Day 36 - Sunrise Hike, Watersports & Boardwalk (Netzach)
Waking up to the startling sound of my whaling alarm at the ridiculous time of 4:45 to prepare myself for the hike was tough. I can’t explain how many excuses were going through my head trying to deter myself from getting up to get ready to venture out into the cold just to go see what people say is one of the most magnificent views within Israel. I eventually decided that I probably will never have the chance to have such an experience ever again so I made my mind up. Reluctantly I rolled out my cocoon of warmth and still being half asleep I slowly put on my clothes and walked out to the lobby where we were to meet all the other oddly enthusiastic people who volunteered themselves to partake in the treacherous journey. As we started the hike it was pitch black and still felt like it was night time; all I could think of was bed. But there was still hope. The suns godly rays started to peep out over the stone cold mountain peeks. It was as if life was brought back into the world. We had reached the lookout point to see an unbelievable view that stretched for miles. Being able to see the borders of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan was so remarkable. Admiring country’s we once had war, with now being so peaceful and picturesque is an unbelievable concept to fathom.
Later in morning all the Netzach boys headed to the promenade to embark on their water sporting journey which is said to be the main attraction of Eilat and also debatably the most exciting part of the whole IST trip. My group decided to leave the best for last so we went banana boating first which was a huge amount of fun but the highlight by far was the tubing, there is something so mesmerising about being whipped around on a big blow up disk that makes teenage boys so excited. I myself say it would have been up there in the top activity’s we have done the whole trip! Following the water sports, we had some free time to go and buy some food and look at stores. In my case a couple of boys and I where engrossed in the Adidas store and there new release of their NMDs (shoes) called tri colours. Following the free time, we received a hardy meal comprising of an enormous shwarma and a massive bottle of water which I reckon was well received by all the boys who were all about hungry enough to eat a cow.
The afternoon was massively exciting once again all the boys of Netzach got on the bus to make the long hour trek to the sand dunes of Eilat. I don’t think I have ever done or seen anything like it before a golden colossal mountain of soft sand sparkling in the light evening sun, ready for all the boys to go nuts. Rolling, running, cartwheeling and flipping all the way from top to bottom being covered in sand getting in all cracks and crevasses possible. When it was time to leave all the boys ran down the hill together tumbling and falling all over the place. All you could hear was screams of laughter and all you could see was smiling faces covered in the golden sparkly sand lit by the light evening sun.
As night fell the whole IST group hit the promenade for a couple hours of well needed free time. People where buying clothes, shoes, eating food and going on the amusement rides. The coolest part by far was the slingshot. The thrilling amusement ride where you are strapped into a ball and shot at enormously high speed into the air. Leaving you feeling as if your bladder has been engrossed into your stomach. Most people decided it would be a great time to fill their stomachs to the brim with everything from ice-cream to crepes to doughnuts. In my opinion it was a extremely successful night.
Josh
