GOING PLACES

mbraced by a unique energy, Israel is so magical. Al fresco dining along Dorot Even long after one who has embarked on a journey Rishonim St. in Israel’s to this country is already somewhere else, say, in a chaotic urban jungle, one is still often visited by the

Home to eight million people, Israel is made magnificent Emore fascinatingvivid by how memory it intertwines of its magnificent thousands treasures. of years’ worth of history with modern-day life. This is evident in many forms In Jerusalem, which is probably the most visited site in including architecture, fashion, food, technology and art. It is also Israel because of its , one can marvel in the 50-year-old important to note that this land of living history is the birthplace Artists Colony, a complex of artists’ and designers’ workshops treasures and galleries at the foot of the Old City’s Gate. There, By Pinky S. Icamen / Photography by Luis Espiritu, Jr. and Ramon Joseph J. Ruiz traditional and antique crafts stand harmoniously alongside of manyThough technological ancient history innovations abounds like inthe Israel, traffic it navigation has only been app, modern and contemporary art. almostWaze, and 70 yearstoday’s since office it staple,was established the USB flash as a drive. state. It has seen Also in Jerusalem, one can find the bustling Mahane As one sets foot in Israel, Yehuda Market. In this marketplace also known as “The a country overflowing with the country has developed one of the world’s top-notch security culture, history and diversity, forcesconflicts to thatprotect are itsmostly people related and tourism,to religion which but because is said to of bethese, the , (puff pastry) and rugelach, (a crumbly one can hear its heartbeat backbone of its economy. Shuk,”confection one madecan find of tahini herbs, or spices,sesame traditional paste) and snacksa bounty like of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice. like a hypnotic incantation world-renowned attractions and sacred destinations. In fact, in When one visits , get ready to that seeps into the soul and the recentMillions report of tourists, by the including Israel Ministry Filipinos, of flockTourism, to Israel there for was its be stuffed with delightful treats as vendors are generous in lingers in the mind. a record-breaking 62-percent increase in Filipino tourists who giving out samples of food items that they sell! (This gesture traveled to Israel in 2017. Many Filipinos visit Israel because, is telling of Israeli culture — people, in general, love to share. aside from being visa-free for Filipinos, it is important for them They are open to sharing their country’s rich history with to take the journey to the land associated with Christ’s life, death tourists, or even just the curious. This is seen in markets, on and resurrection. the streets or in places of worship.) Also, in this marketplace, (COUNTERCLOCKWISE) , one of the longest and oldest streets in standing alongside the authentic and traditional stalls are Jerusalem; Religious souvenirs made Jerusalem jewelry stores, souvenir shops, bars, modern restaurants and from olive wood; Artworks by renowned Israeli painter Dudu Harel even micro-breweries — a hit with the younger set of locals thriving art scene, cultural hubs and vibrant nightlife. and tourists alike. Beyond its successful religious tourism, Israel boasts a 88 FEB-MARch 2018 FEB-MARch 2018 89 Masada & the Dead Sea A few minutes’ scenic drive south of Masada is where It is easy to fall in love with Israel as it reveals itself as a majestic portrait of nature. Just more than an hour’s drive there, which are just a walking distance from the beach, mostly haveDead an Sea’s unobstructed world-class view hotels of andthe hypnoticspa facilities cobalt are. blue The waters hotels

from Jerusalem, through the Judean Desert, is the Dead Sea, body (and the soul). isknown a must to to be visit the the lowest ruins place of the on ancient earth. desert But before fortress basking in the of the Dead Sea that are said to have healing powers for the under the sun or having a mud treatment on the Dead Sea, it miss the mud bath there, too. One may also experience the It was said that King Herod the Great built Masada in the wonders Float in the tranquil waters of the Dead Sea and never sky — Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Herod chose this site to be a refuge for his family and army popular mudof the treatment Dead Sea to indoors staying as and some walk-in hotels guests. in the area like againstlate 30s hisBC. enemiesAs explained because by our of ableits strategic guide Sharon advantages. Pelleg, (ItKing is the Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel have salt-water pools and offer the

Here, he built luxurious palaces, well-stocked storerooms, cisternson the eastern and bathhouses. fringe of the One Judean can only Desert, imagine near how the Deadlavish Sea). this fortress/winter palace was back in the day. Today, the ruins of Masada add to the magnificence of the breathtaking, picture-

oneperfect may vistas take anof hour-longthe Dead Sea hike and (depending the Judean on Desert. one’s pace) or a three-minute,As Masada is$8-cable 1,500 feet car ridefrom to the get level to the of top.the Dead Sea,

(CLOCKWISE) The inviting pool of the Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel; One of the spa and relaxation facilities at Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel: Tranquil morning by (FROM TOP) A view of the Dead Sea the Dead Sea; Popular from Masada; The ruins of Masada, Ahava’s Dead Sea skin the ancient desert fortress in the sky. care products.

90 FEB-MARch 2018 FEB-MARch 2018 91 (CLOCKWISE) Rooftop pool and bar of the Poli House Hotel in Tel Aviv; The author at the Ilana Goor Museum in Jaffa; Susu & Sons, an afterparty go-to burger joint in Tel Aviv; Clothes, antique furniture and more finds at Jaffa flea market

Tel Aviv

centerYes, located Israel ison a countrythe country’s with unrivaled Mediterranean natural coastline. wonders. But one mustIn not the skip southern Tel Aviv, part Israel’s of Tel cultural, Aviv sits commercial the charming and financial ancient port city of Jaffa, which is related to the biblical narrative of Jonah and the Whale. This picturesque area is considered the oldest part of Tel Aviv. It is known for its restored sandstone buildings, antique shops and its famed Old City, which is a cultural hub for many jewelry makers/designers, thespians and contemporary artists. One of the iconic landmarks inside Jaffa’s Old City is renowned Israeli artist Ilana Goor’s eponymous museum that houses her eclectic artworks, unique pieces of sculpture and massive art collection. This museum’s 18th-century building evokes an enigmatic energy, so mesmerizing with its stunning

Aside from Jaffa, Tel Aviv has more than 70 neighborhoods withviews different of the Mediterranean characters. Explore Sea. these neighborhoods on foot by day and at night to see parts of the city come alive with its nightlife and restaurant scene. the city’sStroll mostthe popular popular tree-lined nightspots Rothschild and restaurants Boulevard dot along the areathe city’s of this fashion, iconic commercialboulevard, like and the financial trendy centers. bar and Some lounge, of

barJimmy Vicky Who?, Cristina, and the located underground at the heart bar, of Kuli a renovated Alma. Not old far trainfrom stationthe happenings in Tel Aviv on Rothschildcalled Hatachana. Boulevard is the tapas and wine (CLOCKWISE) The JaffaC lock Tower; One of the sandstone alleyways in Old Jaffa; Luis Tel Aviv’s appeal comes from a pattern that is noticeable Espiritu and our tour guide Sharon Pelleg even in other places in Israel: the past co-exists with the watch the sunset at the Tel Aviv Promenade

line the city’s landscape together with the restored and morepresent. modern One example structures is withinhow the the 1930s city. TraditionalBauhaus buildings art and As one embarks on a journey back to one’s homeland, contemporary art are also showcased side-by-side through there is always a lingering memory of Israel’s magnificent treasures. Its awe-inspiring attractions and spellbinding natural beauty give birth to a profound force that brings one impeccableexhibitions worksand street of artisans. markets like the 29-year-old Nahalat to genuflect before the splendor of God’s creations. Binyamin Arts and Crafts Fair, where one can admire the Special thanks to the Israel Ministry of Tourism. For more information, call (632) 883-9550 or email [email protected] or visit www.goisrael.com

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