PALESTINE

Home to some of the holiest sites in the world

 and the artistic and exciting Ramallah

"Ramallah was remarkably modern. Most media representation I had seen stereotyped Palestinians as living in squalor slums or shanties. Ramallah was a clean bustling capital with ample commerce. A large billboard of Mike Tyson promoting an energy drink was not far from a vibrant fruit market, upscale clothing shops and a KFC. In Yassar Arafat Square, a large Christmas tree had been erected by the local Christian population. Palestinian children in Santa hats sang carols and waived to passing cars, all drivers honked their approval, some threw candy to the kids. One nearby store even sold local craft beer, Taybeh Golden Ale and Shephard’s blonde—both tasty. For a region in perpetual conflict, Ramallah was a welcome respite."

-- Luke's Journal

CITIES VISITED:

MUST DO:

FAVORITE MEMORY:

Ramallah,

Jericho

Hebron

Bethlehem

Eat some musakhan in Ramallah.

Visit the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem at the Church of the Nativity and the Mount of Temptation in Jericho. Meditate at the Cave of the Patriarchs and then the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron.

Visiting the spot where Pope Francis prayed for peace at the wall that divides Israel and the Palestinian West Bank.

DIFFICULTY TO VISIT RATING:

3/5  HARD

Due to the volatility of the ongoing tension with Israel, visiting the Palestinian territories can be difficult. Most of the time access to the holy sites is available but things can flare up quickly. Good to research ahead of time to gauge the situation. Traveling through Palestine on a guided tour felt quite safe, as did passing through Israeli checkpoints. Bitterly divided places like Hebron can prove more harrowing but they are worth a visit. Best to go with a guide who is conscientious of the moment.