Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda Market

Jerusalem’s Mahane Yehuda Market

Everyone can find something on their grocery list at the Mahane Yehuda Market and with bargain prices as a kicker, all manner of Jerusalem’s residents converge here. This makes it a fun site to visit – both for people watching and the products on display. The entrances are somewhat narrow and are watched carefully as … Continue reading »

The Hungry Cats Of The Sinai

The Hungry Cats Of The Sinai

I have spoken before about the absolute collapse in visitors to the Sinai Peninsula following the turmoil of the Arab Spring and the emergence of Islamic militant groups in the area. During the visit of The Velvet Rocket staff to explore this increase in activity on the part of Islamic militants, we were given to … Continue reading »

Nevado de Toluca

Nevado de Toluca

El Nevado de Toluca is an extinct volcano that created Mexico’s fourth highest peak. It also happens to be the central component of Mexico’s Nevado de Toluca National Park. The park, established in 1936, is well worth a visit and is even doable as a day trip from Mexico City. The drive out to Nevado … Continue reading »

The Mount Of Olives

The Mount Of Olives

Named for the olive groves that used to cover it, the Mount of Olives can be seen in the distance of this picture taken from the base of the Temple Mount… If you look carefully at the writing on the graves in the foreground, you can see that this is a cemetery for those of … Continue reading »

Life In Susiya

Life In Susiya

The road to Susiya… With all of the excitement in North Korea and Syria Boston at the moment, the protests and upheaval in the West Bank over the past few months has gone relatively unnoticed by the broader world. However, enough of you have noticed it that I have gotten several email requests for more … Continue reading »

Embracing Palm Springs

Embracing Palm Springs

I have always had a special fondness for the Palm Springs area. I love the Salton Sea. I love the aerial tramway and the world it leads you to. I love the stark desert. I love the modern architecture from the 1950s and 1960s.  And given a familial connection to the community, I have many … Continue reading »