Kibbitz Ma-again Michael

I am up early and I will try to write as much as I can before there is a line to use the computer. Kibbutz Ma-Agan Michael is amazing. It is kind of like an oasis in the desert. It is one of, if not the richest Kibbutzim in Israel. They have a brand new skate park, fields for tennis, soccer, basketball courts. There is an amazingly large pool and two small pools for the little ones. It is situated on a massive piece of land. There is fish farming, avocado, banana, and rose plantations. Plus there is a plastic factory. There is a petting zoo with all kinds of animals. There are schools for the kids, and a beautiful dinning hall that looks out over the sea. There is an assisted living place for the elderly and they are building a nursing home. There is a 5 year wait to become a member of this kibbutz. When you look at the faces, these are all hippie people.

Kibbutz life is communism at its best. Maybe it could only work on this small scale. But actually kibbutzim are dying out. Everyone rides around on bikes and they have infant strollers that look like cribs on wheels. The children are so happy. I saw some pictures in a hall draw by kids and they all featured the water, fish, the sun, playing. Most kids only see that on summer vaction. These kids live it every day.

The kibbutz has its own grocery stores and clothing shop, post office, medical clinic, and cafe. You really don't have to leave.

But yesterday I left and went to Haifa. Here is the thing in Israel. You meet someone 2 days ago. Then they say that a friend is coming would you like to go somewhere. Next thing you know you are smushed in a car with four kids you just met on the ulpan going to Haifa. We walked around the German section and saw the B'hai temple (very beautiful). Then we ate a supper of israeli salads in an arab restaurant. I even commented to the people at the table how this doesn't happen in the US. It was great fun and nice to get off the kibbutz.

I am meeting some nice people that will be in ulpan classes with me. They are from all over the world, even Japan! Well I must go, because people are breathing down my throat.

Salam Shalom!!!