Carmel: In the Carmel Mountains lie my roots. I am named after those mountains. So many childhood memories and family myths originated here. But, these are the olfactory memories that are the most vivid for me: The fresh fragrance of the cultivated fields and fresh cut grass, the smell of the cowsheds in the kibbutz, and the moist soil after the rain. The odor of wild sage mixes with pines and connects immediately to a flavorful tea made over a bonfire. And the smell of the mediterranean sea, mixes with the smells of sunscreen and watermelon.  Aroma molecules flying around, from the mountains and down to the coast and carrying the essence of this place.

Michal: The Carmel is my home. the familiar smell of pines and bushes, safe paths emitting fragrances of Sage and Marjoram. From the Carmel mountains you can see the Mediterranean Sea, blending with the view of orchards full of juicy oranges.

Carmel: I did my army service in the Negev. The olive green color of the uniforms mixed with these open and vast desert landscapes. These infinite naked mountains put me into perspective as a small human being. The colors of yellow and beige and the cracked clay-stone fill my eyes. I am immersed in this unspoiled beauty. The bright sunlight is straining my eyes. Every now and then, a drop of green pops out. Those are the few persistent plants of Marjoram that use the last drops of water to root and flourish. From the top of the watchtower I see organized plantations of palm trees spreading into the valley. Arranged in straight lines, vertical and horizontal, they fill me with a tense peacefulness.

Michal: The Negev is the landscape of infinity, wild and dazzling. Mountains, valleys and craters in shades of yellow and brown. Vast desert view, dotted by cisterns, and embroidered with the green of brave plants.

Carmel: My feet step down to the valley of the Judean mountains. Some small thorny bushes scratch my knees. I stumble upon a rock and the skin of my palms feels the cool temperature of the stones on the ground. A light breeze tickles the back of my neck. I walk a few steps along the trail and find a SumaC tree. I pick its red fruits, muddle them between my fingers and feel their velvety texture. I place one on my tongue and feel the sour flavor and then it’s hard seed between my teeth.

Michal: For me, The Judean mountains are always cold, full of drama and pathos. Ancient olive trees and bare mountains, almond blossoms and surprising orchids. Flavors that are part of past stories. The magical rose gardens, the blush fruits of the sumac and bay leaves express the acidity, courage and bitterness of days gone by.

Carmel: The vegetation of the Galil is especially rich in its flavors. The White Leaved Savory, both fresh like mint and deep like sage. When chewing the fruit of the Carob, I feel a sweet and rich taste, almost like chocolate with woody notes. The Savory of Crete has a pungent sensation on my tongue that fills the mouth with earthy and herbal aromas. And there are many more flavors originating from the Galil soil waiting to be explored.

Michal: The Galilee for me is grounded, connected to the roots and to the soil. Between low hills and high mountains there is something wild and primal. The strong, lemony, and bitter aroma of the wild herbs when combined with the Carob roots echo my feelings in the Galilee.

Carmel: When walking between the boulders of the Golan heights, I am noticing the sounds around me. The sound of my shoes climbing over the Bazalt stones. One light and hollow stone falls down making an almost metallic noise. Other sonoral layers add up: the persistent chirp of crickets in summer.Then the sound of flowing chill streams. Then the wind between the tall fennel stems. Some cows grazing and mooing. A flock of migrating birds singing while crossing the skyline.   If I  concentrate enough, I can even hear the snow melting from Mount Hermon. These peaceful sounds of nature are not obvious to me. Somehow I feel at home in an area that by many people is not considered a rightful part of Israel. It adds mixed feelings to my physical experience.

Michal: The Golan for me is the black basalt stone, magical sunsets and lots of water with the shimmering green of spring. The Fennel has a strong taste of earth, the Lavender has a strong taste of purple blossoms, and the harmony between them is created in the exact dose between heaven and earth.