ISRAEL

The intensity of faith of the holy land,

with the chilliness of seaside tel aviv

"I stayed at a small hotel just off Jaffa Street not a far walk from the Old City. Youthful and vibrant, cafes were packed and some college kids even set up a DJ booth on the street. One night I walked out the door to find twenty young men donning sidelocks, wearing yamakas on the head, tassels on their belts, imploring people to join their dance party. It was not uncommon to see young people brandishing machine guns. Most every Israeli Jew, male and female had to serve two years and change in the military. Some were in their military uniform, others were in plainclothes. One soldier explained to me that if they ever lost their gun they’d essentially go to jail. Easier to carry it at all times. At first I was a bit unnerved but eventually I grew used to it, though I dared not strike up a conversation with a young woman at a bar or cafe while her assault rifle stood by her feet."

--Luke's Journal

CITIES VISITED:

MUST DO:

FAVORITE MEMORY:

Jerusalem

Tel Aviv

Meditate at the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

Observe Friday evening prayers at the Western Wall.

Eat dinner on Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv.

Jog along the promenade in Tel Aviv then dunk in the Mediterranean.

Finding a Buffalo Bills yarmulke for sale in Old Jerusalem before a transformative visit to the Western Wall.

DIFFICULTY TO VISIT RATING:

2/5  MODERATE

Israel understandably has intense border security, expect to be questioned on your reasons for visiting upon entry and exit. Ethnic tensions in the area can lead to unrest, research ahead if things are intense. Tel Aviv is more laid back than Jerusalem. Once in country, easy to get around. Make sure to check Saturday schedules as many things shut down in Jerusalem!