Scrolls from the Holy Land – 13 : Story so far…
Previous post: Old city of Akko | Next post: Floating in the Dead Sea
Shalom (शलोम)…. infact being a Saturday, I must say “Shabbat Shalom” (शब्बात शलोम) 
It’s been six months since I last posted a travelog on Isreal and so, here is a brief(!) recap. The links will lead you to corresponding blog-posts.
Jerusalem:
Kotel (Western Wall), Old city of Jerusalem
My first foreign backpacking experience started in Jerusalem where I (un)fortunately landed on a Friday evening – beginning of Shabbat – when the whole city shuts down (literally). In few hours, I got cheated by a cab too. Fortunately it was all good, because I got to experience a Sabbath evening at the Kotel, which was a truly magical experience. Win some – lose some.
Dome of the rock, Jerusalem, viewed from Mt. of Olives
Soon, I ventured into the Arab dominated area of East Jerusalem. Mount of Olives gives a picture perfect view of the old city.
Typical street in the old city
The old city will charm you with its crowded narrow alleys, hundreds of little stores, security men, sights and smells, and oh, a overpowering feel of religious energy that one cannot escape. The old city is walkable in a day and is divided between Jewish, Christian and Muslim areas.
Bethlehem:
Church of Nativity, Bethlehem
In the Palestinian territory of West Bank was the Church of Nativity where Jesus was born. The feel of West Bank area, after crossing the big wall and the security checks, was noticeably different.
Galilee:
Sea of Galilee
After plenty of pushing and squeezing and struggling with a bus full of army boys and girls, I reached the lovely town of Tiberias.
Seeing that there are so many sites in a route that runs abt 75km, I decided to pick up a bike and go cycling around the sea of Galilee. Several little sites of tourist and religious interest dotted this ancient bibical-era lake.
Ancient city of Beit She’an
Beit She’an was next. It’s a remarkable ancient city which is still being excavated and fans of architecture should definitely visit this place.
Typical street in Tsfat
Safed is a little town drenched in the Jewish Kabbalistic traditions. I loved the calm and quiet of this place perched on a hill top. It was fun to hitch a ride with soldiers on the way back.
Haifa and Akko:
Haifa city
Haifa is located on the shores of the Mediterranean and a little north of Tel Aviv. It is a pretty serious town with industries, educational centers and prominently the home town of the Bahai religion (newest religion this place produced). However the most fascinating thing I found here was the condom beach, which I am told is closed now.
Old city of Akko
My Israel series has so far reached Akko, the walled city.
[And I thought this would be a brief post]
Sorry for not finishing this series before (blame it on Peru!) But if that was a sufficient refresher, lets get ready to move on to the Dead Sea
Previous post: Old city of Akko | Next post: Floating in the Dead Sea
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The Ancient city of Beit She’an site looks great!!! U are lucky to get to do so much travelling…
↵The photograph of the Dome of the Rock and Wailing Wall is fabulous, and the other lovely picture of Haifa City seems like an aerial shot.
Thank you for this refresher post, and let’s get ready to float in the Dead Sea now.
↵Lucky you! May I have a year like this the next year.
↵Swapneel:
↵Lucky? Not sure if that’s the right word. I make it happen… haha. Thanks, Beit She’an was really beautiful.
Celine:
↵Thanks! The Haifa picture is taken from the top of the Bahai Gardens. It is on a hill called Mount Carmel located in the middle of the city.
Mridula
You know what I mean!
gaaa…. lucky??? Noo… I worked double shifts, quit my job, take huge debts… and make these vacations happen. At the end of so much efforts, I am not sure if ‘lucky’ is an apt word
But I do wish you lots n lots of travels next year
↵Good to see Israel again ..after Peru..you have quite some energy posting like this..I get so overwhelmed after my trips
↵Oh thanks Lakshmi, it is a bit taxing for sure and the only reason I can do it is because currently I have time
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