'Israel Odyssey'

Scanning my email sent folder, I saw whole bunch of emails describing my travels to friends. The following is one of them.

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How have you been all this while? I have been doing quite well. I had a very nice time in Israel. There were so many places to see and a lot to experience. Israel has such a rich history that it's one county everyone must go to. I consider myself so lucky to have made this journey. Its' such a small country in terms of size but its got everything from history, culture, natural beauty, beaches, but unfortunately wars, conflict and a lot of destruction as well. I am returning back to India now and was in Jordan for a day before coming back. The journey across Israel was memorable. This was the first time I was traveling all alone but it was so much fun exploring the place all by myself. I made a lot of friends as well and had a great time.

First I went to Tel Aviv as I had some work to complete at one of the market research companies there. My colleague's were really helpful and they appreciated the work I did. In short, the work went really well. After that, I started my travel around the country.

My journey to Israel started at the place where it all began, The Dome of Rock. I was fortunate enough to visit the church where Jesus was born, and where he was crucified. The place where Prophet ascended to the heavens and to the Western Wall - the holiest place of Judaism. I also visited the holiest place of the Baha'is – The Baha'i Garden at Acre. Israel has so much to offer and there is so much to see. All this makes me wonder why it all happened in Israel? This place must be special, people no wonder call it the Holy Land. Are there any reasons given in the Bible, as to why Jesus was born there and not at any other place.

I fell in love with Jerusalem. Jerusalem is unparalleled in terms of its history and culture. Earlier I had thought I would stay 2 days in Jerusalem but I was there for 4 days. Jerusalem did enchant me. (Im just not able to put it into words, you would have to be there to understand). There is just so much to see in and around Jerusalem. It means so many things to so many people. To Muslims it's about the Al Aqsa Mosque, to Jews it's the Western Wall and the Christians want to visit the Via Dolorosa and the Church of Holy Sepulchre. I hope that it doesn't have to witness more wars and conflicts now. The trip to the Church of Nativity, Bethlehem was good too. I had to cross over to Palestine to make it to Bethlehem.

I took a day trip to the lowest point on earth - Dead Sea. I had a dip in the waters and just the feeling of floating on the water was so exciting. To see the sun rise at at the Dead Sea was so mesmerizing. I traveled to the Tiberias as well & to the Sea of Galilee. I rented a bike and rode all the way around the Sea of Galilee. Its around 61 kms, though I was really tired after the trip but it was fun. I really did learn a lot about Judaism and Christianity on this visit. Visiting the Church of Holy Sepulchre, just walking through Via Dolorosa and going to Bethlehem I was able to understand the life of Jesus Christ a little bit.

I will surely take a lot of memories of this trip along with me. But the visit to Israel made me miss the final of Cricket World cup which India won. I am so disappointed that I missed it but excited as well that India won!!! It would have been so exiting watching it back home with friends, but anyways if I have to be away from India to make India win I don't mind that!!!! I am back in India now and the hectic college life begins all over again.

I made a Jew friend as well and learnt a little bit about Judaism. It's so great to meet people from diverse backgrounds, religion and culture. Its such an learning experience meeting them and learning about things they believe in and the rational about it.

I hope you are having a good time. Its so good to hear that you like traveling as well. I personally like it a lot too. Just keep your traveling passion alive so that it makes you to come to India and I see you soon!!!

Bless!!!!!(Icelandic way of saying bye)