Help--does anyone know the name of the company that does tours in the Judean Desert--right outside of Jerusalem. They were good and I am blanking. ( actually the name must be in papers in the apartment in Netanya.....) ... more

... to Tiberias. The flight is exhausting. If you must drive, spend the night locally and then drive. I have an apartment 45 minutes away from the airport and after once almost falling asleep behind the wheel I now call my favorite driver and get my rental a few days later ... more

Maybe what triggered your feeling for the place was the fact that you visited during Christmas holidays so the majority of local visitors were Christians - who can go on vacation during this period. And maybe the hotel was bedecked in Christmas livery. ... more

... Travel is supposed to be an enlightening experience where one opens oneself up to different viewpoints and cultures. I suggest that the only "baggage" people should bring with them is their clothing--leaving preconcieved attitudes at home. Hard to do, of course, but worthwhile in the end. End of soapbox ... more

... the overdevelopment of once pristine vacation spots due to huge influxes of tourists. I apologize for taking up time & space for this discussion, but I was not one that initiated it, so I'm just continuing what I think is a thoughtful exchange of one of the biggest challenges to ... more