ISRAEL!!! – Optimist’s Symposium

I love Israel. There’s simply no other way to put it. This was my fifth year traveling to Israel for Optimist’s Symposium, and once again it was an absolute blast.

Each morning I ran Yoga for Paddlers before everyone met at the Club to separate into classes.

Yoga for Paddlers took place each morning of the four-day event.

Ehud and Ben catch up before classes begin.

Ehud and Ben catch up before classes begin.

It's a real treat to run rolling classes in such warm, clear water. No hoods needed!

It’s a real treat to run rolling classes in the warm, clear water of the Mediterranean Sea. No hoods needed!

My rolling class demonstrates correct hand position while we take a break on a stunning reef.

My rolling class demonstrates correct hand position while we take a break on a stunning reef.

Another great spot to take a break, right next to the ruins of the old city in Caesarea.

Another great spot to take a break, right next to the ruins of the old city in Caesarea.

After lunch we did some indoor strokes work before putting it into practice on the sea.

After lunch we did some indoor stroke work before putting it into practice on the sea.

Meanwhile, other guest coaches Ben Lawry and Ali Donald had classes of their own.

Meanwhile, other guest coaches, Ben Lawry and Ali Donald, had classes of their own.

It's hard not to be mesmerized by the picture perfect beach.

It’s hard not to be mesmerized by the picture perfect beach.

It's always great to see Hadas. Ben isn't so bad either.

It’s always great to see Hadas. Ben isn’t so bad either.

After classes in was nice to take the time to stroll along the beach before getting ready for evening activities, which always included socializing, laughing and some of the best food on the planet :-)

After classes in was nice to take the time to stroll along the beach before getting ready for evening activities, which always included socializing, laughing and some of the best food on the planet 🙂

Sunsets were stunning too.

Sunsets were stunning too.

The old town in Caesarea.

The old city in Caesarea.

After the symposium we headed to Jerusalem to explore the old city and marketplace. The Western Wall is an amazing place with an incredible energy surrounding it.

After the symposium we headed to Jerusalem to explore the old city and marketplace. The Western Wall is an amazing place with an incredible energy surrounding it.

Now I’m back home and feeling relaxed after a wonderful trip. Special thanks to the organizers, Ehud, Avigail, Yosale and Hadas for once again having me at your event. I’m looking forward to seeing you all again soon in the near future.

Photos by Zohar Navon and myself.

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