I'd love to go to Israel someday, those who've been-- how is it special in it's own way & the feeling there?

Answer 1

The country is surrounded by the Kibbutzim, the farming communes that are also the first lines of defense. The people are very hardworking and devoted to their nation and their faith. Much of the area near Tel Aviv is highly modern industrial areas. The antiquites are well preserved, and mind-blowing. In Jerusalem, you can peer down a little window, into a "well" in the sidewalk, and see layers of ages of settlement that go back thousands of years. The cities were literally built on top of the ruins of the previous ages. You constantly feel the pride that they have for their nation, and how hard they fought for it. Sometimes you see recent bombing remains, and you realize how stoic they are to live with that threat over them. Also, in the Palestinian areas, you may get the feeling that your presence is not welcome. That doesn't go for the rest of the country, though, and there is an incredible diversity and amazing amount of things for such a small geographic area.

Answer 2

I've been to the Red Sea Resort of Eilat three times and it's my favourite holiday destination to date. When I booked my first trip there I did it purely so that I could swim with dolphins at Dolphin Reef. I knew nothing about Eilat, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much there is to do for a small resort. If you love swimming or nature then this really is a good place to go. The sea is warm like a bath and the variety of fish is amazing, even in shallow water.

What I liked most about Eilat was the way that people really seemed to care about their environment and no signs of animal cruelty (which has ruined many holidays for me in other mediterranean countres).

P.S. Another poster has already warned against having your passport stamped and they are right. I didn't know this at the time of my last visit and now find I cannot visit many Arabic countries unless I buy another passport or wait till my current one expires.

Answer 3

Its a beautiful country, its a great blend of european and middle-eastern culture, and the weather is really nice. It is hot during teh day, but warm at night, so everyones out till late. Everyones really friendly, and its a good enviornment. You should visit tel aviv, jerusalem (the old city) is beautiful, and dont worry about not speaking hebrew, almost everyone there speaks english. Have fun!

Answer 4

Depending on where you come from and where you will go next with that passport. . .the best idea is not to have an Israeli stamp in your passport, a visa is OK. During entry they will give you a form that will be attached inside the PP with entry stamps on it, when you depart it is removed by them, thus there is no evidence that you entered. . .some Arab countries will not allow entry into their territory if you have visited Israel.

The feeling to me was no different than being in any other Middle Eastern country. In Jerusalem and other sites, don't expect big signs and arrows pointing to 'Jesus slept here' or this is the street he 'dragged the cross' on. Have a special map from your religious organization that indicate on a city map where is what etc. Jerusalem is mainly occupied by Palestinians and other Arabs. These people are very friendly and they know you are a visitor, engage them in conversations and buy their products. I was literally dragged off the street to 'come and sit down drink some tea'.
My experience as an independent traveler allowed me to do a lot of walking and talking.
There are many Muslim sites too, you may enter but observe the rules and etiquette

Answer 5

I love israel. I have to admit, i was sorta not into the jewishness of it like my cousin is because shes religous, but we went to the jewish sites for her and she was profoundly mooved. i was more mooved by the culture of the younger people. I loved going out at night to ben yehuda and meeting younger people and eating the food. It was also an amazing experience in terms of the beauty of it. i got to take so many photos. i love it there