Recommend November 2010 - (Page 59)

Israel’s Biblical landmarks allow visitors from all over the world to catch a glimpse of antiquity, and even the shortest visit will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of a history book. But although the countless religious sites within its borders never fail to astound, few pause to contemplate the miracle of how much work went on behind the scenes to make a visit to holy sites a lifelong memory. Even the most jaded secular traveler, who from the minute of arrival will delight in Israel’s modern charm and exciting joie de vivre would be remiss to pass on seeing any of the locations where the world was altered. The most notable change discerned while visiting ancient Biblical spots, is that the care given to maintain them adheres to the very modern concept of environmental responsibility. Their upkeep is crucial and the efforts have proved so successful that the Biblical locales often literally come alive. Even the most cursory look at the top-10 most visited Biblical sites will reveal that Israel has been more successful in preserving Biblical locales than other Middle Eastern countries. As a result, those who use the Bible as a travel guidebook won’t be disappointed. This meticulous preservation is evident in the Jaffa Gate, one of the legendary eight entryways to Jerusalem. It’s as magnificent today as it was when Suleiman the Magnificent laid its foundation in 1538. Then there’s the Western Wall in the Old City. Once part of King Solomon’s Temple, the wall is one of Israel’s holiest sites, a place where many believe God may be reached through prayers. It is a sparkling, expanse of ancient granite thoroughly cleaned at night and where discarded goods are recycled with utmost care. The Mount of Olives is significant to Judaism and Christianity and has the look of a well-kept, spotless green expanse conducive to meditation and serenity. Bethlehem, in the Palestinian Authority, has the aura of a Biblical town and retains the flavor of 2,000 years ago. The birthplace of both King David and Jesus and the setting of Rachel’s tomb and the Basilica of the Nativity, Bethlehem never fails to awe. The Sea of Galilee, about 12 miles from Nazareth, where Jesus once preached and is believed to have walked on water and fed a multitude with a few loaves of bread and a handful of fish, relies on an up-to-date filtering system to keep it pristine and appealing. Elijah’s Cave, at the base of Mount Carmel near Haifa, is believed to be the place where the prophet meditated. It was also a brief stop for Joseph, Mary and Jesus during their journey to Egypt. Today’s visitor will enjoy its perfect, ecologically sound condition. Nazareth, where Jesus spent his childhood, delights with its well-kept churches and manicured, albeit ancient, streets. The city’s Old Market delights environmentally conscious visitors with excellent organic produce and locally made souvenirs. The River Jordan has had its share of problems due to erosion and pollution. Today, the setting of Jesus’ baptism—after having undergone extensive and meticulous filtering—runs like a ribbon of uncontaminated water from the Sea of Galilee into the Dead Sea. Having seen those sites will make a Biblical pilgrimage a memorable journey and will give visitors an appreciation of how Israel has strictly adhered to the “greening” of mankind’s most significant landmarks. l israel Ministry of tourisM 100 YEARS OF GREEN I-25

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend November 2010

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk
Tour Talk
Medical Tourism Introduction
India: The Guest is God
Turkey: Investing in the Future
A Medical Tale of Two Latin American Countries
Quality Care in Taiwan
Uruguay's Making Waves
No More "Risky Business" in Colombia
River Cruising for 2011
Israel-100 Years of Green
South Africa With Style
Chicago: Nothing Second About This City
Jacksone Hole, Wyoming
Shining the Spotlight on Amelia Island, Florida
Koh Chang, Thailand
Barbados: Back to Work
Jamaica: Back to Basics
Acapulco on the Rise-Again
Re-Discovering the Wonders of the Yucatan

Recommend November 2010