"In Promised Land" Israel by magor65

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

"Why did you decide to visit Israel?" I've been asked a lot of times. Now, just a few days after coming back home from a 10-day trip across Israel, I am still coming up with various answers.
Brought up in Christian tradition I have been familiar with the names of biblical places and characters since my early childhood. On the other hand, though, I have never tried to go deeper into the stories from Old or New Testament, treating them as more or less interesting tales. So one of the reasons was to make all those seemingly well-known things more meaningful for myself. And while visiting various biblical sights I did realize that the events that happened several thousand years ago and people who lived then can still teach us a lot and help us answer the questions that bother us today.
Another reason was, of course, curiosity. Who wouldn't like to see the country which is the cradle of three greatest religions: judaism, christianity and islam? The country which, although so small, is so diverse geographically - having three seas, deserts, hills and plains with fertile fields and green groves. The country which is constantly in the media because of its internal conflicts. So when the chance appeared I didn't think long and joined the group of other 17 people willing to 'explore' Israel. I am grateful to the organisers for a very interesting itinerary and rich programme but I do feel a bit dissatisfied because we were in a constant hurry and didn't stay long enough in some places deserving it.
Last, but not least, I want to say that my visit to Israel was a chance to meet two wonderful VT members living there. I was lucky enough to spend two great evenings with famous VT-ers - Martin and Gila. Martin and his wife visited me during our short stay in Masada Youth Hostel. My friends unanimously called them a very charming, warm and brilliant couple. As for Gila, she and her husband took us on a night ride through Jerusalem, an unforgettable experience which made us realize that Jerusalem is much more than just the Old City we had seen with the group. (What a pity the photos I took then didn't come out!)

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:a little country with plenty to see and do

Last visit to Israel: Jun 2005
Intro Updated Jul 27, 2005
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Reviews (38)

Amos Oz - A Tale of Love and Darkness Favorites (9)

Coming home from a journey doesn't mean that the journey is completely over. You relive the events again and again,... more travel advice

Better than a hotel Hotels (2)

We spent the last night before our flight back to Poland in a place called Yad Hashemona. It's a village built in 1971... more travel advice

Meeting in Jerusalem Favorites (9)

In Jerusalem I met Gila and her husband Haim. After a short visit in their apartment ( I had an opportunity to see the... more travel advice

Meeting in Masada Favorites (9)

My short meetings with the VT-ers from Israel belong to my nicest recollections from the trip. Martin and his wife... more travel advice

Things to Do (24)
See All Palestine - Bethlehem
Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All The Wilderness Tabernacle

Local Customs (1)
Nargila
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Comments (28)

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Kuznetsov_Sergey Oct 28, 2010 at 11:10 AM

An excellent page bringing back memory about this very interesting country! Thank you Malgorzata for sharing! You've been to so many places I missed when I was there last year. May be next time...
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PierreZA Feb 9, 2010 at 9:38 AM

A very good page, I visited the Jordan River on the other side, in Jordan :-) I enjoyed reading your tips.
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jumpingnorman Sep 29, 2009 at 1:33 PM

It's great you have been to Israel and this country is definitely on my wishlist and I want to visit Nazareth too...I would also want the Jordan River immersion...
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Martin_S. Sep 14, 2009 at 4:05 AM

It is always good to know that a friend has enjoyed themselves in your home, in this case Israel. When are you returning for a more in depth visit? Martin
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Trekki Jul 21, 2007 at 10:24 AM

This is marvellous, Malgorzata :-)) Out of similar reasons I would also like to visit Israel one day ! And of all you described, yes, I would also choose Wadi Qelt for a longer stay. Is the monastery open for visitors ?
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Luchonda Apr 5, 2007 at 10:58 AM

Just simple - a great page with usefull tips - thx
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etfromnc Mar 22, 2007 at 5:41 PM

It may take me years to read all of your wonderful Tips and Pages. They are wonderful! I have not yet found a bad, nor even mediocre, one. But, I must ask, didn't the menorah come along well after the Mosaic tabernacle had been superceded by the temples?
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titabell Mar 18, 2007 at 7:39 AM

Your Israel page is just great. I am also a Christian and hoping that one day, I could also visit this biblical place. Thanks for sharing it to us.
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uglyscot Feb 27, 2007 at 1:23 AM

Thanks for visiting my Petra page. I love looking at pages on israel, though with a passport filled with arab entry visas I'd not get in? or more particularly back where I'd come from. VT solves that with virtual travel.
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christine.j Jan 10, 2007 at 4:49 AM

This is a great page about Israel!! Wonderful pictures and good tips. I've been there twice so far, reading your page makes me want to go back at once.