Soon you notice that you are in a land of extremes, a cultural and traditional hybrid, all packed into a very small space and any trip would be too short be able to get a full understanding. So was mine – a 10-day business trip with very limited spare time to explore and experience the country to the fullest, that offered an eye-opening glimpse nevertheless.
- Be a hedonist in Tel Aviv
- Shake your senses in Jerusalem
- Face the cold reality in Bethlehem
- Embrace the history and nature at Masada
- Cool off at the desert oasis Ein Gedi
- Get healed in the Dead Sea
And finally
BE A HEDONIST IN TEL AVIV
Old Jaffa, Tel Aviv |
In one of those busy areas, at the center of the Dizengoff Square is the colorful Fire and Water Fountain by Israeli artist Yaacov Agam, dedicated in 1986. The construction of this rotating sound, light and water fountain took ten years, and it is considered to be one of Agam’s most famous kinetic sculptures. The mechanics of the computerized fountain allow its several functions, including turning its wheels, spraying water in various forms, spitting fire, and playing music.
“The fire and water together in the sculpture recreates the dynamic elements of time and change,” explains Ron Agam, Yaacov’s son. “The most important element of this artwork is its celebration of life, the most constant thing in life is change and everything is always in movement.”
With the constant coming and going of people here, this is a good spot for people-watching. If you are lucky, you may be able to get a seat on one of the benches surrounding the sculpture and mingle with some friendly locals.
If you are not into neon-lights and hip nightlife, Old Jaffa is the place to be where you can let your stress flow away with the soft breeze. And with some stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea, soon a smile sweeps your face.
One place I can recommend going at night for breathtaking views of the
city of Tel Aviv is Aladin Restaurant in Old Jaffa. The restaurant is
built in a 600 year old stone building from the time of the Ottoman
Empire and situated on a hillside above the sea with a spectacular
panoramic view of Tel Aviv. If the weather is nice, this would be a
fantastic option to spend an evening, eating fresh fish and drinking
wine, and enjoying the lovely outdoor atmosphere.
SHAKE YOUR SENSES IN JERUSALEM
experience on its own to come across such great religious and ethnic diversity all scrambling towards their quarters, to witness pilgrims praying in spiritual emotions, to feel the invisible walls among the
Old City quarters, to notice the prejudices of one neighbour about the
other – again all in a tiny area less than a square kilometer.
prior to your trip. He was the driver-guide for my trip over to Masada
and the Dead Sea, but he also offers tours in Jerusalem. Alon was an
Orthodox Jew until four years ago when he decided to give it up and
start a new life. He is incredibly polite, open-minded and always eager
to share his opinions and personal experiences in all honesty as related
to religion/life, Israel and the regions of conflict. Spending some
time with him as your guide will surely enhance your overall experience
in this holy land. In case you want to explore the city on your own, “Jerusalem Old City Audio Walking Tours” by the Jerusalem Development Authority is a great app I can recommend.
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School kids in Old City of Jerusalem |
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Mount of Olives |
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The Western Wall and the dome of Al-Aqsa Mosque |
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The Western Wall (aka Wailing Wall or Al-Buraq) |
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Western Wall – Women’s section |
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Western Wall – Men’s section |
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Jerusalem Old City |
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The Church of the Holy Sepulchre |
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Kids playing at sunset on the rooftop over the Old City Markets |
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Jewish Quarter on Shabbat evening – deserted |
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The deserted Jewish Quarter on Shabbat evening |
FACE THE COLD REALITY IN BETHLEHEM
world. Located in an “Area A” zone administered by the Palestinian Authority within the West Bank, Bethlehem is primarily known for the birthplace of Jesus (The Church of the Nativity). All the holy sites aside, for me this short drive was a reality check with unbelievably many mind-boggling impressions that I strongly recommend anyone visiting Jerusalem a side trip to Bethlehem or any other town in Palestine to do their own reality check.
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The star marking the spot where tradition says Jesus was born – The Church of the Nativity |
The West Bank is divided into pockets of land categorized into three zones: Zone A, B, and C.
The land in Zone A, which makes up only two to three percent of the geographic area is entirely under the control of the Palestinian Authority.
Zone B is administered by the Palestinian Civil Authority but the security is mostly controlled by the Israeli military. In case of trouble in any island of Zone A, that community can be locked down by Israeli troops by shutting down Area B. Hence, the majority of the Palestinian population could easily be isolated in urban islands throughout the West Bank.
Zone C, holding most of the West Bank’s uninhabited land, is under complete Israeli authority.
Entering the Zone A is forbidden for Israeli civilians, whereas there can be no Palestinian building in Zone C without a permit from the Israeli Civil Administration. Israel and Palestine relationships are complicated but tourists are free to travel in and out.
An Israeli checkpoint stands between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and a passport is normally required to reenter Israel. However, during my visit checkpoints seemed relaxed and no one asked for my passport. While I felt very safe throughout my visit to Bethlehem, obviously trouble does break out from time to time. So it’s wise to follow the situation closely prior to arriving in Palestine.
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Bethlehem is ready for Christmas |
EMBRACE THE HISTORY AND NATURE AT MASADA
COOL OFF AT THE DESERT OASIS EIN GEDI
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One of the tiny waterfalls in Ein Gedi |
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A rock hyrax |
GET HEALED IN THE DEAD SEA
Floating in the tranquil, healing waters of the Dead Sea effortlessly, immersing yourself in its therapeutic mineral-rich mud, and enjoying the view of the mountains in the distance, on the Jordanian side is another must-do activity when in Israel.
As much fun as the Dead Sea offers, a great pity it is receding: the waters in the Dead Sea are vanishing at a rate of more than one meter every year. Without the Dead Sea waters to protect the salt layer beneath the soil, the salt is being dissolved by the fresh water from rain or desert floods, creating hundreds of new sinkholes every year. A bitter truth that already forced the closure of some popular beaches, and the rate is expected to rise because the Dead Sea’s natural water sources have been diverted for farming and drinking water. So don’t wait and go now before this unique place gets swallowed!
STAY SAFE IN ISRAEL
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Hmmm…weird…sea level sign but no water around?!? |
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Sea Level Camel and Bedouins |