War: The Advantages for Tourists

by Neil Woodburn on

I quite like having a popular tourist destination all to myself.

Unfortunately, this usually means one of two things; either I’m traveling in the off season and it is raining, or some recent catastrophe or civil unrest has swept through the region.

Or, it’s the Middle East.

A recent article in The Guardian explores the lone silver lining behind the current dark clouds enveloping the Middle East since the most recent war started; empty tourist locations.

Kevin Rushby discusses the advantages that something horrific as war has for the adventurous travel; cheaper accommodations, far more welcoming locals, and even special treats like using historic bathrooms in house museums.

Sure, it’s a bit sick to plug travel to such places during such times, but I have to admit, Rushby does make a good case for doing so.

Amnesty International Ceasefire Photo Gallery

by Adrienne Wilson on

Here’s something to spend just a few moments checking out. On August 7th, Amnesty International held a global vigil for ceasefire in the Lebanon/Israel conflict. The gallery showcases how members and supporters from over 30 countries came together to show their solidarity for victims and survivors of both sides. Quite moving in a way – it includes shots of people covered in banners, sprawled out in streets, and candles spelling out “ceasefire” in Arabic from Beirut. Take a look at how folks in Paris, Pakistan and Santiago demonstrated their cry for peace and ceasefire.

Tel Aviv Still Okay to Visit

by Adrienne Wilson on

Despite the reassuring sound of this Washington Post piece, I doubt many people will be booking flights into Tel Aviv. While Israel’s northerners trapped in the grizzly realities of war between their country and Lebanon’s Hizbollah may head down for a nice relaxing time on the beach to escape the daily rocket attacks, for foreigners it would still fall too close for comfort. According to the article business has been great in Tel Aviv and the entertainment and commercial capital of Israel continues to thrive during the dispute.

Tel Aviv is located 130 miles (220 km) from Lebanon and hasn’t been struck by missiles since the Gulf War in 1991. The city houses some 235 public bomb shelters that have recently been prepared with equipment, stretchers, and water. Israel’s on my list and most certainly Tel Aviv, but I’d wait this one out.

Word for the Travel Wise (07/31/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

With all the turmoil between Israel and Lebanon these days, using the following to describe the situation certainly won’t fly. Think more along the lines of small favors and acts of kindness that weren’t too hard to perform and you may be able to get away with saying this one. In regards to war – I think not. There is a problem.

Today’s word is a Hebrew word used in Israel:

en ba’aya – no problem

For a short list of the very basics in Hebrew check out Israel Visit. Jewfaq.org has a clear and excellent guide to the alphabet, pronunciation, styles of writing, fonts and word processors. ZigZag World provides learning materials at a level for children and beginning adults. Lots of pictures! Hebrew Online is not a free service, but allows you to learn through video-conferencing technology to communicate live with professional Israeli Hebrew teachers. Before paying anything they allow you to sign up for two trail lessons. Ancient Hebrew is a thorough site on people, language, culture with additional links and learning resources.

Past Hebrew words: shalom

Teen Gets Passport & Heads to Middle East for MySpace Man

by Adrienne Wilson on

This I don’t understand. Apparently a 16-year-old girl out of Michigan tricked her parents into letting her get a passport to go on a trip to Canada with some friends of hers, but in reality the young girl was on her way to Israel, alone. Katherine R. Lester was on her way to meet a 25-year-old man from Jericho as described on his MySpace.com account when U.S. officials in Jordan convinced her to head home before reaching the West Bank. Her parents report their child as being a straight-A student, student council member and one to never give any troubles or problems. However something seems really strange and bizarre about the whole deal. How did she even make it that far out the country? Sure teens travel alone all the time, but to Tel Aviv? Maybe I’m a little out of the know? I just thank goodness someone spotted her before she reached her final destination.

The deputies in her town have since confiscated the family’s home computer and were taking it to the FBI’s Bay City office for a very thorough analysis – I’m sure. Sigh, kids on the internet.

via AOL News