When I think kibbutz, I think of an old friend who took some time off during college to pick melons in Israel. No, it wasn't me though I did take time off during college and did consider going to a kibbutz. But I never made it to Israel, much to the chagrin of the attractive Aussie lad who initiated the idea so many years ago.
Now that I am making it to Israel, the attractive Yankee lad who initiated the idea (CSJ) has zero interest in extended kibbutz stay. You see, while my old melon-picking friend remembers his kibbutz experience as therapeutic, CSJ remembers his kibbutz experience as injurious. Apparently he had to wash dishes and sleep in a room without his mommy.
Which is why I really had to sell him on the idea of staying at a kibbutz during our trip...even after explaining to him that many kibbutzim have transformed themselves into legitimate hotels. We'll soon see if I was exaggerating.
Here's something from the Kibbutz Hotels Chain Site:
The kibbutz movement first began in 1909 with the establishment of Kibbutz Degania. At present, 269 kibbutzim exist throughout Israel. The original aim of these communities was to settle the land, create a society based on equality, and to nurture a spirit of sharing and mutual collaboration. Although still committed to farming the land, many kibbutzim have branched out and become involved in numerous industries. Tourism is one of them.
I'll write more about this topic but I really should warn you that contacting any kibbutz has been a struggle. There are multiple websites for each kibbutz, and each site has its own problems in terms of details, reservations, and contact information. Forms, for the most part, do not work. If there is no clear email address, calling is the best way to secure a reservation...of course that implies there is a phone number.
