Wednesday, July 8th at 12:30 AM:
We just returned from the most spectacular day thus far of our tours. Each previous day had 1 or 2 wonderful, history filled sites that we visited and certainly filled with emotion and heritage. But, today was like no other and probably will never be, as far as we (Sean, Aly and I) are concerned. So, get ready for some exciting details. However let me start with our last training session of pre-camp.
We left the hotel at 6:30 AM and began training at 6:50 and finished at 8 AM. It was a very tactical session that started with a 10 vs 10 keep away game with limited touch (first 3 touches allowed and then only 2 touches allowed). What that means is, they must pass the ball on or before the touch limitation. What we are trying to get across to them is playing quickly with our mind and allow the ball to do all the work for us. The reason is, the defense can never move as fast as the ball, thus setting ourselves up for the next pass without much tiresome running and dribbling. This is what we have been working on since our arrival. They are finally starting to do the impossible.......think on and off the ball. It went very well. We then played 9 vs 9 on half field and we also would stop play and work on our free kicks, which we are finally starting to execute and understand.
So the day started off in a great way and it was now time to begin our most memorable and exciting journey!
We left the hotel at 12:15 PM for the Dead Sea (the lowest point on earth). Once we arrived we all went in and it was the most incredible experience. It was like floating on raft, with no fear of sinking or falling off. It was very enjoyable (except for the stones in the bottom). We moved just around the area and put hot mud all over our bodies. Our skin has never felt better.
I loved being in the Dead Sea as did everyone! We stayed here for 2.5 hours and then left for Masada!
This was, without question the most intense heat I have ever felt, being on top of Masada. I actually wore a hat! How about that! Masada was a fortress built to defend against the Romans. It worked for some time, but eventually, due to the sheer numbers of the Romans, it would be overthrown. However, instead of allowing the Romans to take away their freedom, the Jews decide to take their own lives, thus preventing the Romans the pleasure of killing them and taking them prisoners. This was pivotal in our Jewish Heritage. (Sean will upload some photos tomorrow showing these places). This was a great lesson for us all inm never giving up our freedom, no matter what the cost.
Next, we traveled to the most wonderful place for dinner.....a Bedouin dinner, where we got to see and spend time with Aly once again. The Bedouins are a nomadic people that live in the desert in tents. They are Arabs, but Israeli Arabs and do support Israel. This dinner was complete with music and belly dancers. I have never witnessed anything quite like this. We sat at tables on the dirt floor (on mats) and were served every kind of Arabic food you could imagine. For instrance, we had Kibbi, lamb, kabobs, pita and falafel, just to mention a few. It was delicious, entertaining and a lot of fun. There was also a Camel in attendance as well, just to make it authetic!!
We are all very tired, but experiencing a lifetime of dreams and fulfillment! I can't wait to get my photos developed back home and yes, I still love using film rather than digital!
Tomorrow, rather today, we will travel south and have lunch at a village, then go to a beach for a BBQ dinner. This will be our last day of touring and then it will be time to get down to the business at hand........winning Gold!
Take care, stay well and we will write and post photos later today.
All the best to everyone and especially Marie and our "gang of five". We love you and miss you very much,
Preston and Sean from Israel
We just returned from the most spectacular day thus far of our tours. Each previous day had 1 or 2 wonderful, history filled sites that we visited and certainly filled with emotion and heritage. But, today was like no other and probably will never be, as far as we (Sean, Aly and I) are concerned. So, get ready for some exciting details. However let me start with our last training session of pre-camp.
We left the hotel at 6:30 AM and began training at 6:50 and finished at 8 AM. It was a very tactical session that started with a 10 vs 10 keep away game with limited touch (first 3 touches allowed and then only 2 touches allowed). What that means is, they must pass the ball on or before the touch limitation. What we are trying to get across to them is playing quickly with our mind and allow the ball to do all the work for us. The reason is, the defense can never move as fast as the ball, thus setting ourselves up for the next pass without much tiresome running and dribbling. This is what we have been working on since our arrival. They are finally starting to do the impossible.......think on and off the ball. It went very well. We then played 9 vs 9 on half field and we also would stop play and work on our free kicks, which we are finally starting to execute and understand.
So the day started off in a great way and it was now time to begin our most memorable and exciting journey!
We left the hotel at 12:15 PM for the Dead Sea (the lowest point on earth). Once we arrived we all went in and it was the most incredible experience. It was like floating on raft, with no fear of sinking or falling off. It was very enjoyable (except for the stones in the bottom). We moved just around the area and put hot mud all over our bodies. Our skin has never felt better.
I loved being in the Dead Sea as did everyone! We stayed here for 2.5 hours and then left for Masada!
This was, without question the most intense heat I have ever felt, being on top of Masada. I actually wore a hat! How about that! Masada was a fortress built to defend against the Romans. It worked for some time, but eventually, due to the sheer numbers of the Romans, it would be overthrown. However, instead of allowing the Romans to take away their freedom, the Jews decide to take their own lives, thus preventing the Romans the pleasure of killing them and taking them prisoners. This was pivotal in our Jewish Heritage. (Sean will upload some photos tomorrow showing these places). This was a great lesson for us all inm never giving up our freedom, no matter what the cost.
Next, we traveled to the most wonderful place for dinner.....a Bedouin dinner, where we got to see and spend time with Aly once again. The Bedouins are a nomadic people that live in the desert in tents. They are Arabs, but Israeli Arabs and do support Israel. This dinner was complete with music and belly dancers. I have never witnessed anything quite like this. We sat at tables on the dirt floor (on mats) and were served every kind of Arabic food you could imagine. For instrance, we had Kibbi, lamb, kabobs, pita and falafel, just to mention a few. It was delicious, entertaining and a lot of fun. There was also a Camel in attendance as well, just to make it authetic!!
We are all very tired, but experiencing a lifetime of dreams and fulfillment! I can't wait to get my photos developed back home and yes, I still love using film rather than digital!
Tomorrow, rather today, we will travel south and have lunch at a village, then go to a beach for a BBQ dinner. This will be our last day of touring and then it will be time to get down to the business at hand........winning Gold!
Take care, stay well and we will write and post photos later today.
All the best to everyone and especially Marie and our "gang of five". We love you and miss you very much,
Preston and Sean from Israel
What a great post! I am so glad that you all are having fun in Israel and I can't wait to see all of the pictures when you all get back!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great day! Can't wait to see the pictures - digital and film. Glad you got to spend some time with Aly. I talked with her and she had a great time too. I know you are having long days. Try to get some rest, you sounded beat. Love and miss you.
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