My best vacation in Israel

By Jessica Chammah from our office in London, England 

Graphic items Designed by Freepik

“…my taste buds where all over the place and I was gobsmacked by the multitude of eateries, food specialities, flavours and products which show how diverse this country truly is.”

My first encounter with Israel was intimidating, exciting, and simply put: beautiful. 

Apart from the geo-political tensions aired on TV and having family members living there, I knew very little about Israel.

My memory is a bit sketchy, but I can recall the long walks through symphonies of klaxons, the poetically chaotic surroundings and breath-taking landscapes but most importantly I remember its creative people and the meals I shared with them.

Being “slightly” obsessed with food…I'll start with my food memories and therefore must apologize for the cliché…but on this trip I was on a culinary mission to taste and compare every falafel and hummus dish I came across as I would compare fish and chips here in the UK. However,it wasn't all about these succulent deep-fried croquettes; on the contrary my taste buds where all over the place and I was gobsmacked by the multitude of-eateries, food specialities, flavours and products which show how diverse this country truly is.

While I was eating my way through Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa and Caesarea I came across people from all walks of life, Israelis, tourists, passers-by, who would help me find my way,show me around while we’d share stories, discuss current affairs and swap favourite spots in Israel and the rest of the world. 

I met people I had never known before but with whom I felt a kinship.

Speaking of special places in Israel,the Old City of Jerusalem and Masada National Park were probably one of many favourites, one overwhelming and vibrant, the other peaceful and grand.

These contrasts will likely be a recurring theme throughout my trip and as I navigated through Israel's landscapes, history and culture I now understood why many visitors felt like home and wanted to go back.

Photo courtesy of Jessica Chammah