Blog EntriesThe Middle East
April 2, 2008 in USA
My intention after returning from Brazil was to settle down, complete a few lingering personal projects, and work for 4 or 5 months before returning to Japan in the summer.
Scratch that.
I depart on April 10th for the Middle East.
Why?
Because my father is Jewish. And if either parent is Jewish, and you’re between the ages of 18 and 26, then a wonderful organization called Taglit-Birthright will send you to Israel for 10 days, completely free. All airfare, lodging, tours, and food are included. All you have to do is get to the departure point in New York City.
Here’s a partial list of the things I’ll be covering in the first ten days:
- Visit Caesarea’s ancient amphitheater on the Mediterranean
- Explore the mystical ancient city of Tzfat
- Experience traditional lunch in the Druze Village of Pekiin
- Ziplining from the Manara Cliffs in the Upper Galilee
- Rafting on the Jordan River
- Dinner along the shores of Tiberias
- Cruise on the Sea of Galilee
- Overnight at a Kibbutz
- Ascend Mt. Ben Tal
- Wine tasting at the Golan Heights Winery
- Hike down the lush Jilaboun Canyon
- Swim under waterfalls in the natural pools of Sachne Park
- Ascend the outer Rampart Walls of the Old City of Jerusalem
- Walk through King Hezekiah’s water tunnel in David’s City
- Tour of the Old City’s legendary Jewish Quarter
- Night walk and bonfire along the “Burma Road” trail in the Jerusalem foothills
- Descend into the Judean Desert
- Sunrise ascent to Masada via the Snake Path
- Nature walk to the desert waterfalls at Ein Gedi Reserve
- Floating along the beaches of the Dead Sea
- Visit to the desert outpost at Sde Boker
- Camel tour & traditional Bedouin hafla dinner feast
- Overnight under the stars in a Bedouin tent
- Hike to the desert oasis at Ein Avdat Canyon
- Crawl through the archaeological caves of Hirbet Midras
- Relaxation along the Mediterranean beaches of Tel Aviv
After this ten-day package concludes, I’ll be heading back up to Galilee and beginning a 4-day bike ride to the Negev Desert in the south. This ride is also included as part of my Israel Outdoors program - it’s the first time they’ve ever done it, and I just happened to be lucky enough to get a spot.
These above itineraries are set.
After concluding the ride, it’s my intention to extend my ticket and travel to Petra, Jordan and then Egypt - to see the Pyramids, Sphinx, Luxor, and climb Mt. Sinai.
So much for settling down for awhile. I take off in one week.
9 Comments »
Damn Justin, that is awesome - I’ve always wanted to see Petra and Masada. Any chance you could hit Constantine, Algeria or the ruins of Leptis Magna in Libya?
I’m so glad to see that you got in! Keep the sand out of your camera and let us all know how it goes.
Hahahah that’s so funny… I just corresponded by email with the birthright people in London TODAY about going on one of their trips… you and I always seems to follow each other around the world. Have fun!
Andy: You should! You can still make the Winter trips this year if you apply…
Dave: Yea, I’m pretty excited - both Petra and the Pyramids are on my “absolutely must see in my lifetime” list. As far as those other spots, I don’t think so - Libya won’t even let you in the country if you’ve ever been to Israel (gimme a break 
), and Algeria is just too far away…
Dylan: Thanx 
Actually I’ve been debating recently how to handle the camera issue - I haven’t been bringing my SLR with me for the sake of keeping my luggage as compact as possible, but now that I’ve learned my lesson I feel like I definitely need to travel with a spare…and I don’t have two ultra-compacts nor do I really want to buy another one that’ll be outdated exactly at the same time as my current…
Alana: Haha crazy! So did you decide to do it? There must not be that many more opportunities, right? Age-wise?
The pyramids … As I wanted to fit within your bag!
well I am good for another 2 and a half years, age-wise. But I am thinking this might be the year. I figure I should at least start my new job before planning when to take two weeks off tho… so no firm plans yet.
Well, that depends - I specifically scheduled this before starting a job, so I’d have the ability to extend and do the Jordan/Egypt leg without restrictions. Getting to the middle east ain’t cheap, so I figured as long as I’m there I might as well squeeze in a few other necessary locations 
Ah that makes sense. Luckily it’s a lot closer when you live in Europe so I don’t feel that pressure.
