Here’s the problem with trying to write a blog on my trip to
Israel. It was so amazing, so wonderful that I want to write about everything
I did and saw. However, except for my Mom, I suspect no one wants to read a
10-page blog post. So, I’ll try and just jot down a few observations and anyone
who is planning a trip can hit me up for details.
I’ll start with a cliche. You must go visit Israel. Not
because its your duty, not because its can be spiritually uplifting, not
because your Mom wants you to, though those are all good reasons. You need to
go because it’s an incredibly magical place to visit. As wonderful as Europe is, when you are in Israel you are
really aware of being in a completely different world. Plus there is something
for everyone, no matter what your interests. Love exciting cities, wonderful
restaurants, luxury hotels? Check. Love ancient history, walking tours, people
watching? Check. Love hiking, nature, and outdoor activities? Check.
We spent 2 days with wonderful tour guides; one to visit the North and
the other in Jerusalem, which added so much to our trip. We also did a small
group excursion to Masada and the Dead Sea. Aside from that we were on our own
and it was incredible easy.
A few brief thoughts. I can see why the kids fall in love w
Tel Aviv and never want to leave. Around every corner there is a garden or
courtyard with trees, fountains, playgrounds and inviting benches so you are
both in the city and away from it all at once. Everywhere you go there are
children playing, dogs romping and young couples falling in love. Add to that
an incredible beach right in the city where people are swimming, eating, and
playing morning, noon and night. How does taking a walk along the seaside
promenade while the sun sets into the Mediterranean Sea sound? It's hard to
imagine a younger, more vibrant, more enchanting city.
Jerusalem is where you really feel like you are in a
completely different world. There is nothing like it. The old city is so
perfect that at first it feels like a Disney creation and the Hasidim like
character actors paid to wander around to add flavor. You can go back every day
to just sit, stare and walk and never get tired of it. The new city is filled
with pedestrian streets and courtyards all packed with people, mostly young,
drinking, talking, yelling and playing music. It is wonderfully new and alive.
History is everywhere. As a Philadelphia I’m proud of our
wonderful colonial history, which of course pales in comparison to Europe with its
medieval structures. Then you come to Israel where 5000 years of history are
everywhere, usually all in the same spot. You stand on ancient Roman ruins, so
perfectly preserved it seems unfair to call them ruins. On almost the same spot
are the ruins of the Ottomans, the Byzantines, the crusaders, and a few more
empires no longer standing.
So I’ll stop typing now though I long to ramble on and on.
Final words; just go.
What a lovely post, love how you described Tel Aviv, as a Tel Aviv resident. I think a lot of people are actually very surprised by what Tel Aviv is like when they get here, it's somehow not that similar to the view a lot of people have of the city before coming :)
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