking for an epic adventure. Just remember to pack snacks that could feed an army, wake up before the roosters, and embrace the wonders of motion sickness like a true champion. May your journeys be filled with laughter, unexpected detours, and of course, lots of cleaning supplies.
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