A few months ago I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to travel alongside the tour company Holyland Kingdom Experience to explore Israel, the Holy Land. Truthfully, Israel was never on my radar, or a destination I ever imagined myself visiting. Over the years, I allowed the media to sway my attitude toward the country, something I am always preaching against. Leading up to my 10 + day Israel trip, I still battled with the decision and had mixed feelings, I was excited and eager but I was also nervous…there was just so much going on in the news. But, my boyfriend as always swooped in and saved the day, reassuring me, “it’s really going to be fine”.
Israel turned out to be the trip I never knew I needed and more. As a Christian, standing in the midst of where the events of the Bible took place was mindblowing and somewhat emotional. Walking down the same streets as Jesus and his disciples was an indescribable feeling. Seeing the empty tomb and caressing the rock of Calvary where he was crucified is an experience every Christian should have.
Our itinerary covered so much ground in just ten days. We zig-zagged around the country and visited some of the most popular sites like Mount of Transfiguration, Via Dolorosa, Garden of Gethsemane, Masada, Dead Sea, Mount of Temptation, Wailing Wall, River Jordan, Mount of Olives, Sea of Galilee and that’s just a snapshot! I was thoroughly exhausted but beyond thankful to experience first hand the holy land.
I know some people may be reading this and thinking, ‘nah, too religious’, I assure you, it was so much more than a religious experience. Israel was a sensory overload. The history, the culture, people and the food are just a few reasons why I’ll be back with the Holyland Kingdom for their Israel trip. The food is divine and so is the shopping. I think I consumed more than my fair share of hummus for a lifetime. You can find the most beautiful cashmere scarves, anything made from Olive Oil and my personal favourite, Ahava skincare products from the Dead Sea.
This experience was a lesson I needed to relearn, never judge a book by what others say about it. Thank you Israel, from the girl who never knew she needed to meet you! See you next year!
Have any of you visited Israel? Did you love it? I have a few more Israel blogs I’m going to be pushing out speaking more about the various sights and dispelling a few myths about the city! But, until then, I hope you enjoy!
