We've just spent an incredible but all-too-short four days gallivanting around the northern Israeli region of Galilee with our good friend Roni. We first met Roni in Cambodia and it didn't take long to see what a great person she is. Being a massage therapist (as well as a social worker) she can also be thanked for inspiring Jess's newfound interest in massage.

On our way, we detoured through Akko, a coastal Arabic town not far from Roni's place. Akko is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Israel and as such, offers a fascinating mix of historical relics from nearly every conquering group who entered the lands. There are relics from the Canaanites, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Mamelukes, Turks and the Brits. It was fascinating weaving through the old city past Arabic mosques, Christian churches, Jewish Synagogues, Templar underground tunnels, Turkish bathhouses and Napoleon Bonaparte memorials.

To rest our legs and fill our stomachs, we stopped for lunch at, you guessed it, another hummus restaurant! The Arabs are known for the best hummus and being a predominately Arabic city we figured it had to be good. We were a bit too confident and opted for the special hummus with extra chilli and garlic. Although the first few mouthfuls were amazing, it was a challenge to finish... Our reward at the end was another delicious Arabic coffee, followed later by rose-water and cardamom flavoured ice-cream!

As Roni's work day was coming to an end, we hopped on a bus to her place in Yodfat. Yodfat is a very small, very beautiful village set on top of a hill with great views of the perfectly manicured farm land around, which operates like a modem day kibbutz. There is a very communal, almost exclusive, vibe and you can't even order food or drink at the local pub unless you live there or know one of the locals. Fortunately for us we did! While Roni was working, we spent our time roaming around the beautifully green, free and unpopulated village surroundings.

Having already toughed out her time at Uni, Roni was able to clear a few days in her schedule to hang out and show us around, so we packed up the car and set off for a road trip around the region of Galilee.

For anyone in-tune with some of the bible stories, we drove out to the site where the 'Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes' took place, enjoyed some great views from the Mount of the Beatitudes and took a dip in the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus is said to have walked on water. Although we were far from walking on the water ourselves, it was a very spiritual place and quite surreal to be there.

Before heading further north, we set up camp for the night along the Jordan River. We found a perfect little spot, with a fast flowing stream, laid the mattresses out under the gathering stars and built a cosy fire...

With rested eyes, satisfied stomachs and peaceful minds, we continued our road trip up north to the Golan Heights and surrounds. The scenery was absolutely amazing with caves, waterfalls, canyons and rolling hills all the way. We stopped at a huge volcanic crater to marvel at Gods' creation and then continued up to an old Israeli army outpost to get some amazing views of the surrounds. We could even see a couple of nearby Syrian settlements close to the border. For us relatively peaceful Aussies, it was confronting to learn that the outpost was actively (and recently) used to fight against the Syrian army. There were statues everywhere of soldiers with guns and motivational hebrew memorials praising the Israeli military on their heroic efforts.

Having spent a while living up north, Roni proved to be a great guide and knew all the best places to take us to. She even booked us in for a traditional home cooked feast at a local Druze home in Mas'ada. We had more tabouli, rice and mince-stuffed pastries than we had room for, and to top off our already bursting insides, Roni insisted on stopping down the road for a traditional dessert called 'knafei.' It was bright orange, coated with melted goats cheese and absolutely amazing... our mouths are watering just at the memory!

Although it is tempting to stay in Galilee with Roni forever, we are already half way through our short time in Israel and have some other good friends to catch up with in Jerusalem. Thanks again Roni for showing us such an amazing time in the North of the holy land!