Holiday in the Holy Land
You must see Israel. Why? Below are just three reasons.
Music: To me, exploring a new place is incomplete without sampling the musical culture of the region. Israeli music is especially unique in the Middle East because of its extremely diverse population. Many popular artists exhibit influences of both Eastern and Western sounds.
For example, the men featured in this photo are playing a darbuka drum, which is commonly used in Arabic, Assyrian, Greek and Turkish music. However, while the men were drumming traditional beats during the performance in which they are pictured, they were singing along with well-known Madonna and Backstreet Boys songs. Unusual, but definitely worth seeing.
Nature: Some people experience feelings of heightened spirituality while visiting the many religious sights
around Israel.
However, while I am there (I've been three times now), my most enlightening experiences took place at the
various parks and natural settings that dot the country's landscape.
From the majestic, southern Negev Desert,
to the sparkling, northern natural springs and waterfalls,
to dozens of other
scenic wonders, Israel is definitely a destination for lovers of the outdoors.
Food: Most Israeli food can be captured in a single word. Colorful. Because the country has such rich agriculture and farming, choices for dining are almost always fresh, vibrant and delicious. Loud, exciting marketplaces can be found in basically any city, and fruits and vegetables that were probably picked that morning fill the stands. Meat and dairy products are equally as fresh because the country's small size means products are rarely shipped from very far. My favorite staple is warm pita.
For some tips into traveling around the Holy Land, check out my "travels, unraveled".