July 5

The MBIers started the day with a hike in the Negev, the first of the summer! They ventured out into the heat with hats and water in the morning before the heat of the day.

Today the MBIers got a chance to see some animals up close and personal. After arriving to the Bedouin Hospitality site, they took a little trek through the desert on camels and donkeys. This was a new and exciting experience for the participants. It’s exhilarating when the camel you’re sitting on stands/lurches up and suddenly you can see out far into the expanse of the empty desert. 

When they returned to the hospitality site the MBIers were treated to a huge Bedouin meal for dinner, as well as given an insight into Bedouin culture. They learned about the important traditions surrounding Bedouin coffee and home life and why hospitality has always been so important to a nomadic, desert culture. They were also treated to some delicious sweet Bedouin tea, and spent some time together as the whole of MBI hanging out under the starry desert sky.

Tonight, they went to sleep early, in a big tent, Bedouin style, so that tomorrow they’ll be ready to set off to the historic site of Masada in the wee hours of the morning.

Photos to come from the day tomorrow when they have internet