I love this bar -- it's my kind of place

So I went up north this weekend with some friends to relax, get away, and, of course, ski. We left Jerusalem on Thursday afternoon – stopped in Tiberia to get some kick ass Chinese food, and worked our way up to Kibbutz Dafna (known for making great slippers apparently). We had a VERY relaxing evening, drinking, smoking some hooka – and just laughing a lot. Woke up Friday morning – ate a delicious kibbutz breakfast (mm I love it). Headed over to the ski slope – Mt Hermon. This place is in the northern tip of Israel – about a 20 minute drive from where we were staying. It’s a gorgeous view on the way…there was concern along the way as there was NO snow. But suddenly, in the distance, we looked out and HARK snow. After a little bit of a balagan finding where we needed to go to rent our equipment, we got ourselves moving. What an ecstatic experience! Skiing in Israel! The snow was mediocre – with some slush, some powder, some ice – and some protruding bushes and rocks along the way. Took some great runs, it started icing a bit. Stopped for some warmth, got back out. We decided that we would all ski together again (Mel and I had been skiing alone) and went back to the top. Well as we got there, the icing got stronger, the wind started hitting – and we had 3 beginner/intermediate skiers to get back down the mountain.
Ski patrol ended up helping us – some walked down. It was INSANE. The wind was strong, the ice was stronger and cutting into our faces. As we were making our way down, there were a lot of booms – to which the ski patrol guy replied that it was nothing.
Well, silly liar. Apparently the Lebanese were chucking bombs toward an IDF base about 5 miles from us – in retaliation for the accidental killing of a Lebanese shepherd a few days ago. We were herded (pun?) into the ski lodge as the soldiers confirmed our safety. We hung out there for about a half hour – some were more entertained than others. . . Finally, we were informed that we could get back onto the shuttle bus to get brought back down to our car. We were the last ones on the bus – as the soldiers yelled “Kadima” (forward), commanding us to move (we actually ran) our asses onto the bus.
Got in the car. Drove back to the kibbutz. And spent a wonderful Shabbat relaxing – we cooked dinner, talked theory, and had a relaxing evening.
Woke up in the morning, consumed another marvelous breakfast courtesy of the kibbutz, then went to support them by going to their shoe store. A few people made purchases - i did not. their personal brand is mostly slippers. but UGLY and WEIRD.
we found out from mel's cousin about some secret hot springs that she found out about from a friend during her days in the army. we off roaded our rental Civic and found the spot -- on some nearby kibbutz. turns out more people have found out about it than a decade or so ago -- but it was still amazing. perfect after a day of skiing!
And then we headed home
Stopped in Rosh Pina for lunch. Gorgeous little town, i need to get back up there before i leave here. we had lunch at a place called "Shokolateh" which is basically a combo of Chocolate and Latte in hebrew. It said underneath the name "Beit Cafe Matok" which means "Sweet Coffee House" basically. and they had a neverending supply and variety of chocolate -- to be contributors to ones meal.
I had a great hot chocolate. and bought some small pieces to go . . .
And that's my story.

Asher had a great weekend with his babysitters...and now we prepare for another week.
My mom shows up in 8 days -- and that's Karen's bday as well.
And then a tiyul up north...fun fun