My favorite Tiyul was our Yam Le Yam trip, which is 4 days of hiking across the country.

My favorite Tiyul was our Yam Le Yam trip, which is 4 days of hiking across the country. As we concluded our 4-day journey together all I could think was “I can do anything!” That was the thought running through my mind as I charged into the Kinneret with my amazing, strong, accomplished and new friends. On Yam le Yam we hiked across the country, conquered mountains, riverbeds, woods, and even orchards. I never thought I would be able to say that I have hiked across a country. Everyone who started at the Mediterranean made it to the Kinneret, not a single person was left behind. It was a team effort. Hiking for days really bonds people, I got to know so many new people just by talking to them out of boredom. On the last day, we had to walk by ourselves for about an hour and a half. Even though it was only an hour and a half it felt like days. I was so bored and every time I would have a thought I wanted to tell someone and it was hard to just stay silent when others are around. I believe the main thing humans strive for is love and acceptance. This activity made me realize how content others and myself are when receiving these things and then we are left alone all these negatives thoughts appear, like how much longer do I have to hike, my feet hurt, I’m hungry. All things I hadn’t thought about while busy chatting and being with people.  While this time was good to have to myself and I appreciated the small bit of quiet, I missed the constant chatter of thoughts, laughter, and individual growth. My favorite part of the whole trip was the time hiking. The hiking put my mind at ease and the beautiful scenery was a welcomed distraction from the real world that awaited me back at home (Hod Hasharon). I was so grateful to see this road after the hour of hell that was before it. After seeing this road we went to our campsite and I was so grateful for the warm bowl of soup, this soup was one of the best things about the whole trip. Historically, so many Jews have done this walk and it is really meaningful for me to know that we are literally walking in our ancestor’s footsteps.