"Martin_S.'s Israel Page" Israel by Martin_S.

Israel Travel Guide: 8,514 reviews and 24,144 photos

Come visit a beautiful and historic country.
This is a picture of Massada at the Dead Sea.
Massada has just (Dec 2001) recently been announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to find out more, go to
http://whc.unesco.org/nwhc/pages/sites/mail.htm
Try this web site I just found they have some neat stuff there at http://www.inisrael.com/tour/main.html
Another web site is for the Israel Parks Authority at
http://www.Parks.org.il/ParksENG

Whats in a name....well quite a lot often.
The photo shows a prickly pear cactus, quite common in Israel. Its name in Israel is TZABAR and the edible fruit TZABARIEM. This is also the nickname for a native born Israeli, a Tzabar...The theory and hope goes that the Israeli, like the fruit, is tough and prickly on the outside, but sweet and succulent when you get to the inside.
I know for sure the fruit is good chilled, but be careful picking and peeling. If you are not an expert you might end up with hundreds of small cactus needles in your hands and eyes.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Lots of history, nature and arcitecture to see and experience.
Cons:CNN, BBC and all the others
In a nutshell:Doesn't matter what you are interested in you will find some here.

Last visit to Israel: Jan 2002
Intro Updated Jul 24, 2008
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Reviews (76)

VTers and Montenegrans gather for Tal's Mikve - Israel

The "Mikve" Party Local Customs (14)

The Mikve is actually a Jewish ritual bath. Used by both men and women it is traditionally done by the woman the day... more travel advice

Tal and Itzik Henna Party 31-7-2012 - Israel

Henna Party, decorations Local Customs (14)

Well what is a party without a reception also, so the first photo shows Tal and I greeting her guests. The second photo... more travel advice

Henna Party, traditional costumes Local Customs (14)

Of course during the Henna Party, like in most cases where old traditions are honored, the guests of honor, in this case... more travel advice

Henna Party the "Baskets" Local Customs (14)

One of the main occurances during the Henna is the giving of the gifts. Today these are arranged in baskets that... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (11)
See All Nahal Issakhar 4x4
Things to Do (14)
See All Aniam Artists Village
Transportation (7)
See All Car Rentals
Favorites (13)
See All Camels, Bugs, Lizards and Deer
Shopping (1)
Ceramics

Travelogues (31)

1 - 4 of 31

Comments (246)

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nada1712 Nov 14, 2012 at 8:51 AM

I love your pages...I have been to Israel and have several very good friends there. Fascinating country and customs.
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  Martin_S. Nov 15, 2012 at 12:01 AM
  
  Hi and Shalom,
  First of all thanks for the compliment on my pages, glad you enjoyed.
  But you have been to Israel, but never to Arad, some people tell me that you have NOT been to Israel unless you visited us here ^O^
  Martin
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ettiewyn Sep 14, 2012 at 12:57 PM

Hi Martin, what an interesting page! I especially like your tips of local celebrations, such as the tree planting! It is also great that you show us so many off the beaten path places :-)
Israel is very high on my wish list and I really wish to go there!!! :-)
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  Martin_S. Nov 15, 2012 at 12:02 AM
  
  Thanks for your comments, local customs and celebrations is one of the ways of learning of a people. My most recent is my daughters Wedding, the Mikve Party and the Henna Party.
  Just HOW HIGH is Israel on your wish list?? Maybe not high enough ^O^
  Martin
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Regina1965 Feb 29, 2012 at 2:14 AM

Thanks for the virtual tour, Martin.
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Patje Jan 24, 2010 at 10:14 AM

a night hike in the desert, why not!
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i-s-a May 18, 2008 at 11:13 PM

halu martin! how is my friend doing? i hope everything is great over there. here it's sunny after a weekend of stormy weather.
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ezaguryk Apr 12, 2008 at 3:55 PM

wow.... so many information, i will love to go back again to israel..... some day..... you should plan also a travel to latin america you will find a paradise here............shalom
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ChristinaNest Mar 20, 2007 at 6:02 AM

So many interesting sites, I'd love to visit Massada and the other ruins, as well as the dessert! greets from Sofia
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blue_sky04 Feb 3, 2007 at 8:55 PM

Hi Martin, would you like some stamps from Indonesia? I can mail them to you. My younger sister also collects stamps & she is member of philately group here. I'll give you some Indonesian coins & bills for your collection next time I go to Israel :-)
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christine.j Jul 16, 2006 at 7:29 AM

Hi Martin, Excellent tips here on your Israel page. Thank you.
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jadedmuse Jun 26, 2005 at 1:21 PM

OK! So I know you and Sha would agree, better late than never...finally updated my ISRAEL stuff! It was wonderful to relive my vacation again...xoxoxo "the gang"