I'm laying on a beach in Tel Aviv on the Mediterranean Sea in the middle of December. I have to be honest, I never thought much about ever coming to Israel. I met a couple of Israeli's in Central America and they seemed to talk it up as being this Westernized country with beaches, desert, nightlife and mountains. It sounded pretty cool. Long story short...I was invited to fly out from The States to meet my friend, stay in a kick ass apartment in downtown Tel Aviv and see what Israel has to offer. I can't pass that up!! Being here during the off season is nice. It's in the 70's and sunny, perfect for hiking in the desert, diving the Red Sea and floating in the Dead Sea. When I first landed and saw Tel Aviv I felt as though I never left the US. Lots of high rises, clean streets, amazing cafes, bars and restaurants everywhere. The city never sleeps. Take it from me, whose apartment is 5 stories above a popular bar with single pane windows on a busy corner. It's non stop. The people are beautiful, too! I finally found where all the hot men have been in this world!! Seriously, ladies! If you want tall, dark, handsome and respectful this is the place to be. And everyone speaks English so no need to try to learn another hard language. Although all of the signs are in Hebrew, which is impossible to read, so that part is difficult.
Every meal I've had has been incredible. All fresh produce and fresh fish. The vibe is cool here. Tel Aviv is a very healthy city with people running on the beach or along the promenade. There's bikers everywhere, too. It really blew me away...
Then I went to Jerusalem...all I can say is WOW! I have never been to a city with more history, pride, inspiration and hope. It is the Holiest City in the world and you really feel it. I've been traveling for quite some time now and I'm not a big church person but to be in the Sepulchre was so emotional, it brought me to tears. Seeing where Jesus was crucified and buried was something that I will never forget. To see the people pray to the Western Wall was a sight in itself. There are so many historical buildings, churches, monuments and sights that it would take more than a week to see everything. I've been to Greece and Rome. Israel outdid them all by a landslide!
I was lucky enough to have a friend take me everywhere I want to go. I also hiked around the Sea of Galilee. The charm of that area is addicting. I could feel the magic that the Sea of Galilee has. This has been an incredible country to learn about culture, history, religion and strength all wrapped up with sunny skies, amazing food and good people. Israel is a country that welcomes anyone.
