November 18th, 2019
We had breakfast at our camp before they hurriedly loaded us in the jeep and drove us the short distance back out of the desert.
When they dropped us off we took a taxi to the border so we could cross back into Israel. Once in Israel we were negotiating with a taxi to take us to the bus station when some Israeli soldiers walked up and asked where we were going. They were so nice and said, “we can give you a ride!”. They loaded our bags and gave us a free ride to the bus station.
They were very friendly and gave us their number in case we needed anything while in Israel, to let them know. I told them it was the nicest border crossing experience we have had, and they said that is what they were hoping for.
When we arrived at the bus station it was perfect timing to get right on a bus going to Tel Aviv. When we hiked to Machu Picchu back in Peru we became friends with some Israelis we hiked with. It was a group of six and they were all very friendly and told us about Israel and how we should visit. That planted the seed for me to think about coming to this part of the world. It is amazing how certain interactions can change your course and experience. I feel beyond grateful to the friends we met in Peru as now we are in Israel and get to explore some of the Middle East which we might have missed had it not been for them.
We had been in touch with our friend Eytan, who offered us to stay with him where he lives just outside of Tel Aviv. When we arrived, he was waiting for us at the bus station. It was such a nice feeling to have someone waiting to greet us as we have been away from home for so long. We went to his house and met his Mom who was super sweet and incredibly hospitable towards us. We ended up going out in Tel Aviv that night and were able to meet back up with five out of the original six people we hiked with in Peru! It was really fun and great to see them again.