I must make clear that you have not had a true Israeli breakfast until you eat at a Kibbutz in the Galilee. The Kibbutz Ma'agan that we stay at along the Sea of Galilee grows much of their own food, and what they do not grow comes from a very close local source (as is the case anywhere in Israel). The region along the Jordan River Valley has been blessed by many small micro climates perfect for growing various fruits and vegetables. Hence, the quality of the fruits and vegetables found within Israel is very difficult to find in the United States. In addition to the produce, many variety of fish, including the ubiquitous St. Peter Fish, add a unique touch to breakfast in the Galilee.
After breakfast we headed up to the Golan Heights. The Golan Heights are of great strategic importance to the region, and as of right now, Israel is in control of the plateau. From the plateau one is afforded an excellent view of the entire Sea of Galilee, the city of Tiberius on the Western bank of the Sea, and the several Kibbutzim along the shores of the sea. Hence, the strategic importance militarily. Whoever controls that plateau is within 'range' of the entire Galilee valley. The Golan borders Israel, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. The UN has a base there, and keeps a close watch over the happenings of the locals. The inhabitants of the Golan Heights are not Israeli citizens, but as I said, are under the control of Israel. There is much dispute about this land, and who should control it.
After taking in the view from the Heights, we drove further north to Kibbutz Naot. Naot makes leather sandals, which are available worldwide, and at very expensive prices. Lucky for us, they are less than half price at the factory store there at the Kibbutz where they make them.
Next, we headed even further north to the National Park of Tel Dan. Dan is the site of the spring that forms the Dan River, which is a tributary of the Jordan River. The Tel at Dan is a mound of ancient cities, built, destroyed and built again, forming an artificial hill. Here we find the remnants of the city of Dan from the time of Jeroboam and the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Also found at Dan are remnants of an even older gate to the city walls of the city during the Neolithic period... more importantly, the time of Abraham. The most significant find at Tel Dan, however, is that of a fragment of a stele, or funerary monument, which refers to the House of David. This reference is very important in that it is the earliest archaeological evidence known to mention the name of King David.
Besides the archaeological remnants and finds associated with Tel Dan, the National Park is a beautiful place to hike and enjoy a unique microclimate within Israel. The spring that feeds the Dan River produces crystal clear, ice cold water. The water rushes over rocks to create a much unexpected system of rapids. Huge deciduous trees make up the lush forest.
Last, we headed back up the mountains to an overlook, from which we gained an excellent view of the UN camp located at the borders of Israel, Lebanon, and Syria.
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