DANCING PANDAS

Journaling The Journey

Al Ula on a Budget and 6 Free Things to Do

Al Ula Saudi Arabia Harrat Viewpoint

Al Ula is a magical and mystical city in the northwest of Saudi Arabia.  It truly is the gem of the country and is a must on any itinerary.  Yes, even a budget one! We will show you how to experience Al Ula on a budget with 6 free things to do!  Yes, free!  And […]

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Qatar – 12 Interesting Things

Bear at Hamad Airport in Doha Qatar

Now that the FIFA World Cup is decided in Qatar, the party may be over.  But is it? Qatar continues to shine with it’s opulent and very impressive capital of Doha.  In addition this peninsula has a deep golden desert and warm shallow waters with sandy beaches located in the north east. And the shopping:  […]

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4 days in Dazzling Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv was our last stop of our 2.5 month Middle Eastern tour. We wanted to save the best for last and that we did. Tel Aviv is considered one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Titled the ‘Mediterranean Capital of Cool’ by the New York Times, this colorful and fun […]

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Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee Stunning Hikes and Sights

We traveled through Nazareth, hiking Mount Arbel and the Sea of Galilee.  Such important places for so many people!   Going through Israel we often found ourselves near many Bible Tour Buses – mostly Christians finding holy places from the New Testament. As I have mentioned in previous posts, we are not very religious people – […]

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Israel Best North Coast Itinerary

Israel best North Coast Itinerary

Our itinerary explores the north coast of Israel which is north of Tel Aviv.  These destinations offer breathtaking beauty, pristine nature and some of the most stunning views.  It had been many years since I visited these parts.  Read on to find out how this coastline has changed and evolved.  

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Bethlehem – an Easy 5 hour day trip from Jerusalem

Bethlehem Palestine Banksy Separation Wall

We were excited to go on a short day trip to Bethlehem (which is actually in Palestine).  We started in Jerusalem and surprisingly  it was quite straight forward.  We caught bus #21 from the bus terminal across from the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem. Since the bus is operated by a  Palestinian company there isn’t a […]

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Jerusalem – the city of gods – even if you don’t have 1

As our bus, from Jordan arrived at the Damascus Gate we were so excited to walk through the Old City.  With all of our exuberance we quickly realized that it would be best to drop our backpacks prior to venturing into the tight corners of the crowded cobble stoned Old Jerusalem.  Check in Jerusalem was […]

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Amman to Jerusalem Border Crossing – A Smooth 3 hours

Amman to Jerusalem border crossing

We decided to take the Amman to Jerusalem border crossing to get from Jordan into Israel.  It is relatively easy to do although pretty time consuming for such a small distance.   Flights were around $450  for the 45 mile distance.  There is also a service called www.amman2jerusalem.com that offered to take us from our hotel […]

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Wadi Rum – 24 hours of Amazement

Wadi Rum Jordan Valley of the Moon

Entering Wadi Rum was a slow motion experience of leaving earth and entering a totally different world.  The sand slowly starts to turn a deeper and darker hue of red and the surrounding dramatic sandstone and basalt mountains jut out of its sandy floor.  Camels walk about the desert with or without accompanying owners under the […]

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