WANDERLUST: Why I loved Israel and no I am not Jewish

A common question that I have encountered is what country and place was your favorite? And irritatingly, people are often not pleased with my answers. I didn't really feel a connection or like India nor Peru, and no I couldn't see myself living in Spain again. So.. where did I like the most? Israel, specifically Tel Aviv.

This is an odd answer to a lot of people, I often am asked, "are you Jewish?", which no I am not. I have also received, the reply, "oh well you just liked it because your ex-boyfriend is there and there is obviously still something there." Wrong again. It has nothing to do with faith nor that specific person being in Israel, I just really liked it there. Let me explain.

Sunset on the beach in Tel Aviv

For starters, Tel Aviv has a very European feeling to it. There are a lot of outdoor cafes, some pedestrian only streets, tucked away bars, amazing food and public transportation where it is unnecessary to have a car. Tel Aviv is like Europe, only the climate is unequivocally better. I was there on NYE around the coldest time of the year and I was in a thin jacket. There was no need for snow boots, nor a down coat, and definitely not snow pants. If you know me well, you know this is big for me. Tel Aviv also has the carmel market or "shuk" which is a permanent farmer's market where fresh produce is sold everyday, except shabbat (Saturdays). Finally, probably the most amazing quality, is a beautiful, clean Mediterranean beach next to a thriving big city that is amazing for sunsets, running, swimming and sun-bathing.

The Dead Sea at sunrise

It's not just Tel Aviv that I liked. I also enjoyed traveling to the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), Eilat, the Dead Sea and the Golan Heights. All very different landscapes from each other, all a part of this beautiful and small country. I even found the West Bank, entirely confusing and a little scary, but nonetheless interesting. In one day you can see the borders to Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. From the Gulf of Eilat you can even see Saudi Arabia on a clear day.

Banyas in the Golan Heights

Gulf of Eilat looking toward Jordan and Saudi Arabia

Then there is the history of the place. You go to Jerusalem and you can see all of the places where the three biggest religions on the planet originated. The very places described in the Old and New Testament, the Torah and the Quran. Three religions all trying to survive in the same small area, literally stacked on top of one another. You can go to Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Masada, where jesus walked and countless other places that events supposedly took place.

Dome of the Rock

It is a combination of all of these things that made me really fall in love with the country, but it is also because of these things that it is not an easy place to move or work. For starters the whole Jewish thing is a prerequisite to getting citizenship, many jobs, universities and work visa programs. There is a lot of strife and potential for violence in the region because of the nature of the country.The fact is safety will never be guaranteed there. They speak an entirely different language and have a different alphabet from anything I am familiar with. Lastly, there are a lot of complex political issues and stances that are deeply rooted in history, hatred and misunderstandings, on all sides. Not to mention the political instability that has taken over this area in the light of recent events and protests, especially Egypt.

Getting artsy on the border of Egypt and Israel (less than 1 yard/meter away!); Also a photo to demonstrate how I feel Israel would be about accepting me

In spite of all of these problems, I still really enjoyed my time there. It is one of few places that I could see myself living (can't say that for anywhere in the USA) for at least a little while. Plus, they have a lot of genetic research and possibilities in the country! I don't know what will happen in the next 3, 5, 12, 24 months, but I do know that my time in Israel was not just in 2010/11 and I am determined to find a way back there in the near future whether it be for an internship before or during school or an option if grad school doesn't pan out.