• About
  • Blog
  • Working together
  • Testimonials
  • Contact

Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

Asia, Travel
/
April 13, 2017

Finding the best of Jerusalem

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share

I arrived to Jerusalem with eyes wide open with excitement for my first visit to a country I had only heard so much about.

The city itself is very segregated, divided up into 4 quarters (Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and Armenian) and I was curious about how this influenced the feel of the city. Would it be unpleasant at times? Would it feel dangerous navigating any one area as a foreigner?

I only had 4 days to spend in Jerusalem, so I made sure leave sleep for when I got home and focus on seeing and learning as much as I could in my short time there. Here are some of the best ways I was able to do that:

Food Tour

I have always found that the best way to get to know a culture, a country, it’s through its food. Which is why it is the first tour I signed up for, and I did so using an app called BiteMojo. It’s a new service, now available in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Berlin (with more cities coming soon) offering a series of different food experiences, all self-guided, to get you into some of the city’s best food and drinking spots, some off-the-beaten path. With this app (I signed up for the Food Tour between East and West Jerusalem), I got to walk all around Old Jerusalem, and experience different spots, some very trendy, others a bit more casual. The bites were so delicious and filling, and some of the spots I got to connect with locals and talk about travel and their interests, and even their favorite bites in town. I absolutely loved this app for the opportunity it offered in connecting with locals and in helping me to experience the diverse tastes and sites throughout Jerusalem. The app isn’t just about food. There were a few cultural stops as well highlighted along the way. I highly recommend it. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and go hungry. Because it is self-guided, you can go at your own pace with the help of the app’s map.

Hummus at Hummus Ikermawi. OwnerMuhammad Fakhry Ikermawi is the sweetest and a wonderful person to chat with while you are there!

Treats from El’Am’In Bakery.

Wine at the rooftop of the Notre Dame.

A must for beer lovers: Biratenu.

Art Tour

Another fabulous way to immerse yourself in a country’s culture is through the arts. Through Jerusalem Art Tours I got to explore the neighborhood of Nachlaot, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Jerusalem. Our group even had a chance to visit the home and gallery of a local artist, as well as studios where artists from all faiths and backgrounds came together in one place to create art, and galleries where artists are constantly finding ways to courageously express their views and opinions, even if at times these are challenged by the local government. Our guide Caron is an artist herself and she was able to beautifully share how art is transforming not only her city but those in it.

Pub Tour

Bar hopping isn’t normally my thing, but since experiencing as much as I could in the short time I was there was my goal, I jumped into the fun offered through Abraham Hostels and their Jerusalem Pub Crawl. The hostel was definitely the place to be to meet travelers from all over the world and joining them to taste some of Jerusalem’s best watering holes. By the end of it I had plenty of drinks, had danced a few songs, and had laughed so much I almost lost my voice. Totally worth it.

Several pubs and many drinks later.

Just walking around

I never once felt like I was in danger in Jerusalem. It’s a small enough city to navigate by foot, but there is also a tram and plenty of taxis (make sure that your driver has the meter running, otherwise expect unpredictable charges for rides).

Jerusalem is such a great city to walk, and their trams are a wonderful, inexpensive option.

I loved exploring the Mahane Yehuda Market both during the day and then again at night, which is a completely different experience.

The market by day.

The market by night.

I enjoyed walking through the tunnels around the walls of Old Jerusalem – the colorful Muslim Quarters being my favorite part.

Walking up the Tower of David and taking in the views of the city and the people below was a highlight.

I walked away with fond memories of conversations with store and restaurant owners, with locals helping me to find my way, with friendly faces at the local pub, with local artists who shared stories about their life in this ever evolving city.

The city is quite beautiful and deserves more praise than it often gets. Eclectic and full of energy. I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I arrived, or that I would leave it feeling as fond of it as I am.

You may arrive to Jerusalem with your own ideas and your own beliefs. Whatever they may be, I recommend making room for listening and learning and exploring, to opening yourself up to conversations and new friendships, and to making sure that the walls and quarters and whatever other divisions that exist don’t stand in the way of your journey and sense of exploration. Politically, there are a lot of things that I personally don’t agree with. As a non-religious person, I appreciated the influence of religion in the city, as it relates to the arts, history, and the nuances of the city, but other than that, I felt no real affinity to this aspect of it. But, Jerusalem is more than its politics, and despite being known as the Holy City, it is more than its religious beliefs – though they dominate much of the discourse. I found the best of Jerusalem not in its parts, or segregated communities, but rather in what it is in its entirety. In the people that I met and conversed with. In the artists and activists who see potential for change and growth and unity. And in those who dedicate themselves to sharing the stories of the people who live there…not just a few, but all. To me, the best of Jerusalem is in the diversity. It is what makes this city vibrant, exciting, and interesting. And the more those diverse voices and ideas and beliefs continue to flourish, regardless of any opposition they may face, the better Jerusalem will be.

Read more about my time in Palestine.

 

 

All photographs are property of the publisher and may not be used without consent.

Related

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share
Pin this Post
Share this Post
Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

You May Also Like...

Christmas Tree Hunting in Long Island, NY

December 12, 2008

Fort Tryon Park, Washington Heights, NY

December 10, 2008

Winter afternoon in the Bronx Zoo, NY

December 16, 2008
2 Comments
  • Therie
    April 21, 2017

    Great to know that one of my dream destinations is wanderer-friendly! I could definitely see myself exploring Jerusalem for hours and hours! Thanks for sharing, your photos are really lovely!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Therie
      April 21, 2017

      Thank you! And yes, exploring for hours is definitely something that you will do!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Previous Post
The awakening that is Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel, Bethlehem, Palestine
Next Post
Romantic weekend getaway to the Hamptons, off-season

About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

Categories

  • Asia5 Post(s)
  • Caribbean17 Post(s)
  • Central America4 Post(s)
  • Europe53 Post(s)
  • North America316 Post(s)
  • Oceana1 Post(s)

Contact

  • carol@girlgonetravel.com

Follow @girlgonetravel

I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS Route 17 (future I-86), mid-way between New York City and Binghamton. It is also the largest community of the Sullivan County Catskills. Like many rural downtowns across the U.S., Monticello has experienced some hardships. However, what I found especially lovely was how there is a vibrant BIPOC community, especially Latino, thriving with their small businesses and eateries keeping Downtown Monticello alive.

Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

#monticellony #catskills #goodeats @sullivancatskills
Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwine Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwinecountry.🌞

#myflx
These days you will find me walking in the rain, c These days you will find me walking in the rain, chasing waterfalls, and anything nature filled. Such is spring in the Finger Lakes 🌷

#fingerlakes #lifeinthefingerlakes #cascadillagorge #ithacany
I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in l I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in love with this life.

There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

Now I dream of uninterrupted days spent tending to my garden and growing food and other pretty greenery I never knew I could. Or figuring out new recipes and sitting by the fire with my puppies on my lap.

I crave mornings made foggy by the adjacent lake, and early wake-ups by the sound of the passing horse and buggy on Sunday mornings.

Yeah. The world is big and there is so much I want to see still but I also love this place where it feels like nothing else matters, not even the mud on my hands and boots.

📸 Gardening bliss on a rainy day at @theflxcottage.
Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center to scout a photography location. The focus was work. But as we took the 3 mile hike to the overlook, through the mud, in the rain…and the sun, because spring, and as the birds sung, the woodpeckers pecked, and the deer strutted, I felt myself feel lighter, happier, and at ease. With just a walk, in this beautiful place. Alongside my beautiful partner.

If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

#tanglewoodnaturecenter #fingerlakes

Copyright © 2023 Girl Gone Travel | Privacy Policy | Copyright Notice