Why spent 7 months in the Middle East? Why the Caucasus? Iran, Syria and Israel, Armenia and Turkey. So many contrasts! In Georgia we were even surprised by the war. An itinerary full of conflicts and full of religiously charged countries. But also a region full of art treasures and spectacular nature. Ultimately, this is … Continue reading “Backpacking trip Middle East and Caucasus 2008”
The “crater” Ramon in the Negev Desert in Israel was not formed by a meteorite impact, but by erosion of a fold
At the ancient fortress overlooking the Dead Sea (Israel)
Young, pretty and happy. As light as a fresh summer breeze, Tel Aviv is the antithesis of Jerusalem‘s heavy weight in holiness, tradition and history. The conflict is far, far away, but the beach is just around the corner. Cafés and bars are filled, more and more art galleries are opening. Green boulevards provide shade … Continue reading “Tel Aviv and the North of Israel”
A question of tectonics? A graffiti in Jerusalem shows someone throwing a stone, with the Hebrew writing “all because of the Syro-African Rift”. In the West Bank, I visit Hebron, where the conflict is clearly felt. Surrounded by concrete walls and barbed wire, there is a Jewish settlement in the middle of the bazaar. Heavily … Continue reading “Hebron and Bethlehem”
As an atheist among believers in the holy city (Israel)
On the most important Jewish holiday, the holy city stands still
Coming from Jordan, the entry into Israel was as lengthy as expected and yet not as troublesome as I had feared. Almost the most annoying thing was that I had not expected the bus from the Jordanian to the Israeli post to be more expensive than a bus to Aqaba and back, so I had … Continue reading “Crossing the Jordan”