And we’re off again! (Dec. 28th)

Tuesday was a very exciting day for the J’Burgh Israel group. It was the day we got to get a full on taste of what Karmiel has to offer as not only a great place to live but also to work. Our first stop was at a local graphic design studio where the young entrepreneur designs and prints his work for clients all over the world. He loves Karmiel and what it has to offer him and his small business. While there, a young woman spoke to us as well about her project of bringing locally grown food to the Galilee. While doing this, perhaps the Jews and Arabs could ultimately work together to provide such a common goal: food. It’s a dream of hers to have a farmer’s market in the area for people to have the option of buying locally and actually knowing exactly where their food is coming from. Our final stop on our small business tour of Karmiel was at a furniture store (with lots of fun decorating options!) that imports their merchandise from all over the Middle East. It’s now a very successful business that has made its home in Karmiel for over 8 years.

all the girls on the couch of the furniture store!

After our tour of the small businesses of Karmiel we were in for quite a treat. We headed to Hararit Community Village for a very unique concert performed at the home of Shir Sofer (whose name translates to “Song Writer”). He lives in a village where the residents are involved in meditation and he and his family live in a beautiful home overlooking Karmiel that is like nothing else we’ve ever seen. His specialties involve playing just about every musical instrument and helping to use his talents within the mediation community.

After enjoying some cookies, tea and coffee, we were invited downstairs to hear him play and sing. We were just about blown away at first when he began singing using 2 voices! He had studied with Monks to learn this skill and we sat there in awe. He also played many of his instruments from around the world. At one point, he invited us to close our eyes while he played the Tibetan Bowls. The entire experience was moving and it was so interesting to see this man do what he loves and be able to make a living from it here in the Galilee.

look at all the instruments!

Shir playing one of his many instruments.

Um, did you know you can literally play the saw? Shir showed us and you definitely can...

That's pretty much the nicest collection of gongs I've ever seen.

Before our day was over, we also visited a place where olives are harvested and made into olive oil. What was so unique about this place in particular is that it is made my Jews. We learned that 90% of Israel's olive oil production is made by the Arabs. The afternoon was left for a delicious lunch and time to spend with our host families in and around the area. Our amazing day was topped off with bowling and pizza at a local place. (This makes us very excited about J’Burgh and PSL bowling league that starts on January 10^th right after we get back!)

Lots o olive oil.

Pretty much the best picture ever of the entire group. 

Check out Justin's sweet bowling shoes.

Carolyn used the granny roll technique and managed to win somehow. 

As you can see, we are really learning about Karmiel and getting a feel for what this region is all about and exactly how Pittsburgh is connected. It’s thrilling to see all the possibilities for future connections and oh are we excited!