Studying scorpions, catching rain water, and honoring an Israeli hero during study abroad in Israel.
– Christopher Sorhage, SPC Student, Israel Program, May 2019
After enjoying the sun rise and the view from the over look into the Ramon crater, we all headed back to the hostel to get ready for the day and eat breakfast. After breakfast we loaded our bottles with water, climbed on the bus, and headed off to explore the Negev desert.
We arrived at a road which had squads of the Israeli Defense Force to the right who were practicing their marksmanship, and on the left side there was a farm.
While at this location we went on a small hike where we looked at the small amounts of plant life which grew in the area. After looking around we came across a line of rock which had been laid by people who lived there back in biblical times. This wall of rocks, which was only 2 to 3 rocks high and loosely packed, was called a terrace. It was used to trap water and the soil that the water carried. These terraces are the key to farming in the desert.
After learning about the terrace, we took the time to fix a hole that had been made in the wall and moved on to where the farm was located.
On this active farm you could see terraces which were constructed in the last decade and looked identical to the one which was constructed 2000 years ago. There was no water while we were there, but we were shown a picture of what the farm looks like when it does rain/flood. The terrace collects enough water to be waist deep.
After seeing the farm, we left to go out and get lunch and then went to the Ramon Memorial Center. This center was dedicated to the first Israeli astronaut, llan Ramon. We walked in and saw a replica of the Colombia Space Shuttle and the suits that he wore.
We learned about his family and his history–that he died in the Colombia accident which was a tragic loss to Israel. In a small theater we watched a movie about him and his family. Their history is a sad story and the movie left many of us with teary eyes. I encourage you to look up this man and his contributions to Israel.
Finishing the tour at the memorial center we headed back to the hostel. After dinner we got ready for a night hike to go hunting for scorpions.
There we used small UV flashlights which made the scorpions fluoresce, making it possible to find them. They glowed in a cool blue green color which is easy to spot. While out there we split into several groups and found at least fifteen scorpions. When we were done, we all headed back to the hostel and got ready for bed.
Today was an amazing day for me. Having never been to a true desert, hiking in one was quite an experience for me and many others. Seeing the techniques used to make farming possible in such a hostile environment was intriguing. Learning of Israeli hero llan Ramon was sad, yet also a good experience for me. The scorpion hunting was awesome and an eye opener to find so much life in such a desolate-seeming place.
Finally, my favorite part of the day had to have been the start, watching the sun rise. It was one of the most beautiful things I have seen and I’m glad I made the time to get up and see that beautiful sight.
– Christopher Sorhage, SPC Student, Israel Program, May 2019
Thank you for sharing Christopher!
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