Israel

Israel preview vlog. Scroll to bottom for full vlog <3

FAV FLICKS ♥:

WHY WE ♥ ISRAEL & PALESTINE:

History & Spirituality – the only reason I wanted to come to the Middle East. We were fortunate enough to come at a time of peace. I actually came for my Jesus Year (33rd Birthday – the year Jesus was crucified and resurrected). My bday is around the Super Bowl and as a sports reporter, I was working the Super Bowl and I flew straight to Tel Aviv the day after, for what I consider a milestone bday. This trip consisted of mainly tours of Israel, Palestine and an overnight tour or Jordan (found here). All of our tour guides were knowledgeable in Christianity, Judaism and Islam plus spoke many languages.

Our 1st full day: We did the Nazareth Sea of Galilee & Jordan River Yardenit Tour by Compass Travel Israel. This was a great tour for the Biblical basics. I understand why Churches are built over most Biblical Sites to preserve and honor them but there is a part of me that wishes I could see what it really looked like in Biblical times. It was amazing to see so many locations where our Lord & Savior walked. I was baptized as a child but had the amazing experience of being baptized again where John the Baptist baptized Jesus 🫶🏽

Day 2: We were free to explore Tel Aviv. It was awesome! We walked on the beach overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, explored/taste tested at the Carmel Market, and the Jaffa Flea Market at the very cool Old City.

Day 3: We switched hotels (more below) and went on a Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour with BeinHarim Tourism Services. This was more of the emotional part of the trip and we saw where Jesus was born in Bethlehem (in Palestine) crucified. The Wailing Wall was also in incredible experience.

Day 4: We started a two-day trip to Jordan to see Petra with a desert camping experience at Wadi Rum. More on that here.

Day 5: We had a free day in our Jerusalem Hotel before we flew back that night.

OUR FAV♥RITE THINGS TO DO:

Jordan River Baptism

Christian Historical Sights

Shopping in Old Jaffa

Sea of Galilee

Exploring Tel Aviv at night

Seeing where Jesus grew up

Carmel Market

Exploring Jerusalem

Sabich Street Food

A Candid Cost Calculation:

Accommodation – We loved our stay at the Royal Beach Hotel Tel Aviv. We stayed in a beach-facing high-rise room. It was also centrally located and perfect for walking. We switched hotels to Herbert Samuel Jerusalem before our second tour. Since our third tour was an overnight desert camp, this room was mainly a place for our luggage to stay. safely. Staying in Jerusalem was a cool way to explore the city on our last full day, upon our return from our overnight excursion.

Food – The food also tastes more fresh abroad and Israel was no exception! We didn’t have a bad meal here. Shila was recommended to us for a fine dining experience in Tel Aviv. It was a small spot but delicious. You must try a sabich when in Israel. It is their famous street food sandwich stuffed with a variety of goodness. We went to Sabich Frishman but there are many options.

Transportation – Make sure you take the time to walk and explore Tel Aviv. The city is very lively! We loved walking in Old City or Old Jaffa, the oldest neighborhood in Tel Aviv by day and walking the streets in the city at night. You will find a lot of locals dining alfresco and the entire area feels alive.

We relied on the tours for transportation to all the historical sights but there is a lot of walking at each area. Make sure to have comfortable shoes!

Best of the Best – I was baptised when I was very young but there was no way I was going to miss getting baptized where Jesus did, in the Jordan River. I had no plan, I didn’t want to slow the tour group down but myself and two other people on my tour were interested in doing it. I quickly changed in white robe that I bought on sight. God provided a pastor, visiting from New York, to be available to baptize us. It was an amazing moment that I love reliving!

FULL VL♥G:

Israel full vlog <3

PRO TIPS ♥:

Bring Mini Glass Bottles I bought a few bottles to to save the water from the Mediterranean Sea, The Jordan River (where Jesus was baptised), the Sea of Galilee (where He walked on water) and beach sand. I labled them when I got home and have them on display on my bookshelf 😍

Float in the Dead Sea We did not have time to do this but a Dead Sea mud and salt bath is packed with minerals and acts like a natural spa day. There are many tours that include a day at the Dead Sea. Many like to do this for the relaxation and skin benefits.

Don't be in a Rush The Holy Land is usually packed with tourist year round. More often than not, you will have to wait in long lines. Have fun with your trip partner while you wait because... you will be forced to slow down.

Find quiet in crowds I found myself wishing I was alone in worship at certain crowded/hostical areas. I wish I would have brought my earphones to play gospel music, close my eyes and be alone in a crowded place, with my Savior ❤️