Toga, Punch, and an Awaiting Departure

First things first, I have decided to leave the kibbutz next Wednesday. I didn't come to Israel to pack apples or be ordered around by 19 year old Russian girls in the factory. OR be patronized by the unprofessional twosome that is Raviv and Vered.

Of course, I shall miss many aspects of this life - the beautiful scenery, a lot of the people, the parties, etc.

Onto other news, the trip to Jerusalem is on. Basically I will leave with everyone, enjoy a long weekend with a lot of the volunteers in Jerusalem, and then stay behind as they return to kibbutz Bar Am on Easter Sunday.

Last night we celebrated another departure (celebrated? not exactly the correct word - we are definitely sorry to see him go!). Murphy. Huge coloured South African dude in his 30s who commands fear and respect in all. I think half the guys want to be him. He is pretty damn cool, it must be said.

In his honour, a 'Toga' party was thrown, and after dinner, everyone arrived at the campfire in the Volunteers quarters, with random sheets tied around and wreaths in their hair. The amount of effort some people put into their costume was truly inspirational (possibly another misuse of word, but I've just woken up, so cut me some slack, ok?). I was late back from the dining hall, so arrived about an hour after it started, but luckily a Korean lady came to help me tie up my toga (white) and pin some flowers in my hair. Let me tell you I LOVE WEARING A TOGA! I took lots of photos of everyone! Some of the guys actually looked like they belonged in Gladiator, the movie. We all sat around the campfire, socializing and drinking punch, and then afterwards all danced the conga to the pub - 'Mel, do you remember the words?' one of the Brits shouted out 'Erm.. Isn't it just 'come on a do the conga... it's lots of fun'???' As we weren't sure and the other nationalities didn't know it, we changed songs trying to find one everyone knew. Word had also got out that I was leaving, so there were a couple of drunken toasts (they being drunk... I had left off the alcohol), and finally we were at the pub. Some boring people had changed out of their togas for the outing, but the majority of us were spouting latin and philosophising, still in our Roman attire. It was heaps of fun.I've decided I want to wear togas all the time when I'm back in England! Definitely.

We were all dragged on the dancefloor to commemorate Murphy's leaving (try dancing in a long, figure hugging toga - it's hard). I actually ended up staying at the pub til closing - something I haven't done in my whole time here. Afterwards, we all trooped back to David (American guy), Zuno (Danish guy) and Nikoli (also Danish)'s room for the 'after-party' - this was at 3am, after closing.

After much merriment, we finally all dispersed home. Janina and I were two of the few who'd stayed up, and we went back to our room and munched pitta bread and chatted about the night. We both agreed it was a whole lot of fun, possibly outdoing Purim.

Tuesday night will be my final pub night (pub is only Friday and Tuesday nights), so I've agreed to drink and let my hair down.

Sheesh, I just can't wait for Jerusalem and to be on the road again. Will be good to be back on the road and be able to be spontanious once again.

Sorry this entry is so scatty, but I can't concentrate (oh what a surprise!) as the TV is blaring with The Talented Mr Riply (for anyone who hasn't seen it, this is one hell of a creepy movie. I've seen it before). The sun is shining, and I want to grab some lunch and go for a walk. Yesterday I went on a ramble to the Lebanese border. Only about 1 minute walk away, and there are still bunkers from the war. I took some photos and tramped around. Found out later that someone had been arrested a year ago for doing the same thing.

Whoops. Why do people never tell me these things before I leave?

Was a fun half hour anyway.

Have a lovely weekend, all!