Travel Tips

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That's right...a sign warning you to "beware of camels" (like the one featured on my Israel intro page) is not an unusual phenomenon when exploring the Negev Desert. If you're worried that seeing camels may pique your interest about their utility and desert bedouin life in general, then you're in the right place. Who knows - you may even be tempted to leave your rental car by the side of the road and mount one of these odd looking creatures!

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If you're not quite ready to let go of your preconceived notions of how desolate and arid the Middle East is, then don't schedule a visit to the Negev or anywhere near Arad, for that matter. You'll be overwhelmed by the sheer natural beauty of the Israeli deserts and wonder how it is that a people so long ago, were able to dwell and prosper in such lands (not to mention how contemporary Israelis are growing flowers and fruits out of the same deserts now!)

You might even start to question your own existence and the meaning of Life in general....desert caves can look pretty good even if you're not an ascetic hermit...

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I know there's a widespread fear of delicious fresh fruits and vegetables. So, if you're concerned about going to a place where fresh fruits and vegetables are springing forth from desert rocks - a place where you may be tempted to try something as exotic (and addictive) as a combo-pomegranate and orange juice -- only to return to your home after a great vacation, log immediately onto e-Bay so that you can bid on one of these amazing juicing machines and thus replicate one small detail of an overall amazing trip - then stay away from Israel. You'll only get yourself into trouble. Unless of course, you have someone to guide you through such an experience....

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You've heard about how tough Israelis can be, right? Here we see evidence to the contrary!

If you're a big believer of the media and its infamous portrayal of people in controversial places, then prepare yourself for an epiphany when you arrive in Israel. Sure - Israelis are well known for their "chutzpah" -- but it is their hospitality, direct approach and overall sincerity which make for cultural aspects vastly under-rated and sadly over-exposed in too negative a light these days.

If you're afraid of breaking down paradigms and exploring contemporary myths, then you might want to think twice about heading to Israel...or ANY place, for that matter. You'll surely be surprised at what - and who - you find during your travels!!

< For more info on Israel from a local point of view, see Sharon (Sharon) and leffe3 (Keith) >

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If you're worried about landing in a country where you don't know a soul but will be treated like a long lost prodigal friend returning home for all too short a visit - then you've probably come across Martin_S (Martin).

And if you're even more concerned about being invited to partake of a cultural festivity or a friendly gathering where food and drink are plenty, then think twice about enjoying the great hospitality of Martin and Zohara...you'll only find yourself wishing you'd planned more time with them and taken advantage of Martin's in depth knowledge of places like Massada, Ein Avdat, the Negev Desert, and other areas of natural beauty in a country that is so often misrepresented and as frequently misunderstood.

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I know, I know.....we're all aware of the dangers of pampering ourselves too much...of treating ourselves too nicely....even daring to engage in such perilous pursuits as spa therapy and mineral treatments, all amidst a stunning backdrop of sea and mountains. If this is your phobia, then please try to avoid spending any time at the Dead Sea. Gazing out your beachfront hotel window and seeing other guests walking around in white spa robes like patients in a sanatorium will only serve to distract you from your mission. Who needs a mud bath, sulfur pool soak, pedicure, manicure, massage, or just an amazing float in a body of water famous for being the lowest point on earth (and boasting extraordinary health benefits) anyways?

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It's natural to want to pay top dollar for whatever purchases we make, isn't it? If you're hellbent on spending a load of money on souvenirs and mementos, then the Old Walled City of Jerusalem is not for you. Bargaining with the local merchants can be an art-form at which you become better with practice...and who wants to practice saving money on exotic purchases that you could never find (or duplicate) at home and which will forever remind you of the fantastic vacation you had in a land far, far away.....?!

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And FINALLY....

...if you're afraid of missing out on the kinds of joys of pregnancy that involve sitting around on your arse and "eating for two", then you'll want to skip the adventures that await you in Israel.

Otherwise, pregnant or not - what are you waiting for? A whole new world awaits you....now get your ticket and GO!!!!