Our last rest day of the trip was definitely one to remember. The 4 ajnabis (foreigners) (Norbert, Wim and the 2 Italians) went with Padre to finalize their passes from the army. When they came back, some went to visit a new water treatment plant. The rest of us stayed and relaxed on the sunny terrace. Nada (our host) had prepared a barbecue picnic lunch.

We lazed around all afternoon enjoying the view.

We piled into a mini-van and drove to the nearby source of Ain El Deb. The spot was beautiful. Rather then take a picture of it, decided to take a picture of a very scruffy Norbert Schiller.

Near the gushing source were picnic tables in the shade of huge walnut trees. A view of the lake and the imposing Mount Hermon. The singing alternated between the Italians add-libbing familiar Italian tunes and Maurice’s improvising zajal (which was brilliant by the way). A rest day indeed.