Our third day in Israel and second full day of touring we enjoyed the beautiful sites at Banias, the site of the city of Caesarea Philippi, including the Temple of the god Pan, the Water Powered Flour Mill, and the Palace of Agrippa II. I enjoyed my first Falafel over lunch, and then we headed to Mt Bental site of 1973 Yom Kippur War. Then on to Olea Essence. 
I’m not sure why, but I was a little surprised to visit modern tourist sites. While we all probably think of olives and olive oil as part of the region, I was surprised this was part of our tour. Though it wasn’t the only modern site we visited.
We enjoyed a welcome presentation and short Movie about the old way of the olive oil press. They did a great job. It was after lunch, however, and I was significantly jet lagged. It was incredibly difficult to stay awake.
We recieved a “Behind the Scenes” tour of their ecological olive oil press and laboratories with demonstration of Eco Olea, green cleaning. The hand scrub was lots of fun!
Next we got to try the gourmet extra virgin olive oils. That was my favorite part. Mmm! Lots from our group took home olive oil for souvenirs and gifts.
Back at Kibbutz Haon the group met for a time of worship out on the pier overlooking the sea of Galilee. I was so tired I thought about skipping it. In face Jason and I made it out there a little late, but it was such neat time.
As we sang the sun went down. It was so beautiful! I loved looking out onto the water and thinking of all the things that had happened right there.
We ate supper in the Kibbutz Haon dining room again that night, and that was the end of another full day of touring. I felt so blessed to be a part of the trip!
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