- Israel
- (8)
-
Kibbutz Ein Gev is beautifully located on the sea of Galilee. While it does have its own hotel, many young travellers go there to work as Kibbutz volunteers. It has a strong agricultural sector, growing bananas, mangoes, dates and catching the famous St Peters fish in the depths of Lake Kinneret. Volunteers can particpate in all these endeavours. While kibbutz volunteers work hard the beauty of Ein Gev pays for itself were you can climb mount Sussita or swim in the lake and get drunk in the Kibbutz pub.
A bus usually leaves twice a day from Tiberias on the opposite side of the lake from Ein Gev. A 20 minute ride along Lake Kinnert and you are there
It is great to be in Israel on Purim, or Independence Day, but avoid Yom kippur. For full run down of when to go and when not to go, see:
When in Hertzalia ( and there are other branches) try out Max Brenner's chocolate restaurant. Read more at the below address
Cheap as chips four-star hotel with excellent breakfast and immaculate rooms located in East Jerusalem near Damascus gate. Free access to the YMCA swimming pool and gym. $150 per night per room.
29 Nablus Road, Jerusalem, Israel. Tel: +972-2-6270800
www.jerusalemlegacy.com
The country is small so you can reach any place in Israel (well almost) in a few hours drive from Tel Aviv.
Tel Aviv by far has the best services, entertainment, hotels, and restaurants compared to any other Israeli city. Even if you don't like the hustle and bustle of a large city (the Tel Aviv metropolitan area has more than two million people) you should still consider the convenience.
And if you are into cities that never sleep (like Madrid and New York) then there are few that can compete with Tel Aviv.
The people are friendly and helpful, most speak English, crime is low (so you don't have to worry about walking at night), and the weather is warm and sunny most of the year.
Another tip: Don't miss historic Jaffa (located in southern Tel Aviv). Great shops, clubs, food, and the biggest outdoor flea market I've ever seen.
My daughter loves Tel Aviv (and I do too).
Check out some photos at: www.pbase.com/gilazouri/telaviv
Tel Aviv is on the Mediterranean coast, more-or-less in the centre of the country.
A well designed friendly bar serving a wide choice of excellent food and beverages to a crowd of young, vibrant locals who radiate a positive, relaxed vibe.
Great music and atmosphere - a taste of real Israel.
8 Pika Street, Haifa
+972-4-8114010
www.barbarossa.co.il
(site in hebrew only)
Cafe Mersand has apparently been an institution in Tel Aviv for decades (the Walllpaper* chic interior is original and absolutely authentic), but new youthful owners have recently taken over to make this one of the hippest, most relaxed places in central Tel Aviv to have a coffee break while watching the locals come and go.
The friendly young baristas turn out top quality espresso, cappucino and cafe latte, and the small kitchen does tasty sandwiches and cakes. They have laid back music (the Beatles featured when I was there last), artists doing film installations and a good selection of newspapers (Haaretz English language version of course). This place is a must for anyone who appreciates a non-chain, slightly left, cafe.
Corner of Ben-Yehuda & Frishman Streets
Tel: 03-5234318
The Old City is at the heart of modern Jerusalem. It is divided into 4 distinct quarters, each with its own individual character, but the most fun you can have is wandering through the meandering maze of markets in the Arab quarter, haggling with stall owners over the price of a backgammon set or an ashtray whilst listening to their (sometimes rather good) impersonations of Del Boy saying 'luverly jubberly mate'.
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
Search Been there
