Below are excerpts from Mr Klein's daily accounts from Israel. Each day parents receive a detailed synopsis of the day's adventures.

Everything has gone splendidly so far! After arriving at Ben Gurion Airport we sailed through customs and changed money, had a little rugelach and water and then boarded the bus to go see the Bahai Gardens in Haifa.  Let me tell you, 37 kids and 6 adults makes for a rather full bus! It was a beautiful afternoon, and we did manage to gather the troops for a group photo.

After leaving the Gardens we had an hour or so drive with our fading troops to the Golan town of Katzrin where we watched an Imax type movie overview of the Golan region and had a lesson on the history of the Golan (which had been supported in their Jewish History studies with Ms. Braude).  This was followed by more candy and chocolate milk shopping! It was then nearly 7pm when we finally arrived at the Kibbutz, dropped off our bags and headed up for dinner.

Over the last 3 days, along with our Israeli cousins (soon to be brothers and sisters no doubt), we have made our way to the Sea of Galilee where a little ways from the Kineret, lies Hamat Gader.  This is a sprawling Hot Springs with warm mineral water baths - really huge, gorgeous pools with a little sulfurous odor (but not too bad). Also, we've visited the Tel Dan Nature Reserve.  It was a beautiful place and we had a long walk - some of it was like a hike - but it was spectacular.

The kids have been wonderful, our jet lag is finally dissipating, and the weather has been glorious. We are so proud of our Grade 8's!

Stay tuned for more next week...