Sunny In Israel
Happy Tuesday. Hope you all had a great weekend.
I travelled to Israel the third week in June. To be precise June 22, 2016. I initially wanted to travel to Israel in May. My good friend and Hillman Entrepreneur sister Tamar, suggested I travel to Israel during her visit since Israel is actually her home. She was born in Ethiopia but been living in Israel for awhile before moving to the States for college. I jumped right at the opportunity, traveling with someone from there I knew I will be getting the local experience.
BEFORE TRAVELING TO ISRAEL
You probably already know you need to have a valid passport to visit Israel. Visas are issued on arrival (free of charge) to USA, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish passport holders.
Passport & Visa: Passport stamps are no longer accepted, so you don’t need to worry about outdated advice claiming to beware of a stamp showing you have been to Israel. Instead, a paper visa is issued at entry which shows your stamp.
Currency: Israeli New Shekei
Languages: Hebrew & Arabic are the official languages of Israel
Shabbat:It is important to know that from sunset Friday through sunset on Saturday is Shabbat – the Holy day for Jews, when all businesses close for the day of rest.
Dress: It should go without saying that as a heavily religious country, both women and men should keep their style choices modest.
HISTORY
Prior to 1948, the modern state of Israel was named Palestine and though not recognized internationally as a state (country), this was the homeland to around 1 million Palestinians. After a war between the Israelis and Palestinians, the modern state of Israel came to being in 1948 following a UN mandate which specified the borders of Israel and those of Palestine. Since then the borders outlined have been contentious, resulting in ongoing unrest between Arabs and Israelis. It is a complex history that requires much further detail, so if you’re interested in learning more I strongly urge you to do your own research.
10.5 hours flight from New Jersey to Tel Aviv
Taxi drivers are required to provide your information to the taxi company prior to starting the trip for security reasons.
Tamar and I went to the city for exploring after my arrival at her family home.
The buses in Israel has wifi and USB outlets to charge your devices
The history of Jaffa is a long one. As one of the world’s oldest ports, Jaffa is thought to have been the port from which Jonah left in the story go Whale! This port continued to be relevant throughout history, and served as the main entry point to the land of Israel through until the late 19th century when Jews from around the world began to return to Israel. It was through Jaffa that they entered the country and in Jaffa that many initially settled. The huge population increase led to overcrowding, and tense relations developed between the Jewish and Arab residents of the city. The result was that Jews began building outside of Jaffa, firstly neighborhoods such as Neve Tzedek, and later the city of Tel Aviv.
Tel Aviv, often called “the city that never stops,” was the first modern Jewish city built in Israel, and it is the country’s economic and cultural center. It is a lively, active city with entertainment, diverse culture and art, festivals, and a rich night life.
Israeli Shawarma is vertical spits of meat that are grilled and shaved off. Often enjoyed in a pita with condiments or just with a lovely salad. The meat on the stick could be chicken, lamb or beef. It is usually tossed with fat for exceptional flavor. It is also spiced with flavors of the Middle East.
We met with Tamar’s high school friend for drinks. I was pretending to be drinking alcohol (cranberry juice) lol
The next day, Tamar’s mom prepared some delicious Ethiopian tea. We had an interesting discussion with her family. They were so welcoming. I completely forgot to take pictures of her amazing family.
After breakfast, Tamar’s dad drove us to the central bus station. I continued my travel to Jerusalem alone.
I took the bus to Jerusalem
I couldn’t find my way around as usual. It was hard to find someone who spoke English. After several failed attempts on my usual “do you speak English”, I met Robert. I screamed “Thank God” once he said “yes, I speak English.” Born in Chicago, currently in Israel for the summer.
I got lost countless times trying to take the train to the right direction
I decided to ask one of the soldiers for direction. Then, I ask for the unthinkable. “Can you take my picture please? The reply, “yes”. Don’t judge me. The struggles of a solo traveler.
I stayed at one of the tallest buildings in Jerusalem, City Tower.
Jerusalem, by virtue of the number and diversity of people who have held it sacred, may be considered the holiest city in the world. Jerusalem is important to the Jewish people because it is Ir Ha-Kodesh (the Holy City), the Biblical Zion, the City of David, the site of Solomon’s Temple, and the eternal capital of the Israelite nation. Important to Christians because it is where the young Jesus impressed the sages at the Jewish Temple, where he spent the last days of his ministry, and where the Last Supper, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection took place. Important to Muslims because it is where the prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. After the holy sites of Mecca and Medina, Jerusalem is the third most sacred place of Islam. While highly charged with intense religious devotion and visited by countless pilgrims and sages, Jerusalem has also been ravaged by thirty centuries of warfare and strife. Jerusalem is a holy place with a rich and ancient history. Today, the city is sectioned into four quarters: the Jewish Quarter, Christian Quarter, Muslim Quarter, and Armenian Quarter.
The streets were completely empty on Saturday. Few Restaurants were open
I met this amazing soul, Shlomo. He didn’t speak English, but we communicated through yes, no and body gestures.
After our interaction, I went to a restaurant close by for breakfast. He stormed the restaurant, demanded to pay for my food.
After breakfast, Shlomo noticed I was walking to the Old City and offered to give me a ride. I cannot put into words the hospitality I received.
I started with the Christian quarter. I met another amazing soul Maron at the Christian quarter. He provided valuable insights about places to see at the Christian Quarter.
The site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is identified as the place both of the crucifixion and the tomb of Jesus Christ. The church has long been a major pilgrimage center for Christians all around the world.
Jewish Quarter
Armenian quarter
The shop owner John was too excited to touch my hair. I told him it was a wig but he didn’t believe me.
I will post about the Muslim Quarter on my Palestine post later this week.
I was too happy to explore the Old City and the different quarters.
The Zion Gate
The Dead Sea has been a source of health and wellbeing for centuries. It is documented that one of Cleopatra’s beauty secrets was bathing in the Dead Sea. The queen of Shiva also used the salts from the Dead Sea to tone her skin and relax her body. Those ancient beauties and countless others since have been enjoying the Dead Sea’s therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.
I met this beautiful soul Isabelle, from the Netherlands. She was in Israel with her father.
Be prepared to float effortlessly on the waters of the Dead Sea thanks to its high concentration of minerals, which is the highest in the world.
Upon my arrival back to Tel Aviv, I was out of cash. While trying to withdraw money from the ATM, I met this angel literally. He was so kind. He offered money, food and a gift that I will forever cherish.
I took the train back to the Airport
I hope this post was helpful and inspires you all to travel to Israel. Stay tuned for my Palestine post later this week.
Do not use my photos without permission