The unique form of collective living represented by Israel’s kibbutz movement has always been intriguing to me even before I was really sure what life on a kibbutz was all about (I just projected my ideals onto what I thought it could/should be). I liked the feeling of shared purpose and community – something I … Continue reading
Actually, no one knows exactly where the ancient and infamous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were. However, the rough location of the cities has always been suspected to have been in this area and the hills here are even named Mount Sodom: Mount Sodom overlooks the Dead Sea and a dirt road leading to it … Continue reading
A dear reader recently commented to me on the bleak nature of Israel’s Negev region after viewing this post. Certainly Israel’s Negev is a harsh landscape and doesn’t harbor the greenery found in a region such as Banias or Galilee. However, The Velvet Rocket staff are attracted to stark landscapes and the Negev desert’s Makhtesh … Continue reading
The highlights may be up in the north of Israel, but the Negev covers more than half of the country and the desert has a charm in and of itself: A sandstorm developing in the Negev: And, of course, one can find many interesting things in the desert too: Visit it while you can though, … Continue reading
Hidden away behind high walls and enormous wooden doors, the Armenian Quarter is one of the less visited neighborhoods in Jerusalem (and therefore one that I like more). They still use those doors too – the gates to this city within a city are closed early each evening: Of course, apparently having the most cats … Continue reading
The highlights – such as the Wailing Wall and the Dome of the Rock – are in Jerusalem’s Old City, but modern Jerusalem which surrounds the Old City is more dynamic and interesting than many people give it credit for: Some of the residential neighborhoods in the hills surrounding the city: The Mount of Olives … Continue reading
It’s been a while since Israel and Jordan have been at war, but the border region between the West Bank and Jordan is nevertheless a grim place… …with plenty of mine fields and other obstacles to persuade the Jordanians that it wouldn’t be fun for them if they attacked Israel again. Not many people make … Continue reading
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