Some of the best places in the world to travel to

Israel.

I did my research before the trip, reviews didn't have anything negative to begin with. However, I didn't imagine myself falling in love with it either.

And I couldn't be more wrong. You'll know why.

1. I’ll begin with Jerusalem, my personal favourite.

I was spellbound to see how different religious communities (four quarters - Christian Quarter, Jewish Quarter, Armenian Quarter, Muslim Quarter) have been coexisting in a collaborative ecosystem within 1 square km area (yes, that's the size of the Old City), setting a benchmark of harmony and cooperation for the World at large.

As I tread the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem, I couldn't take my eyes off the striking beauty of artefacts.

Probably the most overwhelming experience was the divine spot, the Western Wall. Saw devotees pour their hearts out, writing notes to the Almighty and inserting them into crevices of the Wall. These prayers are believed to be answered by God. Oh I did it too, couldn't have missed this.

This is while offering my prayers at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (situated in Christian Quarter), the site where Jesus is believed to be crucified, buried and resurrected.

Israel Flag waiving next to the Western Wall, something about this particular shot pulls me.

Maybe it's the Sky. Or the buildings. The testimony of age-old associations that transcend time.

2. The next stop was Haifa. Breathtakingly beautiful Bahai Gardens were no less than a masterpiece and when I say this, I don't recall if I have ever seen anything so symmetrical (Although this might not reflect accurately in the picture).

This was situated on Mount Carmel (so yes a mini hill station).

And this is how it looked like once we moved down

Our gang with the Guide, we had so many questions to which he was courteously receptive. Did I tell you how affable the locals are?

And how can I forget these lovely ladies, who were dolled up as fairies for Purin festival.

No trip to Haifa is complete without a tour to German Colony. Such an elegant decor. Chic, vivid cafes.

The day ended at Aqueduct Beach, the Mediterranean Sea.

3. The next day was all about Masada trek, starting at 3 am (1–2 hours of sleep in the night), all for the glimpse of an astonishing Sunrise.

Here I was in the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea. I had never seen something so ethereal as this. All I could follow was miles of golden sand and mountains.

And the sunrise?

Was worth every discomfort we endured.

Then we encountered these young men

Israel military personnel, resting after the training session at Masada (The trek was rigorous, defense people used to hike up here as routine drill). These folks started much later, but surpassed us in no time, with heavy bags on their back having travel kit, guns and weapons.

They do have mandatory 24 to 32 months of Military Service for all citizens, unless it's an exception.

The troops :) This was a sight to behold.

4. And my favourite The Dead Sea, lovely turquoise water surrounded by golden hills, landlocked between Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian West Bank.

I was super-thrilled and curious for this one, courtesy childhood geography lessons.

The best part? Being one of the most saline water bodies on Earth, the buoyancy does its magic allowing everyone to float. For non-swimmers (I was one, back then), this was so ecstatic.

Our floating gang, struggling to make a circle

Or maybe a chain

It hurts real bad if this super saline water touches your face, a nightmare you want to avoid at all costs.

5. We stayed at Rothschild Boulevard, situated in the economic and technological center of the nation, Tel Aviv.

I am glad that I could experience the buzzing night-life of Tel Aviv in all its glory.

Cafes with tastefully done interiors, the evenings were so delightful.

How can I forget the tempting Shakshuka (Hummus and Pita, Falafel and Shawarma too)

Met these women soldiers at an eatery, were so good-humored and genial.

All pictures have been sourced from my phone gallery.

I don't have pictures to share but it was the eve of Purin Festival and people do take it seriously. I saw some hilarious and weird makeovers like a guy dressed as lighter with fire (literally flames oozing) on his head, a lady completely covered in popcorn from head to toe, and what not.

What moved me?

More than anything else, the biggest takeaway was people were so welcoming, dynamic, and smart. They were exceptionally hard-working, sharp and driven with a cheerful energy.

These traits are entrenched in the culture, maybe the mandatory Military Service plays an important role too, in shaping a strong foundation of self-reliance, determination and unity. That's the way I see it.

Or this is perhaps the legacy of the historical trauma and agony, most of which has been well chronicled and some not so much.

The bottom line is that despite all odds the way this nation has flourished is intriguing and inspirational. An anecdote of Vigour to convert challenges into opportunities, this is how I like to remember this visit.

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The trip also included visits to start-ups and insightful sessions with some brilliant entrepreneurs, couldn’t have asked for more.

Given an opportunity to experience this all over again, I would take it in blink of an eye :)

Israel is many things, usual is not one of them.

Image source Facebook

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