Sundowner: Autumn/Winter 2018

ISRAEL: LOVE
AT FIRST SIGHT
BY SARAH GUSH
Israel gives me a little frisson. It has captivated
me in a way that is soulful, eye-opening and
fascinating. A visit to Israel is a treat for your
mind, body, and soul.
Religion here is intertwined with the complex and colourful history
of the area. Jerusalem’s streets and history have inspired so much of how
so many people live today around the world. Actions from millennia
ago have carved the morals of today. When you walk the Via Dolorosa,
the Gardens of Gethsemane, visit the Western Wall, and see the Dome
of the Rock, you’re humbled by history.
Fascinating items and locations are still being found, such as
the relatively recent discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. But Israel
is more than its past – momentous change faces its residents, giving
rise to impressive art and culture, a subject close to my heart. Don’t
miss Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem – it’s remarkable,
thought-provoking, and well worth a visit.
I adore the contrasts struck so vividly in one small area. Jerusalem
is so different from the more Westernised and laid-back Tel Aviv.
I love experiencing different cultures. In the larger towns, there
are different ethnic groups living side by side – that feels unique
and like nowhere else in the world. And against the backdrop
of the vast desert lies the lush greenery of Jerusalem. For more
cosmopolite contrasts, the Mahane Yehuda Market
is a must-see. By day, it is home to traditional vendors selling
local produce, then later transforms into a buzzing nightlife hub
for the city.
Israeli food is rightly blossoming onto the international
scene. Whether you choose street food or fine dining,
traditional fare or delicious seafood, you won’t be
disappointed. My recent guide said that there are “no bad
restaurants in Jerusalem”. Your taste buds will agree.
Israel is also ideal for shopping. Start with the flea markets
in Jaffa and find a souvenir or two. Or if you want to relax, the
coast is stunning. The long stretch of city beach in Tel Aviv is a
wonderful place to dine along the shore, then walk around Jaffa,
with the setting sun
behind you.
Israel delivers so
much on a single visit
– it is a patchwork
of anomalies and
historical fact. If
you want to better
understand the world,
touch down in Israel
and let its spirit into
your soul.
River Jordan
HOW JORDAN
HAS STOLEN
MY HEART
BY LYNNE COOKE
The Middle East as a region will
always be special to me. There
is a feeling of otherworldliness, of the
unknown around every corner, that the adventurer in me finds
very appealing. But Jordan sits closest to my heart.
Let’s start with the ancient world. The city of Petra is an
absolute must-see. It is no exaggeration to call it magnificent –
in its architecture, history, and location. UNESCO deems it a
World Heritage Site – to my mind, it’s one of the best.
Jordan also boasts a world record – the lowest point on
the Earth, where the water is so salty that a swim here is unreal.
I prefer the Jordanian banks of the Dead Sea because the
hotels are of a high standard and the water itself is slightly
more accessible.
The country has a rich tapestry of history and a visit should
include seeing a Crusader castle (they are almost impossible
to miss). An established stop on the trade routes between Syria
and Iraq, Jordan sits on a geographical crossroads within the
Middle East. From here, the links to many regions can be
identified and appreciated. In Madaba, I love viewing the 6thcentury
mosaic map of the Holy Land, then visiting Mount
Nebo to see this landscape in panoramic 3D.
But Jordan is not only a country steeped in culture;
its cuisine and
extreme sports make
it a destination for
both adventure and
gastronomy. The
food is fresh and a
smorgasbord of tastes with
many influences vying for
attention. Cooking or eating
with locals will showcase
dishes such as mansaf – the
national rice dish, prepared
with pride. Café culture abounds
too and one of my favourite
memories is enjoying a rich
short coffee – qahwa sada –
flavoured with cardamom
with my driver, who regaled me with stories of life in the country.
For more active folk, there are four-wheel drive Wadi Rum trips with
camel rides and treks over and around sand dunes.
Jordanians make a trip here so much more than a holiday. They
are friendly and hospitable – and I learn something new every time
I visit. Jordan has so much to discover and experience. I find every
moment I spend there exquisite.
CONTACT ABERCROMBIE & KENT
For more information on holidays to Israel or Jordan, or to
talk about combining both destinations in one holiday, call to
speak to our Middle East travel specialists on 01242 546 634.
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