So this is how the kids do it today, eh? This is pretty space-agey for me.
Here's a question to get the ball rolling -- during that last week, are we planning on doing day trips out from Jerusalem primarily, or are we wanting to head out for longer treks? We should decide this, at least, now since we'd have to think about accomodations, travel to/from other areas, etc. I think most of what I want to see is near Jerusalem, though I don't know that I'm thinking of everything. Thoughts?
7 comments:
Ok,
I'm thinking we'll get a chance to see what's near Jerusalem during the first three weeks of our visit. I would love to go south, to the Negev, there's plenty of little towns that we could visit along the way to the coast-- red sea, and have many varying experiences.
I spent a TON of time reading the travel books this weekend and there's all kinds of things that look interesting, if you're into it, "sleeping in bedouin tents" "under the stars" "beautiful waterfalls", "hiking" "cheap camel rides" Most of the things I would love to do, don't involve a ton of money or danger. Anyway, I've got many ideas now. I'll share as I see them.
~A
Wow -- cool! Well.....while I would like to say I'm up for tenting it, I don't know that this would be, um, accurate. Don't get me wrong -- I like camping. But this doesn't appeal to me, for some reason. Certainly, you and Chris should feel to break off from us whenever you like (hell, maybe Matt will want to camp with you!). Waterfalls, hiking, camel rides -- sounds cool.
I suppose we should also say that we didn't take a trip in December when the 10th anniversary came up, with the thought being that we'd spent more time in Israel instead. While we're certainly not looking to break the bank here, we're also not opposed to spending at least some cash. (Do I have that right, Matt? Always pays to ask the spouse at some point...)
What's the deal with transportation? Is it bus primarily? What's the $$ involved? How long does it take to get from Jerusalem to Negev, for example?
And what's up with Galilee? Anybody know the distance to/from? I wouldn't mind a trip there at some point, if it's feasible. Matt and I chatted about Bethlehem, too, though it's usually pretty dodgy in terms of tourist safety.
Ok, I can see this getting addictive. This is my third time today, thank you Chuck.
I definately wasn't thinking about spending our time camping, but there are places where you can rent one of those nice furnished bedouin tents, where there are rugs on the floor and beds, etc. It sounded eclectic. I thought it might be nice for a night, and yes we should all feel free to spend some time alone. You guys especially if you're looking for some special anniversary time.
There are egged busses that are reliable and safe that can take you pretty much anywhere in the country cheaply and I think it's less than a day to trip to get all the way down to the southern most trip, in fact I think it's only a matter of hours, maybe four/five.
The Galilee is in the north, close to Lebanon.
Bethlehem is in the West Bank.
Ok, I just sent a long message that didn't go through... arggh.
Anyway, I thought I would ask the question, If you could explain your ideal 1) experience in another country and 2) experience in Israel, what would it be?
I ask because I think that between the four of us, and after reading these books all weekend, I totally think that we can find something that works for all of us at the prices we're looking for.
My answer to the question is always, first the "off the beaten path" experience. I prefer the private spots where I can be a part of the culture while touring, I like the idea of taking risks, even if small, to visit out of the way places, hiking, great discussions over some local wine, discussions with locals, camel rides, hiking, swimming in pools, and beaches (the dead sea-- healthy healthy healthy), chatting with interesting people, visiting sacred places, participating in sacred ceremonies. I like some of the words I've read "magical bedouin place" "morroccan style atmosphere" "eclectic gathering place", etc.
More importantly, however, everything in a new country is a new experience, and I'm always open to whatever people prefer.
Ultimately, I think if we all include what we're individually looking for, we can find the place(places) in the books. and the prices range, all over the country from 10$ a night to 80$ a night for budget and midrange and they offer a WIDE variety of experiences sleeping in a rooftop tent, a bedouin style luxury dome tent with mattresses, carpets, and amenities, sleeping in a variety of hostels, to sharing a fully furnished guesthouse. we can virtually do anything we're looking for in a country that's so diverse.
"Anyway, I thought I would ask the question, If you could explain your ideal 1) experience in another country and 2) experience in Israel, what would it be?"
What, you don't want to know what kind of tree I would be? My ideal experience in another country... Hmm. I don't know that I easily fit into a category, though I don't want to dodge your question. Those private spots appeal to me as well, though I'm just type-A enough to want to know where I'm going. I'll have to think about this. In terms of Israel specifically, well, more dodging. I need to read more -- I'll make time this weekend. My family's history with Israel has been Catholicism/Christianity-themed, so it's hard not to think of "the Holy Land" when I think of Israel, as well as the corresponding locales. But you never know what reading could inspire.
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