Things and stuff – Yohay Elam שטויות בשתי שפות – יוחאי עילם
My girlfriend and myself took a long weekend (but a short vacation) on the Greek island of Rhodes. Lovely seashores, nice old cities (and ruins) and very welcoming people greeted us.
So, here are the pictures from Rhodes. I didn’t filter enough of them out, so there are 139 of them. Click on slideshow to view them (until you’ve had too many). The pictures here should satisfy most of you. And some notes, experiences and recommendations:
Berlin is slowly but consistently conquering it’s place as the capital of Europe. Berlin is one of my favorite cities in the world. Now I can enjoy my love of the city through a new and colorful blog Berlin101.
My visit to Berlin
After the reunification of Berlin and Germany in the years 1989 – 1990, the city is rebuilt. Massively. I’ve been there with a friend in October 2000, when the country was celebrating 10 years to the reunification and soon after the new German parliament became open to the public.
Despite the cold weather and the rain, we had a great time. There are lots of things to see there: historical buildings from various eras and new super modern complexes such as the Potsdam Platz (nice panorama here), built on the ruins of the infamous Berlin Wall.
In addition, the night life there was quite vibrant, but still somewhat “under construction” like the whole of the city.
But, we did get lucky to see a demonstration of Hizballah and Iran supporters. The second Intifada broke out about a week before our visit there. Here’s the evidence:
Berlin today and tomorrow
But today, in 2007, Berlin is attracting young people from all the country, and from many other European countries as well. It’s becoming an international cosmopolitan city. New York – but in a more cultural-European-German direction. In the past few years, it is also becoming a center for arts. And, nightlife there is becoming wilder (that’s what I’ve heard). My cousin will be there next week, so I’ll get his impressions.
So, as I see it, the future sees Berlin as the center of Europe, and not only geographically. With the EU’s expansion to the east and the massive rebuilding of the united city, it will be the capital.
The new and recommended blog
Want to know more about Berlin? The new aforementioned blog features the highlights of the city with a very interesting point of view. The writers writers have deep historical knowledge about the city and the culture, with an expertise on the dark Nazi years as well.
In addition, they add their personal perspective. This turns the from a list of facts to something truly valuable. And of course, there are lots of pictures! My recommendation: Berlin101
A fresh report from the Israeli Anti Terror Department marks the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt as the most dangerous place for Israelis. I say, take it with a grain of salt. Look at the picture:
Terror attacks are likely there, according this department in the prime minister’s office. Other locations are listed there as well, especially towards the Jewish holidays beginning in September 12th.
I’ve been to Sinai just 2 months ago. It seemed very calm and felt safe. I guess that it would be stupid traveling to the beautiful beaches on the Jewish holidays when many Israeli cross the border. It really would be unsafe: Many Israelis packed together would make a great target for terrorists. The Egyptian security forces don’t supply a sufficient level of security.
And, too many Israelis together isn’t fun at all. We tend to be too loud and too rude when traveling or resting in big groups. I’ve avoided large groups of Israelis in Nepal, Peru and even in New Zealand.
So, Sinai is a great place for a vacation. I’ve been there half a dozen times in the past, and I will sure go there in the future. I’ll just avoid the Jewish holidays. A regular weekend will be just fine…
Many things have changed since my last visit to the beaches of Sinai (air-conditioned Taxi!), but the beautiful beaches haven’t changed. Only after being there, I realized how much I missed the blue-turquoise waters, the yellow beaches and the red mountains.
Apart from all this romanticism, it was really fun. Inbal, Dana, Islay, Almost30 and myself went to Bir Sweir, about 40 kilometers south of Taba (Israel-Egypt border crossing point). Contrary to previous visits in Sinai, the food was really good. The traditional Sahlab was full of fruit and carefully designed. The other dishes were of high quality (and design (again)).
We were mostly alone on the beach. This was different from previous visits. This is probably due to previous attacks on tourists in Sinai and maybe also due to the fact that this was a normal weekend, and not holiday season in Israel. Well, more peace and quiet for us!
So, what did we do there? Absolutely nothing. And it was great! I have lots of pictures that were taken while resting on the carpets…
I hope to go there again towards the end of the summer. If anyone wants the details of very recommended place we’ve been to, contact me.
Tomorrow night, I’m taking a long weekend off, and traveling to the Sinai peninsula in Egypt. A bunch of friends and myself are going to the lie on the beach for 4 days, doing absolutely nothing.
Well, we are going eat (Hummus and Fish mostly), drink (Sahlab primarily), and maybe even fell the water of red sea, but no real activities are planned…
In the past 2 and half years, since the terrorist attacks on Taba and Ras-A-Satan ( and a few more that followed), not many Israelis dare to go there. But I’m sick and tired of being afraid, and bombs go off also here in Israel.
I’ve been 5 times to Sinai, and I really love the laid back atmosphere, the deep blue sea, the red mountains, and being cut off from the hectic modern life. Apart from those big words, it is just so fun!
I promise to write and share photos when I’m back.
Salam Alekum.