http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33499 Situated on a hill-top south of Bethlehem, Daher’s vineyard has been in the same family since 1916, when it was purchased by Daher Nassar, grandfather of the family who now run it.
In 1991 the Israeli government declared the area including the Nassar’s land, to be Israeli state land. The family’s challenge has meant ongoing litigation. Despite this, the Tent of Nations was founded in 2000 as an educational and environmental organic farm “seeking to build bridges between different people, and between people and the land”
They have no mains electricity or running water. Solar panels have been installed and their water is collected via rainfall. Visitors and volunteers arrive from all over the world, and support groups are based in the UK and North America. They also run a number of other projects locally including projects for young people.
Our visit was part of a Holy Land Pilgrimage, when we met with local people and learn about organizations – of both Palestinians and Israelis - working for peace in the West Bank. Despite their difficult circumstances, I left with a feeling of optimism and hope for the future. A visit is a truly awe inspiring, unforgettable experience.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33499 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27368 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27368 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24961 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24961 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24891
Will interest cognoscentis of concrete architecture or grafitti ...

Look out for an original Banksy - a girl holding balloons - just the Ramallah side of the Qalandia checkpoint.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24891 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24877
Khamsi took us from the Ibdaa centre - whose name means 'creativity' - from near the entrance and took us on what turned into a grafitti tour.

The grafitti is mostly of Handala - the cartoon refugee boy - cartoons include Handala clutching a sword the blade of which is a pen nib and him flying with a Palestinian flag.

Dheisheh is calm and the people friendly.

An important place to visit if you want to understand one part of the story that makes up the current history of this complex land.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24877 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24873
You can visit Ramallah from Jerusalem - catch the no. 18 bus from the bus station close to the garden tomb by the Damascus Gate - and be whisked past it. You're not a security risk leaving Israel.

Catch the bus back and it's a different matter. Keep your ticket 6.50 NIS (about £1.20) as you'll be leaving your bus at Qalandia and getting onto another one on the other side.

Queue with your fellow passengers and admire their patience as they wait to go through the turnstiles.

Feel for the people trapped in the turnstiles between 'groups'. A woman carrying a toddler was stuck for 20 minutes despite calls to the guard to let her out while I was there.

Wait for the Stasi-like guard to check your passport only to discover it's a bored Israeli teenager dismissively shrugging you through.

Admire the chutzpah of the Israeli 'welcome' notice - 'have a pleasant stay in our country!'

Be thankful that you're a tourist and you don't have to do this every day to earn a living.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24873 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24872
Taybeh has three churches, a brewery and a ruined Crusader church.

The Crusader church is built high and gives long views over the rolling hills around.

The brewery welcomes visitors, has a small shop and will show you a video of how come there's a brewery making modern beer in Palestine.

Drink Palestinian!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24872 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24871
I sheltered here from the rain and looked out on the busy main street and enjoyed five scoops of different flavours in one bowl. Wide choice - natural ingredients.

Refreshing and cleaned the palate - followed by an extra large traditional coffee.

A great way to while away an idle half hour or more.

Cost around 23 NIS - about £4.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24871 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24782
All mod cons including wireless internet alongside traditional Palestinian cuisine make this a place to refresh your batteries after exploring this fascinating land.

Rawda and her husband Issa will also take you on any tour you'd like. Their local knowledge keeps you safe and saves you money from some of the higher prices charged foreigners at some tourist attractions.

Have visited the Separation Wall, two refugee camps, Bethlehem and Jericho with them.

Highly recommended if you want to make your first visit to Palestine.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24782 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22695 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22695 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21924 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21924 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21923 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21923 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19537 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19537 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18508
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).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18508 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13346
Great music and atmosphere - a taste of real Israel.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13346 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10737
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10737 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10355 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10355