My Top Ten Experiences in Israel

In no particular order: 

1.Shabbat Dinner with an Israeli Family

After more or less getting chased off the market by an Orthodox Jewish man blowing his “you better close your shop, it’s Shabbat” horn, we headed to our Israeli friend’s home. There, we were welcomed with an elaborate and delicious Shabbat dinner. We learned about the traditions and rituals that come with it.

If you’re heading to Israel: get yourself invited to a Shabbat dinner for a beautiful cultural exchange. 

announcing shabbat

2. Bicycling in Tel Aviv

Definitely the best way to explore the city—especially during Shabbat when traffic drops dramatically. Tel Aviv is flat, bike-friendly, and full of long cycling routes that take you through the city’s highlights or tucked-away alleys.

Cruising the quiet streets and beach promenade while the warm sun kisses your shoulders and the wind gives you a free restyle… I can’t think of a more pleasant way to explore a big city. Stop wherever looks interesting for a snack, a drink, or a power nap.

3. Tel Aviv’s Hip but Laid-back Nightlife

Think semi-spontaneous rooftop parties, clubs that welcome you in flip-flops, and underground bars with retro Ms. Pac-Man machines. That’s my kind of night out. Everyone’s doing their own thing—no one cares what you’re wearing or who you’re with. I mean, how many clubs let you in with a huge backpack?

4. Daily Doses of Hummus, Falafel and Charcoal-Grilled Meat

Not a single day passed without me eating at least one of these. Usually all three.
And here’s the thing: I’m not usually a big hummus or falafel fan. But I quickly realized the stuff I knew back home was just the ugly stepsister of the real deal. And don’t even get me started on the grilled meat…

5. Wandering the Streets of Jerusalem’s Old City

Yes, it’s packed with tourists. But stray a little, and you’ll find back streets perfect for the independent traveller. There’s this unusual, calm, almost charged atmosphere lingering through the old city—as if the weight of a millennia-old history book is pressing softly on your shoulders.
I skipped visits to most churches and monuments. Just walking those silent, ancient streets impacted me far more.

6. Watching the Religious Reaching Spiritual Bliss 

Muslim, Jewish, Christian—people from all three religions have sacred sites in Jerusalem.
Christians flock to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, said to be the place where Jesus was crucified and buried. Jews pray at the Western Wall. Muslims revere the Dome of the Rock.

Watching pilgrims in tears, sliding notes into the cracks of the wall, or singing and swaying in spiritual ecstasy—I spent hours just observing. I was truly moved by how deeply and positively people were touched by their faith.

7. Crossing Into Palestine and Back

A bizarre, intense, and honestly uncomfortable experience. Think armed guards, barbed wire, endless cameras, invasive passport checks, towering concrete walls, and narrow gated corridors. It wasn’t fun—but it was important. An eye-opener.
I’m not going to get into politics on this blog—but suffice it to say, it left an impression.

So on a lighter note: 

8. Floating in the Dead Sea

A big tourist cliché? Absolutely. Still weirdly magical? Also yes.
I tried going underwater—couldn’t. Floating feels like a trick of physics. And walking barefoot on salt instead of sand? Very cool.
But the best part is smearing yourself in mineral mud and acting like a kid again.

9. Talking Politics over Beers and Nargileh

 At some point in Israel, politics will come up. And when they do, be ready for some of the most fascinating and surprising conversations you’ve ever had.
Making new Israeli friends added so much depth to the trip. The beers helped, of course. As did the double apple-flavored nargileh (hookah). Smoking nargileh is a big part of local culture—so when in Rome…

10. Learning, Learning, Learning (and Getting Confused)

I could throw in another tourist attraction here, but what really set this trip apart was how much I learned. About conflict, about people, about faith, about peace, about belief, about history… about the human race.
It was overwhelming, confusing, emotional—and unforgettable.
If you’re visiting Israel, bring an open heart and an open mind. You’ll need both.

What I Wish I Had Done in Israel:

Stayed at a kibbutz, had a drink at the underwater restaurant in Eilat, danced at a secret desert psy-trance party, and explored Galilee—the legendary land of milk and honey.

I guess I’ll just have to go back.

 

Have you been to Israel? Would you ever go? 

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