Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The Holy Land

And I do not mean Neiman Marcus, Provincetown, or the Hotlanta Competition. I am referring to the Middle East and Israel in particular. A land steeped in history and traditions. Major religions calling it home, Christianity, Judaism, an Islam. Center of tensions, and beauty.
Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world, founded almost 6,000 years old. Birthplace of Christianity, sacred to Muslims, home to Judaism. Ancient parts of the city dating to the time when it was ruled by Rome and before, blend with the architecture of the present and the ages in between. Religious shrines, outdoor markets, winding streets and alleyways, secluded gardens enclosed by century old walls, remind a visitor of the history. Lively street cafes and nightlife highlight its contemporary vibe. Nestled between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea, Jerusalem is surrounded by mountains and riverbeds. The seat of the government of Israel, the Knesset meets there.
Along the northeast coast is Haifa, one of the busiest ports in the Eastern Mediterranean. Established in biblical times, it too has had its share of conquerors and vanquished. The local geography is not a typical seaside plain, with most of the city built on the slopes of Mount Carmel. It is the birthplace of the Baha'i faith, with its Temple and hanging gardens a UNESCO World heritage site. The Sail Building is a striking piece of modern Israeli architecture housing the government.
Farther south down the coast is Tel Aviv, another bustling port city. Merged with the the Arab city of Jaffa, it is Isreal's wealthiest and most cosmopolitan. It is a major destination for travelers wanting a city full of excitement, fine cuisine and lively nightlife. Home of the stock exchange it is the most expensive city in the area and one of the top 15 in the world. It is described as the Mediterranean City that does not sleep. Being founded in the beginning of the 20th Century, its landmarks consists of the 'White City' with its large concentration of Modernist architecture.
Damron Vacations can help with your trip to the original Holy Land. You tour can span the centuries with the birthplace of religions combined with modern facilities and hip restaurants and bars. The experienced agents, with personal experiences in Israel, can provide insider tips on the best way to see the sights.

2 comments:

  1. Thank you for writing about one of the most beautiful places on earth

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's an incredible place, lots of sights and great experiences, the people are wonderful

    ReplyDelete