I have migrated from Tel Aviv along the Mediterranean coast to Be'er Sheva in the Negev, the desert in southern Israel… I miss the sea! The desert has beauty; however, the glaring sun and high temperatures allows one to only enjoy it in moderation.
My dorm building:
My dorm room:
On Friday the group went on its first expedition, a trip to the Dead Sea. We started with a hike through a canyon just west of the Sea. It was here that my Chacos proved themselves worthy to be called adventure shoes… I must admit to having some insecurity regarding my Chacos... To the untrained eye they appear merely a glorified sandal; one that has sparked a sort of hippy religious following. Yet, regardless of their trendy/spiritual characterization the Chacos' versatility and durability have won my heart.
In an effort to avoid the draining sun the group utilized the canyon's stream as its trail. The steam gives life to small trees and other vegetation along its banks, which in turn shades its course. Many in the group were confronted with a dilemma; evade the sun and contend with wet socks and heavy boots, or protect their footwear and take on the sun. But not I!
The trail:
Most of the group:
Another view of the canyon:
Everything about the experience was unpleasant except for the aesthetics… I dashed out into the water trying to disregard the burning sensation which engulfed my entire body (it doesn't matter if you have cuts or if you have shaved recently, you will experience pain!) The blindingly bright sun also seemed to intensify as it reflected off the water and my vision became a white-ish daze… But I was not to be thwarted, onward I ran!
This is a view of Be'er Sheva
I arrived at Ben-Grunion University Thursday, meeting up with other students for the Hebrew summer program. The group is quite dynamic, comprised of people from across the globe: South Africa, France, Germany, Bulgaria, Sweden, Argentina, our neighbors to the north, and the States. Thus far everyone is friendly and excepting.
The Univerisity:
My dorm building: My dorm room:On Friday the group went on its first expedition, a trip to the Dead Sea. We started with a hike through a canyon just west of the Sea. It was here that my Chacos proved themselves worthy to be called adventure shoes… I must admit to having some insecurity regarding my Chacos... To the untrained eye they appear merely a glorified sandal; one that has sparked a sort of hippy religious following. Yet, regardless of their trendy/spiritual characterization the Chacos' versatility and durability have won my heart.
In an effort to avoid the draining sun the group utilized the canyon's stream as its trail. The steam gives life to small trees and other vegetation along its banks, which in turn shades its course. Many in the group were confronted with a dilemma; evade the sun and contend with wet socks and heavy boots, or protect their footwear and take on the sun. But not I!
My Chacos took on the rocky, wet, slick terrain with ease; in fact they have yet to face a landscape they cannot traverse.
The trail:Most of the group: Another view of the canyon:
After the hike we went for a dip in the Dead Sea to cool off. The whole hike I looked forward to this experience, not just because it was unimaginably hot, but I was also eager to float with zero physical exertion. I have never been a good swimmer… well, I've actually never really learned how to swim. My goal has always been to not die which requires a fair amount of thrashing and flailing. This method, though not efficient, has obviously been effective regardless of the little bit of pride I lose each time I attempt this endeavor.
Try and picture my euphoria as I come out of the canyon and behold the Dead Sea! Soon I will be, for the first time, in water on equal standing with my peers in buoyancy and ability! Yet, in spite of my romanticized notions and high hopes, all my dreams and anticipations came crashing down around me…
Try and picture my euphoria as I come out of the canyon and behold the Dead Sea! Soon I will be, for the first time, in water on equal standing with my peers in buoyancy and ability! Yet, in spite of my romanticized notions and high hopes, all my dreams and anticipations came crashing down around me…
Everything about the experience was unpleasant except for the aesthetics… I dashed out into the water trying to disregard the burning sensation which engulfed my entire body (it doesn't matter if you have cuts or if you have shaved recently, you will experience pain!) The blindingly bright sun also seemed to intensify as it reflected off the water and my vision became a white-ish daze… But I was not to be thwarted, onward I ran!
The next minute, neck deep, I felt a moment of bliss as my whole body raised to the surface. However, my bliss was shattered with terror as I realized I had no control of my body. I furiously tried staying vertical to avoid looking directly at the sun. I then realized my shirt was coming off (I forgot my swimsuit), franticly I pulled it down with my hands forfeiting any progress I had made with my legs. Salt water splashed in my eyes, nose and mouth as I rolled about in the water. The thrashing and flailing reached levels never before attained in water… Now, I only tried to coordinate my efforts enough to reach the shore… The next few minutes seem a blur; perhaps because I have since tried to suppress the memory deep in my subconscious… No matter! I eventually reached land; I felt like Odysseus coming ashore on Scheria, exhausted and ashamed.
This picture was taken just before I realized Water, and I, apparently will never be friends…
