And as we walk further along the Siq, suddenly I realise why all those who have come before me have found it so impressive. The path drops down, and suddenly I’m flanked on both sides by enormous rocks that soar high into the sky (my guess is more than 60 metres!) The colours are astonishing and the formations are like nothing I have ever seen before…
Eduardo, however, is freaking out …and with good reason. You see, he grew up in Mexico City where robberies and kidnappings were rife, so the first thing he thinks when he sees the empty backpacks is “Twelve People have been shot and dumped out on the highway and w’re next.” Trying to allay his fears is going to be tough, if not impossible.
We own so much and consume constantly – and the adverse effect on our planet is evident. Startups like Rideshare and BlaBlaCar mean it’s never been easier to reduce your carbon footprint. By connecting people who drive to those who need a ride, empty seats are filled, drivers offset their costs, passengers get a cheaper ride and – hey presto – the roads are less congested
The Scrolls are considered to be of extraordinary importance due to the tremendous insight they give us into Jewish society in Israel during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, as well as the origins of rabbinical Judaism. Written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, they encompass a variety of subjects and literary styles. They also include fragments of manuscripts from almost every book in the Hebrew Bible...
The kids seem to love it though…and over the course of three hours rotate from one activity to another. After basketball there’s lacrosse, then football (or soccer as the Yanks call it!), followed by banner-painting, bouncy castles and face-painting. And, least I forget, volunteers are running popcorn and candy floss stands which are, of course, an enormous hit...
The book is a true travel narrative. Gellhorn was a brave and sometimes reckless woman (well, you'd have to be, to marry Hemmingway) and the tales she recounts here are what she calls her “horror stories” - that is the hardship of travelling in less developed parts of the world (some of them actual war zones...)
Walking around Floretin, you'll notice how much of the artwork you see if painted on the gates and doors of businesses. Most of the artists are anonymous but a trained eye can spot signature pieces, according to themes. Edgy, creative and often very provocative, enjoy the wildlife, cubes and even Alice in Wonderland on your wanderings...
With its maze of one-way streets, public transport is scare, which makes Florentin a great place to explore on foot. Don’t miss the fabulous Levinsky Market (selling spices, nuts, grains, olives etc, Anita - a legendary ice cream shop (think fig, halva and date flavours), complete with chandelier, and bespoke furniture stores...
A force as strong as two Swedish girls out to get their New Year's kisses is a sight to behold. It had just stopped raining and we hailed a cab and told the driver to take us to Rothschild Boulevard. The traffic was awful so I gave the driver a pep talk - after all, we were on a mission. I informed him that we we were entirely in his hands and here I must add that one should never tell an Israeli cab driver this unless you are REALLY in a hurry. You have been warned!
Tucked away in a tiny, secluded courtyard, close to Jaffa’s famous Clock Tower, you’ll find this ‘garden wine bar.’ This is a real local’s place, that serves as a deli in the day (cheeses, pates, breads, olives, etc.) and a wine bar/food joint by night. Great atmosphere, very laid back and an easy place to fall into conversation with other customers...
There’s some serious mixology going on at this bar, with owners Daniel and Ben offering a friendly yet intimate service to their patrons. Every cocktail you’ll drink here is creatively made, and beautifully presented, and the Carribean decor (pineapples and palm trees) is great fun too! Try the ‘Red Nose’ (gin, rum, clover bitters, hot chilli syrup and smoked paprika...)
Look around - you'll see small pools of water, strange-looking algae and astonishing rock formations not to mention clusters of Poplar trees in abundance. And then, before you know it, the canyon walls will have "closed in" on you and the sight before your eyes will make you sigh - an enormous pool of water, at the end of which is a waterfall of over 15 metres high...
The building itself was designed by Ron Arad, one of Israel’s most acclaimed architects and industrial designers and, in itself, is worth taking a look at. Consiting of five sinuous bands of varying shades of weathered steel, they come together to form a ‘visual key.’ As Arad intended, they bring the visitors into the building, through it and then out, and the bands act as a cord...
This 1920’s-style ‘Speakeasy meets Great Gatsby’ is uber-hip, with the bar staff as well-dressed as they are expert at mixology. Bellyboy Bar markets itself as a unique concept bar, with cocktails served in seashells and bathtubs (yes, I know it sounds bizarre but you have to see it to believe it!) and chasers served to guests out of a baby stroller that tours the lounge...
Located on 223 Dizengoff, this has got to be is one of the most stylish and atmospheric cocktail bars in the area. With its jazz and swing background music, and waiters in suspenders and bow ties, it’s designed to look like a New York ‘Speakeasy’ during Prohibition Era. Renown for its drinks, the professionally trained are all experts in ‘mixology...’
