Today the children of my host family didn’t have to go to
school so Laila, her husband, their children and me went on a day trip. Lailas sister
in law and her family accompanied us. The First stop was in Mount Karmel but several
kilometers further than the National Park. This place has no specific name but
it was founded by Keren Kayemeth Lelsrael, the Israeli environmental
association. It’s a beautiful place with many trees and an incredible view.
This part was barely affected by the fire of decembrer 2012. At the top of the
mountain is a small amusement park. The children, but also the adults can take
a ride on the rollercoaster or can enjoy the ‘dead ride’. I tried the rollercoaster
and it was actually a bit scary! After the attractions we took a break. While
we were eating, we had a view over Ein Hawd, an Arab village. This is a small
village but it has a big history. Until 1948 Arab people lived here but they
were captured by the Jews. After their release they came back as a protest and
built a new village close to Ein Hawd. The new name of this village was Kfar
Abu al-Hija. After 1978 the villagers reclaimed
the name of their area. From that moment on, the village calls Ein Hawd
again.
The second stop was in Ein hod. Once it was the original Ein
Hawd but the Israeli have decreased this area. Now it’s a Jewish village and
also an artist’ colony. Here live many painters, musicians and sculptors. Between
the houses and along the streets I saw beautiful artwork of from various
artists. We visited a pottery of an elderly lady. She sells plates, vases,
figurines and paintings…all handmade and authentic.
After the trip I helped the children with their English
homework and helped Laila to prepare dinner. Tonight we organized a BBQ for the
family. It was a cosy evening with good food and friendly people. While Laila
and I were doing the dishes, we talked about the experience of last week. She
hopes by receveiving exchange students that our (= Europeans) point of view
about the Muslims will change. She feels sad because many people still think
that Muslims are very agressive and conservative. I assured her that I don’t
think that way and what I saw this week was a modern, warm and lovely family…
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