Yesterday morning the MBIers started by doing an educational activity together, and discussing their experiences thus far, and talking about what was to come. They then had lunch at Sde Boker, before heading to the grave of David Ben-Gurion, who is buried at Sde Boker. Ben-Gurion was the first prime minister of the state of Israel, and one of the most influential and important figures in the development of Zionism and the creation of the Jewish State. The MBIers then travelled to kibbutz Sde Boker, for a tour of Ben-Gurion's hut. David Ben-Gurion lived the final years of his life as an active member of this flourishing desert community, and lived out the last stages of his life following his dream of 'making the desert bloom.'
The MBIers then had some free time in the evening before dinner, to mingle amongst old machane friends, as well as make some new ones. It was also a perfect time for lots of pictures to be taken, with the breathtaking view of the desert mountains behind them. Just before dinner the MBIers had a tekkes (ceremony) together, where they all received their brand new movement chultzot (shirts), which they will hopefully use for years to come!
After dinner, the MBIers were taken out for a treat, only possible in the desert. The 'scorpion hunt' is one of the highlights of every year of MBI, and this year was no exception. Guided by professional guides, each bus was taken out to search for scorpions under the night sky. Groups travelled round with UV flashlights, hoping to catch a glimpse of this small but dangerous desert animal. Scorpions illuminate under UV light, so it was exciting to see the sight of a small, scuttling scorpion in the desert sand for all. But don't worry, we're glad to report that there were no bites! Aside from the odd mosquito or two.
This morning the MBIers woke up early and headed off for two of the desert's most beautiful hikes and landmarks. The morning hike was done in Ein Avdat, which goes through the Avdat ruins. Avdat is an ancient desert city, which was inhabited by a Nabbatean tribe roughly 2,500 years ago. The city was a major stop on the trade routes, and the ruins exist there until today.
The afternoon was spent travelling through the large machtesh in the desert, a huge naturally formed crater right in the middle of the Negev Desert. The machtesh is a universally studied phenomenon, as it is one of the few in the world that was not created by a meteor or impact of a large object, but rather by the movement of the land underneath it. It is an overwhelming experience to look over the cliffs of the machtesh and see the splendour of the huge sunken area.
The MBIers then headed off to Kfar Nokdim, a Bedouin hospitality site. Here, the MBIers were treated to a huge Bedouin meal for dinner, as well as given an insight into Bedouin culture. They were also treated to some delicious sweet Bedouin tea, and spent some time together as the whole of MBI around a large bonfire.
The MBIers will spend tonight sleeping in a big tent, ala bedouin style, before setting off to the historic site of Masada in the wee hours of tomorrow morning.
