Intern Journal: A trip down Abraham’s lane….

It is hard to believe it has only been two weeks here at TYO. We have already not only enjoyed the sites of Nablus, but also those of neighboring towns and landscapes. Most recently, we went on a beautiful eight-hour “walk” (that was really a grueling hike) along what is thought to be one of the original paths walked by Abraham through ancient Palestine. After leaving Al Mghaier, a town outside of Ramallah, at around 8:30 in the morning, we trekked for a few hours to the town of Kafer Malek for some fantastic maklouba and a much-needed rest (for me, at least).  A few more hours later, we arrived at our final destination, Taybeh, totally exhausted, but with a huge sense of accomplishment. Taybeh is a beautiful town in the south of the West Bank, known for its  primarily Christian Palestinian community. After a few strolls around town and a visit to the famous local microbrewery (appropriately named Taybeh Brewing Company) the next day, we headed back to Nablus -  home, sweet home.  (The drive, incidentally, took about 40 minutes in comparison to the monstrous nine-hour hike).  Despite our sunburns and epic battles with mosquitoes, it was an absolutely fantastic excursion, filled with incredible sights and fun memories. Welcome to the West Bank!

-Margaret

TYO Teambuilding on the Abraham Path!

Check out some fantastic photos taken by Students of the World teammember Annie Escobar on our hike through the West Bank on Sunday! The entire TYO team hiked from hill to hill, through olive groves and wheat fields, as a teambuilding experience before our Summer Programs start (next Sunday, June 14).

Thanks to Habib, Hijazi, Areej, Montathem, and Ruba of the Abraham Path Palestine team for their fearless guidance through the hills! And to les soeurs de La Sainte Croix de Jerusalem who hosted us overnight in Taybeh. And Maria Khoury and the rest of the Taybeh family who gave us a great tour of their micro-brewery (the only one in Palestine)!