In the Babylonian area of Tel Aviv the group I traveled with shared an intimate dinner in a cave like setting. For dessert we had some solid music entertainment with belly dancers. While the group managed to drum together in sync, I can't say so much for this chap shaking his rump.
Tel Aviv is an amazing beach town with fantastic restaurants. Don't miss Nana in Neve Tzedek. This is one of the best atmospheres that I've ever dined in. It's an indoor/outdoor, medieval setting with candles and stone.
Jerusalem is a humbling city. You'd be surprised at how safe the city feels considering there's so many people that want to destroy the place. But in how many places do you see a group of young girls, the oldest at most four years, walking the streets alone. In the American countryside? Maybe.
From all of my visits to Israel so far - yes, I've been lucky enough to travel there three times now - the most compelling memory I have of the place is the people, so I tried hard to capture some of them. Look at the yamaka, or kippah, on the little boys head on top of his baseball cap.
I love the Orthodox family walking away from the Western Wall together. And still overlooking the golden dome from Mount Olive will remain special; that's a given. How about the Super-Jew t-shirt!? :-D We liked that one.
Many people are concerned with safety when Israel is brought up. I've come to describe it: 'you wouldn't drive through certain areas of the city after hours nor would you cruise the Gaza Strip.'
So irregardless of people being fearful of the place, it's fabulous, and terror can happen anywhere. Still Israel brings people together like no other place I've been to, and I doubt any other place in the world could.
When you get the chance to visit, do. Or heck, create your own chance. But go. Take in the history, the culture, the fresh sea air, and the plethora of people from around the world that have moved to call this place home once again.
