Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/03/06
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Stuart, I've been a couple of times and thoroughly enjoyed myself there. 'Must sees' include the desert, we stayed at a Bedouin camp and early morning there was just delightful. Also in the desert is Massada, King Herod's summer palace built on a rocky outcrop which subsequently became the site of along siege and extensive Jewish massacre, there's a cable car availble to reach the top or two footpaths, the one from the east side being the more exciting. From the top you can see the Dead Sea and across it, Jordan. Incredible history. Also, close by, is the swimming 'hole' at Ein Gedi, a spring that falls from the western cliffs overlooking the Dead Sea. Nearer to Haifa there's Ceasarea Phillipi (on the coast) with a great amphitheatre, but I found more interest in walking around Lake/Sea of Galilee, lovely climate, greenery and atmosphere. Of course Haifa (Ba-hai), Jerusalem (Judaism and Islam), Bethlehem and to a lesser extent Nazereth (Christianity) have their appeal depending on your faith and depth of historical knowledge. Inside the depths of Jerusalem's old market/bazaar quarter are some fabulous sights but take fast film. Favourite recollections are of getting close to the locals (rather than the buildings), we went to a Palestinian outdoor restaurant which included a disco. Dancing with the locals to local music was most memorable. Arab coffee was beautifully flavoured with cinnamon. Some of the Israeli wine was surprisingly good, Rothschild set up quite a few vineyards there. No problem with film , either taking it or buying it, they're a strong tourist economy and depend on it. You may well find access to (Palestinain controlled) Bethlehem closed if the situation gets more excitable but normally they manage to keep it open. In general I found more 'character' to be had in the Palestinian /Arab areas. Many of the old buildings are quite dark inside, this helps to keep them cool, and so you'll need a fast film, I rated mine at 1600 as I don't like flash. Perhaps an ND filter or a second body might help as I frequently found myself running at 1/1000 at f16 outside. Security measures at airports mean get there in good time, I don't think there is a more security conscious country to travel to. But cameras are understood and you shouldn't find any particular problems because of them. regards, Jem - -----Original Message----- From: Stuart Boyd [SMTP:shortymx@compaq.net.mx] Sent: 06 March 2001 00:59 To: Leica Subject: [Leica] Isreal I may be going to Israel for a couple of weeks the last of June. Any suggestions on must see's. I'll be able to travel to various parts of the country, but will be mostly around the Haifa area. With the security measures there, are there any suggestions on film, or equipment handling in the airports?