Today was a very meaningful day to many of the Diller Fellows. We began the day at the Youth Center in Rishon and did an activity that posed the question of whether it is "easier" to be a host or a guest and explored the relationship between host and guest. We then read a passage from the Bible that had do with our discussion, and acted out the situation. It was a thought-provoking exercise that set the mood for the rest of our day where we learned about ourselves and how we should act as a host and guest.
After leaving the Youth Center, we traveled to the Children's Musuem in Cholon. Before enterig we did an activity similar to charades that demonstrated the importance of body language in communication and the ability to overcome obstacles using different forms of communication when the obvious means are not available to you.
Then we entered the exhibit that we were going to "view" which is called "dialogue in the dark." Individuals are led by blind or visually impaired individuals through an exhibit that is pitch black- nothing is visible. It was an interesting experience that has affected me in several ways. It has put into perspective the difficulties of the blind in an obvious and more realistic way. It has also showed me that blind individuals are no different than anyone else. My tour guide, Sarah, was very friendly and had a bubbly and outgoing personality. Although she has always had poor vision, she has not let that facet of herself become dominant. Her voice was resonant and powerful. It was very easy to trust her and let her guide me. At the end of the tour she said that "everyone has flaws – mine happens to be my sight." The statement supports the idea that those physically and mentally handicapped are no different than anyone else and that each and every one of us has a flaw, whether or not it is obvious at first glance.
After the tour in the museum, the group was given free time to spend in Jaffa. I had a lot of fun walking around the old city. The architecture is beautiful and the views of the Mediterranean Sea are breathtaking, to the point where I had a least 15 pictures of the same view.
Later that evening we dined at Café Kapish, a small restaurant where the servers are deaf. It was an interesting experience and I was able to learn some sign language, including how to say thank you, bon appétit, and good bye.
- Eric Kaden
P.S.: Shout out to my parents Ian and Monica who are currently in France. I hope you love it there!
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