I’m Going to Israel – Suggestions Requested!

Hey! They have Vanilla in Israel!

30 Years ago, my parents took the whole family to Israel.  Everyone that is, except me.  They said they were not taking me because it was my summer after the second year of law school and it was important for me to work.  The real reason – though they never admitted it – was that they needed someone to watch the dog….

Misty was a miniature schnauzer.  This isn’t her, but she looked like this.

 Well, slow forward 30 years, and next week at this time I’ll be in Israel for my first time!  I am so excited.

I don’t have much planned, but I have vague ideas.  I thank Deals We Like and Very Good Points and The Points Guy for many of their suggestions.  I need to read over each of their posts and notes. 

We are flying on El Al (thanks to a pricing glitch last year). We leave Sunday night, and Monday we’ll arrive in the land of Milk and Honey.  We will spend the first two nights in Jerusalem, then one night floating on the Dead Sea, then the last three nights in Tel Aviv.  The hotels are booked.  I know that, in Jerusalem, I will visit many historic sights and I hope to go to Yad Vashem.  The trip to the Dead Sea will include a trip to Masada.  In fact, I remember my parents bringing me to a Masada exhibit at the Jewish Museum in New York City when I was a child.  I was fascinated, and still remember so many of the details of that exhibit.   We will spend our last two days in Tel Aviv to take in the culture and the sights.

So, here’s where I ask for your help and suggestions.  Restaurants, Websites, Apps for iPhones, Sights, Tips, anything at all about Israel that will be useful or interesting.

Do you have any favorite Restaurants?

Do you have any favorite Stores – what are the best souvenirs?  how about jewelry?
Do you recommend hiring a guide, or taking tours, and, if so, any recommendations?
Any good iPhone apps?
Any safety tips?
What’s it like to drive in Israel?
What should I bring?
Museums?
Tipping? Tax?

And for the runners: Unfortunately, I’ll be missing the Jerusalem Marathon by about a week.  Any running tips? Where should I run in Jerusalem? Tel Aviv?  Are there good running stores?

Thank you so much!!!!

   –>