Israel

[chana]

Hey everybody,

any thoughts on Tel Aviv? Has anyone ben there? I am supossed to go for only a few days at the end of May, but have no idea what to expect. The cheapest ticket I could find is just under a grand Is there a cheaper way? What's it like over there? Any info not likely to be published is definitely welcome

[phlipfudge23]

OK, here is what I know:
The part of Tel Aviv I saw was really ugly and all made of concrete, but I was just talking with my friend today about this and she says that you can see really beautiful stuff near all of the monuments (I was in Tel Aviv for maybe 4 hours total, landed then went straight to Jerusalem, then got there a little before a flight out). So what I have to say is to try to seek out the monuments, as my friend highly recommends them and says the area is gorgeous, but I can't back this up.
Try to get to the beach, I have only been to the Dead Sea and Eilat, but if this is anything close, it will definately be worth your time!
Tel Aviv has the reputation of having the best night life in Israel, and everyone I have talked to has said you have to check that out (I was too young when I went).
I dunno if you've been to Israel, but I will stress two things:
SUNSCREEN!
For some reason Israeli men will propose to American women at the drop of a hat! I was twelve when I went, and I got a proposal! Just brush it off, alot of it is in jest, and they really won't press it.
Have a great trip! Where else are you going?

[chana]

thanks, that's awesome. Yeah, I heard about the nightlife too. Infact I'm planning on going just there cuz I can't take off a lot of time because of school. This boy that I love dearly and dated in Chicago had to move back there for work, so I thought I'd drop in for his birthday at the end of May...we'll see

[phlipfudge23]

Nice, that should be a real change of pace. Have a great trip, and be sure to try the local stuff. I was there with family, and my sister refused to try street food the entire trip. We were running late on our way to the plane, and the only way to eat was from a bread vendor, and she loved it! She wasted the whole trip not eating that food, and we haven't been back since! Don't let that be you!

[worldwidemike]

My memories of Tel Aviv are the same as Phlip's -- concrete, with a beach fitting in there somewhere. So much more to see in the non-modern parts of the Holy Land:
- Jerusalem, truly a great world city...the Turkish walls, the Dome of the Rock, sunset on the Mount of Olives, the winding streets of the old town with its spice markets, religious processions, etc.
- Masada, site of the fanatical resistance to the Roman conquest, with Herod's Palace and the snake path and remains of the ramp the Roman besiegers built.
- Red Sea, gorgeous snorkeling

But, if you're going to visit your boyfriend, somehow, I think most of your activities might be indoors...

Oh, and yes, I hear tickets are very expensive over there. Try looking in a NY city Sunday newspaper, though, for ads in the Travel section...

worldwidemike

[chana]

yeah mike, I absolutely agree, it would be unforgivable to go there and see nothing. Damn it, if only I graduated allready A week is sooo not enough, but maybe good incentive to go back. I checked everything, the prices are terrible, I'll just have to dish it out....
Ahh, what love does

[phlipfudge23]

Have you been looking at the prices for El Al? I dunno, but I always figured that would be the cheapest way, and they do fly from a fair amount of major cities.





Warning: if you think regular airplane food is bad, you haven't had kosher airplane food!

[chana]

ewwww kosher, yuck! I'm in the middle of a book on israel and just finished a chapter on food. its gonna be interesting. What freaks me out is that I am meeting this guy's parents and siblings..... and have no idea what to expect, what if I get put under a microscope by the Israeli mother as an american party girl sleeping with her oldest son..... I mean people insist that its not like it used to be, but the whole parents thing is just pressure. We'll see...
El Al does seem like the best thing at the moment, if you guys have any wisdom to share on dealing with traditional parents by all means post

[AdamTheCultured]

Umm this advice is assuming that your boyfriends parents are Jewish and traditional....

Traditional Jewish mother are always looking for a nice Jewish girl for their sons...lol.......however, a nice girl is acceptable too...here are a few things to know:
1) Dont be afraid to bring up your accomplishments, she is going to want you to be good for her son
2) She is going to think of you not as her sons girlfriend or love interest but as her sons fiance or potential wife..so dont say you are thinking about getting a job in the US or something...make it seem as though you have your options open to live in Israel where her son is....she doesnt want you to take her son away from her...lol
3) express interest in Judaism, because she might be hoping and expecting for you to convert if you were to marry her son...
4) Know that Friday night to Saturday night is sabath, the day of rest, so dont be surprised if you are asked to have a family day or something..
5) Enjoy her cooking...lol...Jewish women love to cook and eat...

The father probably wont be very critical or judgmental but Jewish mothers are known to be both of those...lol...good luck......