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The battle for hope in Hebron: the dual narrative tour

A loud bang permeates the air, reverberating through the empty spaces in the crowded desert city. We jump, but not too much. A few hours earlier, our group of 13 had been warned in the afternoons that Palestinian protestors often take to the streets, and, in response, the Israeli army will fire something which emitsContinue reading “The battle for hope in Hebron: the dual narrative tour”

Confessions of a Croc Addict

My name is Diana and I have a dirty little secret: I wear Crocs. Nay, I am obsessed with Crocs. They are my favorite shoes. On the planet. Sometimes, when I have nothing to do, I will take a songthaew up to one of the shopping malls and find the Crocs store and just stare,Continue reading “Confessions of a Croc Addict”

Where to stay in Jerusalem: Abraham Hostel

When it comes to hostels, I tend to think bigger isn’t better. Why? Well, in my experience, the more people crammed into hostels, the more chances of loud, obnoxiousness (although those travelers can be found everywhere, regardless), and a less safe vibe. Before arriving to Israel, I had planned on staying at Abraham Hostel, despiteContinue reading “Where to stay in Jerusalem: Abraham Hostel”

Behind the wall of Bethlehem

We see it before we even “arrive” to Bethlehem, a massive, concrete wall spanning as far as the eye can see, rolling up and down hills and into the horizon. On top of the wall rest lookout towers, barbed wire and remote-controlled machine guns. As I pull the rental car I am driving up toContinue reading “Behind the wall of Bethlehem”

Budget digs in Tel Aviv: Gordon Inn

Gordon Inn, from the outside, is quite easy to miss. It’s just off of the major Ben Yehuda Street in Tel Aviv, and aside from a sign at the entrance and a little balcony, people can walk right by it. I did. However, while it may seem almost invisible from the outside, the inside ofContinue reading “Budget digs in Tel Aviv: Gordon Inn”

Driving in Israel

I tentatively press my foot on the gas in the black Mazda. Oh so tentatively. “Oh my god,” I saw to Giselle and Cody, who somehow have agreed to be willing participants in the Great Israeli Driving Experience (which I totally just made up). “I cannot believe we are renting a car. I cannot believeContinue reading “Driving in Israel”

Airport security and Israel

I’ve been to Israel three times now — twice in the span of one year. Other than getting asked if it is safe to travel there (yes, it is and a blog post is coming), I get asked about the interrogation process entering and leaving the country. If you’re planning a trip to Israel, thereContinue reading “Airport security and Israel”

The sexy Sofitel So Bangkok

Throughout the years, I’ve amassed quite a list of hotels where I’ve rested my head during travels. Some have been good, some have been fabulous and one … one … has earned the coveted position of “best hotel.” What property gets to claim this?

Returning to the world of solo travel

I step into my salmon pink room at Affittacamere alls Stazione where the smell of stale smoke lingers and am brought back to another time along the shore of the Adriatic Sea. Apparently, the only person in this little guest house tucked into the third floor 150 meters from the train station, I am thankfulContinue reading “Returning to the world of solo travel”

Responsible tourism twitter chat: what you need to know

“Responsible tourism” isn’t just the latest catch phrase in the travel universe. These two words are slowly changing the way people travel. With more attention being placed on the environment, people and animals, a shift is beginning to be made towards a more responsible, more ethical way to see the world. Recently, both STA andContinue reading “Responsible tourism twitter chat: what you need to know”