If you’ve already had a good look around the bright lights of Dubai, visited the beach, gone up the world’s tallest tower, seen the Malls, strolled the old Quarter and taken a dhow – is there really more to see in Dubai and the UAE?  Absolutely! Read on for some fantastic day trips from Dubai to get to know the UAE even more!

It’s time to sort yourself out a car, find a reliable driver, or book yourself on some Dubai day tours and get yourself on one of these fabulous day trips to learn more about the countries ancient past and shimmery future as a culture capital.

Pre-Travel Guide to Dubai

How to Get Around

There are two main options for taking day trips out of the city.

1) If you are a confident driver, we suggest you hire a car. There are many pick up points from both the airport or within the city. Traffic can be a little hectic in the city centre and moves fast, but the suggested day trips here are mostly freeway driving, and roads are in excellent condition. Cars are almost always automatic transmission; the UAE drives on the right side of the road. If you are crossing the Omani border, check that your car rental insurance will allow you to do this and you have the appropriate permission letter.

2) If the pace of Dubai traffic seems a little daunting – or you are having no luck getting paperwork and insurance sorted to rent a car – you can hire a driver for these day trips from Dubai recommendations. You may be in a small group of other tourists and a less flexible timetable, but it will relieve the traffic and paperwork stress. We recommend you look for a private driver or small tour group on GetYourGuide.

Important things to pack

Remember it can get super hot out in the desert so sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and bottled water are always absolutely essential. Bring cash (Dirhams) on any trips- although ATMs are plentiful in the city centers, you may not be so lucky once out of town! If heading over the border to Oman, you’ll need to remember your passport and take cash – UAE dirhams and a credit card should see you through in Musandam without the need for Omani Riyal.

Where to stay

There are a multitude of accommodation choices in Dubai, so it really depends on your budget and what you have come to enjoy. Staying around Jumeirah is a popular choice for beach goers but comes with a price tag, where as you may want to stay close to Downtown for the shopping malls, tall towers and to be centrally located to many of the cities attractions. If you’re on a tighter budget the older parts of town Deira and Bur Dubai give good value options. Anywhere you stay near a Metro stop will give you great access to the rest of the city.

When to go

Dubai is in the arid desert, so visiting during the cooler winter months of the northern hemisphere is recommended. Late October through to early April you will catch the best of the glorious, mild winter weather. Visiting December and January you may need slightly warmer clothing but it rarely drops below day time temperatures of 20c. Rain is very rare but can happen in the cooler winter months, as can dust storms and fog. Generally, warmth and blue skies are almost guaranteed but best avoid the absolutely peak summer months, its simply too hot to do any real exploring.

Important local phrases to know

The official language of the UAE is Arabic but English is very widely spoken. You would only need a few words in Arabic if you wanted to be polite to your hosts or show appreciation (though there’s a high chance those working in the service sector are not Emirati!)

Thank you – Shukran
Please – Min fadlak (m) Min fadlik (f)
Sorry – Aasif (m) / aasifa (f)
Stop – Kuf
I don’t speak Arabic – ana La ataKalam El Aarabya
Goodbye – Ma es-salaama

And without further ado, let’s get on with the real reason you’re here, to learn about the best Dubai day trips!

Best Days Trips from Dubai

Day Trip from Dubai on a desert safari

It doesn’t take long (unless you’re stuck in peak hour traffic!) to get beyond the concrete of the city and into the UAE desert.  There are many companies that operate morning, half day, or evening trips into the desert, it all depends how much of an adrenaline rush you are looking for, and what budget you are working to.

Platinum Heritage Desert Safaris are a great option for those who want to appreciate the desert wildlife and flora.  In their open top vintage Land Rovers you will be taken through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.  Platinum Heritage also offer hot air ballooning packages for those who don’t mind an early start, a simply breath-taking way to experience the UAE if budget will allow that ends in a luxury breakfast spread in their Bedouin village.

Those after a more action packed trip to the desert may want to  look to one of the Dune Bashing expeditions.  Experienced Emirati desert drivers will take you through the rugged desert dunes the hard way in their modern 4x4s; they are bound to give you plenty of thrills and spills before arriving at a Bedouin styles camp for refreshment and evening entertainment that normally includes a line up of camel rides, henna painting, shisha, traditional music, cuisine and even belly dancing.

Catching a falconry display too is an added bonus and some tours will offer more action sports in their camps such as quad biking, sandboarding and fat bikes.  If you need something more sedate you can skip the dune bashing part and head straight to the desert camp – you will need to sign disclaimer forms to do any of the action sports and children need to be out of booster seat height to participate.

Generally speaking, to avoid the peak heat of the day most desert tours take off from Dubai in the late afternoon.  Depending on the company they will either have a designated pick up point or will do hotel pickups across the city’s hotels before driving you to their favourite dunes.  It’s not recommended unless you are a very experienced sand 4-wheel driver that you attempt to tackle the Dubai desert dunes on your own.

Recommended Options to the Sand Dunes:

• Dubai Red Sand Dunes Safari: BBQ, Camel, Sandboarding, and Falcon

• From Dubai: Sunset Camel Trek

• Dubai Morning Safari: Red Dunes, Sandboarding & Camel Ride

• Dubai 4×4 Desert Safari with BBQ, Sandboarding & Camel Ride

• Dubai Desert Safari with Sandboarding and Dinner

Day Trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

Many people often think Dubai is the capital of the UAE but it’s actually big brother down the road Abu Dhabi that is the largest of the seven emirates and home to Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed, the nation’s leader. And what better than to list it as one of the best day trips from Dubai?!

The second largest city in the UAE, the capital has a somewhat calmer demeanour than Dubai. Still a wonderful mix between classic and modern Arab architecture can be seen, also a lot more greenery and slightly less frenetic pace. Dubai Down Town to the Abu Dhabi Corniche (main beach front) you are looking at about a 1.5-hour drive on a fast freeway, give or take traffic conditions.

The number 1 highlight in visiting Abu Dhabi is seeing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Built in honour of the countries founding father and where he is now laid to rest it is one of the most visually stunning buildings in the world. Entry is free and visitors can be provided for free with a hooded abaya or kandura if not sufficiently covered.

Day trippers from Dubai do tend to come in by the bus load during the day so it’s one to try and get to early for opening at 9am. Even with the cool marble tiles it can be hot going walking around the complex, but do take the time to walk all the way around and see the library and the Mausoleum.

Top Tip: Try and get yourself to the pedestrian bridge that crosses the freeway and check our Wahat al Karama as well. This is a dedication to UAE armed forces personnel who lost their lives serving the country. Not only is it a beautiful and thoughtful spot away from the crowds at the Mosque, you’ll also get some of the most stunning Mosque photos over the reflective pond, particularly at sunset.

Next on your Abu Dhabi agenda don’t miss seeing the newly opened Louvre (closed Mondays). A new cultural centrepiece on nearby Saadiyat Island. The building is equally as impressive as the art works inside, and not nearly the queues and crowds you might see in Paris!

If you have time, squeeze in a trip down the Corniche and drive past Emirates Palace – totally for the photo op! It’s a bit over priced to eat in, but get yourself across the road to Observation 300 at Jumeirah Hotel, Etihad Towers. From here you will get some stunning city scape views to die for and a perfect birds eye view into the magnificent new Presidential Palace. Your entry ticket includes a refreshment voucher to use on morning or afternoon tea.

On your way back to Dubai, make a cheeky stop at “The Last Exit” food trucks just over the Dubai border, well acclaimed for having some amazing dishes for hungry drivers!

Recommended Options to Abu Dhabi:

• Abu Dhabi Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Dubai

• Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi & Grand Mosque Tour from Dubai

• Abu Dhabi, Sheik Zayed Mosque and Louvre Tour from Dubai

Day Trip from Dubai to the Musandam Peninsula, Oman

We’re going to get well beyond the bright lights of the city and take you to a whole other country! Don’t forget your passport and set your alarm early to make the most of a trip to the “Norway of Arabia”. From Dubai it can be a good couple of hours to get your destination – the regional capital of Khasab in the tiny Omani enclave that juts into the Strait of Hormuz.

You want to beat the Dubai morning rush hour traffic and head north, through the northern Emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Quwain and Ras al-Khaimah until you hit the mountains (yes the UAE has mountains!). As the mountains hit the Arabian Gulf you come to the Al Darah border crossing. Here you have a few formalities on both sides of the border – an exit fee to pay in the UAE and a tourist visit Visa to Oman – you can read more on the formalities of the border crossing here.

Once you’re through the border it’s then a long 40 minute or so journey along the coastal mountain drive. You might need to take your Kwell tablets, but you’ll be reward with utterly stunning views into the small fishing village of Khasab. To see Musandam properly, you’ve got to get out on the water do grab boat in Khasab and get ready to explore the dramatic fjords.

The stark, raw beauty is completely engulfing. Once you are out on the water on a traditional dhow, you a transported to another world. A popular feature is the pods of dolphins that call the area home, you are almost guaranteed a spotting and they love coming out to play with the dhows. The more enthusiast may want to take on some snorkelling or scuba diving or even hiking into the khors.

Top tip: If you travel on a weekday (Sunday through Thursday) you will encounter far fewer expat day trippers who live in the UAE trying to do the same thing! This should make the border crossing a lot quicker and give you a true feeling of tranquillity when you’re out on the water. Also avoid making the border crossing around prayer times, staff will take breaks and this is when the queues back up.

Recommended Tours to Musandam Peninsula:

• Musandam Khasab Full-Day Cruise with Transfers & Lunch

• Mystic Musandam Full-Day Sea Safari

• Khasab: Full-Day Dhow Boat Cruise through the Fjords

Day Trip from Dubai to Al Ain

Also in the Abu Dhabi Emirate but this time you will drive south from Dubai and deep into the desert to find the lush oasis town of Al Ain that sits on the UAE border with Oman.

This is the original home of the Al Nayhan family, the rulers of the country so as you can imagine the town has a lot of historical roots. Worth visiting in Al Ain are the Al Ain National Museum and the Al Ain Palace Museum (the former royal homestead). Both will give you a good insight into the countries past and Bedouin culture and tradition.

The Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO site, can be a welcome retreat from the heat. And if time will allow, the Al Ain Zoo is one of the best of the region displaying many native species and featuring an African safari trail.
To finish off your Al Ain road trip, head to the mountain top of Jebel Hafeet. From here you will see wide spanning views over to Oman. You can even stay here overnight in the Mercure hotel that precariously hangs off the cliff tops! At the foot of the mountain, don’t miss Green Mubazzarah, an oasis with a natural spring – the water said to have healing powers (though when you see how many others have their feet in it, you may not be so keen to touch it!!).

The journey both ways is about 1.5 hours give or take traffic but add 40 minutes for the steep drive up the mountain on this day trip from Dubai.

Recommended Tours to Al Ain:

• Al Ain Garden City Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Dubai

• From Dubai: Al Ain City Tour

• Al Ain Tour: Hili Gardens, Palace Museum & Jahili Fort

Day Trip from Dubai to Ras al Khaimah

The Emirate of Ras al Khaimah – affectionately known as RAK – has made it clear they are the adventure Emirate of the UAE, and because of this, it’s one of the best day trips from Dubai!   Home to the UAE’s highest peak Jebel Jais, Toroverde now operates the world’s longest zip line from the mountain’s top! Adrenaline junkies can now speed along at 150km/hr 1680 meters above the ground and take in the spectacular, rugged Hajar Mountain views over nearly 3 kilometres!

If that’s a little bit too much for you (I’m going a little pale just thinking about it!) then there are plenty of other outdoor adventures that can be enjoyed almost year round.  Horse riding and mountain biking are popular, as well as water sports on the expansive coast line to the Arabian Gulf.

The great part is RAK is in easy driving distance from Dubai.  You can self-drive or take an organised tour group that will pick you up from your hotel.  If you are heading to the top of Jebel Jais you will need to allow 2 hours – as you can imagine it’s a long winding road to the top, another one you’ll need your anti-nauseas for!

Recommended Tours to Ras al Khaimah:

• Jebel Jais Mountain Picnic from Ras al Khaimah

• Desert Safari & Camp Dinner from Dubai/Ras al-Khaimah

We always recommend visitors to Dubai to leave plenty of time to take in the highlights in the other Emirates as well. Much of the natural beauty and culture of the country and region lie far beyond the city.

Are you visiting the UAE anytime soon?! Which of these day trips from Dubai will you be adding to your itinerary?!

Keri is a travel writer, blogger, business consultant and expat mum of 3 living in the UAE. With her family they explore the region extensively. She blogs about her family adventures at Our Globetrotters and is co-founder and Middle East editor of city travel blog Little City Trips.

The post Day Trips from Dubai: 5 Ideas to Add to Your UAE Itinerary appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

During our time in Israel, we climbed up mountains, woke up at 4am to watch the sunset, rode donkeys and camels, floated in the Dead Sea, visited some important museums, ate too much schwarma and havala, and hung out with Bedouins. I met some truly incredible people, and learned more about my Jewish background than I ever did in Hebrew school.

Read more about the organization that made it all happen >> Accepted! My Birthright Israel Experience

It’s been almost four years since I stepped on middle eastern soil, and I thought this was a good time to re-live the memories. I’ll take you on a brief tour of our 10-day itinerary through the country. <3 [To see more photos like these, from Israel and beyond, you can follow me on Instagram.]

Neot Kedumim

Ever wondered what it was like to live thousands of years ago?  Before cell phones, microwaves, and electric cars were even a thought.  Our journey to Neot Kedumim was just that- we were able to see how Biblical Israel looked, smelled, and sounded like.  This Biblical Landscape Reserve in Israel is the only nature preserve attempting to re-create the physical setting of the Bible in the world.  And it sure was an eye-opening experience.

Read More >> Experiencing Life As It Was Lived 3,000 Years Ago in Neot Kedumim

The Negev Desert

Looking out the bus window while heading to the desert, (where we would be riding camels), was something I had never laid eyes on before.  There was nothing out there.  Nothing out there at all.  No cars, no streets, heck, even no people.  Hardly any movement at all.  Just the occasional sway from a bush from the light wind.  It looked so peaceful and quiet.  All I could make out was a teeny tiny settlement in the distance.  That’s where we slept one night- in a 30-person tent with the Bedouins.

Read More >> First Views of the Negev

Read More >> Bedouin Hospitality in the Negev Desert

The Jewish Quarter

Walking around the Jewish Quarter, you feel just that, Jewish.  Israeli flags on every corner, attached to doors and posts, and synagogues that are 400 years old.  I really felt at home here.  Even though the area dates back to roughly 1400, the quarter looks almost brand new and sparkling clean.

Read More >> On Being Jewish in the Jewish Quarter

Camel and Donkey Riding in the Desert

No words can describe my initial thoughts of the camels.  They were HUGE. Absolutely huge.  Bigger and taller than I had imagined.  And to be honest, pretty ugly and really smelly (which was even more pungent up close I quickly discovered).  “How was I ever going to get on top of that thing?” was my first question. And oh yea, a donkey collapsed on me.

Read More >> Old School Transportation in the Negev: Camel Riding

Read More >> Into the Negev: My Donkey Hates Me

Haas Promenade

Haas Promenade, properly known as the “Tayelet” in Hebrew, offers fantastic views of the entire Jerusalem landscape.  From this vantage point, one can see the entire Old City in just one glance.  It definitely is a great way to get your bearings of Jerusalem before heading out into the city itself.

Read More >> Haas Promenade: Spectacular Hidden Views of Jerusalem

The Western Wall

The Kotel, Wailing Wall, Western Wall, whatever you want to call it, is commonly believed to have been constructed around 19 BCE.  That’s a long, long, looooong time ago.   The wall is simply gorgeous and faces a large plaza that is set aside for prayer.  I took out my slip of paper, wrote my prayer to God, and walked up to the Kotel.  Boy, was every nook and cranny literally stuffed with meaningful and significant prayers. Some even on bubble gum wrappers!  Whatever works, right?  Bet you didn’t know there’s a whole world to discover just on the other side of that wall…

The Dead Sea

Floating in the Dead Sea, waters with the highest salinity in the world, is something you’ve just go to experience to believe. It is a magical experience, albeit possibly pretty painful at times, something no one will easily forget.  The Dead Sea is one of those remarkable places on Earth that is indescribable.  There are just no words for it.  Stunning, captivating, tranquil… they just don’t do it.  No words.  For reals this time.

Read More >> Floating at the Lowest Point on Earth: The Dead Sea

Mount Masada

It was 3am when we were awoken by our guides. Once we arrived at the foot of the mountain, it was still pitch black out.  The group was half asleep, but ready to make this treacherous ascent to the top of Masada in the abyss of the darkness.  888 steps later, we were greeted with the most beautiful sunrise overlooking the Dead Sea…

Read More >> Sunrise at Mount Masada

Read More >> Masada: The Hike Down on the Never Ending Snake Path

Mahane Yehuda

We had the opportunity to get lost in the super busy Jerusalem Market, Mahane Yehuda (יהודה‎ מחנה ‎ שוק), commonly referred to as “The Shuk”.  This marketplace, originally all open-aired, now partially covered, is popular with both tourists and locals alike.  The market is home to over 250 venders, including fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods (which I would have loved to got my hands on), fish, meats, and cheeses, nuts, seeds, and spices, wines and liquors (oh, yummy!), and even clothing.  And shoes.  And housewares.  And Judaica.  Just about everything.  I could have stayed there for hours.

 Read More >> 5 Goodies You Must Try at the Jerusalem Market

And last but not least, my favorite picture from the trip <3 <3 <3

Now, who wants to go to Israel?!

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The post Israel is Incredible: A Journey through Instagram appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

I had heard about this so-called treacherous 2.5 mile “Snake Path” from friends who had done this hike previously.  They warned me in that it was rather difficult.. and some other probably valid suggestions.  I should have paid more attention because that “walk” was definitely not a walk, and definitely not what I had imagined. Especially at 9 in the morning.

Apart from the heat and sun, walking down is actually a lot harder than walking up (from what I’ve been told; I’ve actually never walked up). By the time I reached the bottom, my legs were trembling like jelly. I’ve never experienced this feeling before. The path is long and windy, and just when you think you are done, there is still SO much more…

What felt like a treacherous 12 hours was actually only about 45 minutes or so. If I had prepared myself appropriately (maybe with some water and a permanent smile), the experience wouldn’t have been so difficult.

But enough with my complaining. (Your sick of it, right?  I understand if you just wanna dabble at the photos from here on out…)

The views along the path were absolutely insanely gorgeous. At some points during the hike, I had to physically stop in order to take it all in. With the rocky path beneath my feet and the expanse of they mountain ahead and all around me, I felt so little. So incredibly tiny. An amazing feeling once you forget about all the steps you still need to reach the bottom!

Finally reaching the bottom of the mountain was an incredible experience that I’m having a hard time putting into words. It was one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. I felt like I had just crossed the finish line of some important race.

And then I splurged and bought a Gatorade at the over-priced stand at the foot of Masada. It’s the little things in life, right? I did a little not-embarrassing-at-all victory dance and then planted my bottom on a nearby bench and didn’t move until I was forced to

Besides the most dramatic sunset I have ever seen, along with unforgettable views of the Dead Sea and the mountain itself, it was my new friends on Birthright who made the whole experience really what it came out to be. I’m even attending a friends wedding this coming summer!

A few suggestions on tackling the Snake Path:

• If possible, head out before sunrise.  Leave Jerusalem around 3:30am in order to get to the top of Masada to witness a beautiful and rewarding sunrise.  It’s worth it to wake up that early- trust me.  Or you can spend the night at the foot of the mountain (hostel) and avoid the excessive heat.
• Bring a lot of liquids (preferably water) to sip on during the hike.  It gets extremely hot in the summer months, and the chance of passing out/collapsing is definitely a possibility.
• If you are moderately fit and don’t stress you should be fine.  Be prepared though, there are many parts of the path with no side rail, so be extra careful and make sure you aren’t feeling dizzy at all.

• Hike up/down the mountain with others- don’t attempt to trek alone.  There are no guides anywhere on the mountain to help, so it is basically you and your party alone.
• FINALLY: DO NOT TAKE THE CABLE CAR!  As noted earlier, if you are physically fit and in a good state of mind, you will be thrilled with yourself after completing the snake path.  Don’t take the easy way out if you are able to accomplish this task.  However, if you are on a group tour, you may not have a choice in this.  Views are still impeccable, obviously!

Some final words of advice – slather on a blog glob of sunscreen, carry a large filled water bottle, and be prepared for a long windy trek down.  As long as you know what you’re in for, you’ll be fine.  Just enjoy the views and know that every step is a step closer to the bottom.

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The Dead Sea is one of those remarkable places on Earth that is indescribable.  There are just no words for it.  Stunning, captivating, tranquil… they just don’t do it.  No words.  For reals this time.

Let’s decompose it’s name, shall we? 

DEAD: It is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water, with a saline level of approximately 34%. All of this salt makes it impossible for animals to flourish, hence the name Dead Sea. You won’t be finding any fish or other aquatic plants here.

SEA: This body of water is no ocean, but actually a lake, which borders Jordan to the east and Israel to the west. It is 1,388 feet (423 meters) below sea level, making it Earth’s lowest elevation on land.

Everyone knows that the Dead Sea is salty, and that you float in it.  But it really is one of those experiences you need to have to really understand the whole thing.  When you’re laying on your back with your feet in the air and you’re head halfway in the water, you’ll see what I mean.

After my tragic experience falling off my donkey in the middle of the Negev Desert just a day prior, and then hiking up Masada on a bruised leg, I wasn’t entirely sure that bathing my half-broken body in the saltiness of the Dead Sea was a good idea.  My new friends, and even group leader said I should proceed with caution, since the bruises and cuts were sure to sting and burn.

After some minor contemplation and sizing up my bruised leg for the 30th time, I eagerly and nervously made my way into the waters.

I was pleasantly surprised.  I was expecting my legs to sting and burn and hurt like hell, but the saltiness of the water just glided over my body like there was nothing there.  I lifted my legs, attempting to float, and being so buoyant, they instantly rose themselves.  It was actually quite difficult to bring them back down to the lake’s floor. Your hands naturally float as well, as does your head, which does not sink farther than your ears.

My husband threw me a newspaper, and I laid there in the middle of the Dead Sea in complete peace with myself and the surrounding waters.  I could have fallen asleep right then and there.

Getting out was another story.  That’s the thing, people only tell you how to get yourself into the water and what to do once you are successfully floating, but not how to get out without unfortunately splashing water into your eyes/face.  One member of our group accidentally dunked his head, and he was running to the showers that instant.

Also, being so incredibly buoyant, it’s actually hard not to float.  Meaning that it is more difficult to keep your legs under water and stand vertical, which makes it even that harder to get out of the water.

Some tips for having a pleasant Dead Sea experience:

As mentioned before, swimming floating in the Dead Sea is such an unusual experience that it is very hard to accurately describe.  You really need to get used to your body in the waters, and something you cannot experience anywhere else in the world.

Have you ever floated in the Dead Sea?

Would you do it again?

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We were given crackers and tea for breakfast.  Anything more at that hour of the day, and I don’t think my stomach would have been able to take it.  I was actually still pretty full from our authentic bedouin dinner the night before, which was delicious to say the least.  We piled into the bus yet again, leaving Jerusalem, this time off to Mount Masada.

Once we arrived at the foot of the mountain, it was still pitch black out.  The group was half asleep, but ready to make this treacherous ascent to the top of Masada in the abyss of the darkness.

Climbing up the mountain wasn’t as difficult as I envisioned, even after my tragic experience on the donkey the day prior.  888 steps later, we were greeted with the most beautiful sunrise overlooking the Dead Sea…

The first glimpse of the bright shining sun was magical.  We stood there in awe.  Not looking at anything else in sight.  It was like the sun had never risen before.

Here comes the sun… (think the Beatles)

I remember it like it was just yesterday.  The entire group stood at the edge of the mountain in awe.  The sun rises each and every day, but today was different.  We were in Israel.  On top of Mount Masada.  In each others’ company whom, just a few days prior, were complete strangers.  Things were just different.  Very different.  And I’m more than confident that all my new friends would agree. No one can take that day away from us.

Little by little other groups started appearing in the sunlight, and it was evident we were not alone at the top of the mountain.

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We stayed at Kfar Hanokdim, which lies in the Kana’im valley in the Negev Desert.  Palm leaves and biblically inspired gardens are found throughout the settlement.

Different tents are found throughout- some for eating, some for sleeping, and some for just hanging out.

Authentic Bedouin Dinner:
After riding camels in the sweltering desert heat and surviving my little incident with my angry weak donkey, I joined the group in the Bedouin tent for some dinner.  The tent was set up with pillows on the floor around low circular tables.  Guess we wouldn’t be eating at the dinner table tonight!  The Bedouins brought out giant trays with loads of food- authentically seasoned chicken, flavored rice, fresh baked pita, salad, and of course, all the hummus you could want. I can honestly say that I had my best meal yet in a Bedouin tent in the middle of the desert.  Eating out of styrofoam bowls with plastic forks.  Surely says something about the food.

Eating on the floor around these “tables” as a group, looking out of the tent with the sun setting in the background, will most definitely stay with me the rest of my life.

Traditional Music and homemade Coffee/Tea:
After dinner, our Bedouin host treated us to Turkish coffee and spiced Bedouin tea and traditional Bedouin music.  Sitting on the floor again, we learned about the Bedouin culture, religion, and the relationship with the State of Israel.  Our host performed an ancient coffee making ceremony, with the coffee beans roasting on the fire while he drummed a traditional rhythm.  One of the members of our group ground the coffee in a stone mortar.  We then stuffed our already super-full-stomachs with some fire baked pita.

We learned that most Bedouins ride what he referred to as “automatic camels”– haha, cars like Subaru, Mitsubishi, and Toyota.  It was crazy to see power lines in the middle of the desert, and our host shared with us how technology is changing the way the Bedouins live and their everyday lifestyle.

Setting up camp:
When I first read the description on our itinerary depicting that we would be staying the night in a Bedouin settlement, in a tent none the less, I had no idea what to expect. I was surprised to find out that, all 40 of us, would be sleeping in the same tent. Boys and Girls.  Together.  For all our other room arrangements, this was never allowed.  We made bets on who would hook up with who that night.  Something was obviously bound to happen.  [I think I was correct on a few…]

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Without any further ado, here’s my frightening, surprising, and slightly embarrassing story:

I’ll set the scene: Middle of the desert, on my birthright trip in Israel, no hospital/medic in sight.

Half of us were riding atop the camels, while the other half of the group were trotting along merrily on donkeys.  It was my turn to switch animals.

I jumped carefully slid off my camel, feeling super confident that I had just ridden this HUGE smelly animal.  Now it was time for the donkey’s, “Piece of cake,” I thought.  “Look how small they are!” (Compared to the camels, anything was small…) Everyone is riding them with such ease!

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Being on the petite side, I finally realized it would take a lot for me to get on top of this thing.  Thankfully, I ended up with the smallest donkey.

I kicked off the ground, and attempted to swing my leg across the donkeys back, unfortunately missing.  Tried again, complete fail.

Everyone was already sitting peacefully on their donkeys (patiently awaiting my success), so I had no one to help me.  It was just me, myself, and the donkey.

I grasped my hands tightly on the donkey’s back, kicked off (yet again), and swung my leg around.  I made it- I was finally successfully sitting on my donkey’s back!  Phew, gold medal for me, or so I thought…

A split second later, I was laying on the ground, with my right leg pinned underneath the donkey.

I was trapped.
Trapped under a Donkey in the Negev. 
Unable to move my leg, let alone any body part, due to sheer terror and immobility.

I had no idea what had just happened. 

No idea that the donkey I was just sitting on a second ago, had completely collapsed, threw me off, and fell right on top of me.  

I was dazing in and out for a few moments, unaware of my surroundings and just laying there with no plan in mind.

Little did I know, I was being pulled out from under the donkey.  My then fiance, (now husband), had jumped off his donkey and sprinted to me the second I crashed to the ground.  He saved my life.  I didn’t quite get this until a bit later on.

Thankfully, a few moments later, when I realized I was still alive and that my leg was still attached to the rest of my body, I was able to carefully get up with the assistance of my knight in shining armor.

(Unfortunately, my poor donkey was unable to lift his legs, most likely due to sheer exhaustion.  The Bedouin men attempted to pull on the rope attached to him, but he would not budge.  They had to cut the rope and leave him in the middle of the desert.  It was actually quite sad, and I felt like I kind of wanted to go back and get him.) 

Feeling like a trooper, although it hurt like hell, and wanting to scream my mouth off, I walked all the way back to our Bedouin settlement.  The rest of the group still enjoying their rides, I walked alongside them with a few others who decided not to challenge themselves atop the camels.

Thankfully, as we were approaching camp, the fallen donkey started to get up and make his way back as well.

Nothing could have prepared me for that fall.  One of the scariest moments in my life.

It wasn’t until a little later that I realized just how bad the fall was.  Two-thirds of my right leg was completely bruised and sore.  It took what seemed like a LONG time to come up with a solution as to where to get a bag of ice, since it was apparent the Bedouin settlement either didn’t have any or we couldn’t find their stash.  I honestly don’t have a clue as to where they got it, but all I knew was that I was instructed to elevate my leg and ice it periodically.  Being without any medical supplies there was not much anyone could do.  Thankfully my new friends were there for moral support.

That was the best picture taken. Deal. And I look like I’m 12.  I’m Not.

My first concern: Does this require a trip to the hospital?  Do I have to pack my bags and go home?  On Birthright, if you must be hospitalized, you almost instantaneously are sent home on the next flight.

My second concern: Would I still be able to participate in the dreadful adventurous hike up Masada to see the sunrise the next morning?

Another concern:  What about the Dead Sea?  Can I still “swim” with such a bruised and cut up leg?  The salt will surely sting like no tomorrow.

It was basically my decision on all of these, and I opted to participate in everything.  I obviously did not spend the night in the hospital.

Thankfully, one of our group members, (who later become one of my good friends- guess I still owe him), was currently in medical school, and checked on my leg every hour on the hour.

And now for the slightly embarrassing part:
Why did the donkey collapse?  Was he overworked and hungry?  Did one of his legs give out?  Or the most dreaded question of all: Was I too just damn heavy for the donkey?

Everyone reassured me it was one of first two, because full grown men rode my donkey without any problem.  I have no issue with my weight at all, so convincing me wasn’t too difficult.

One of my bruises about a week later… look at all those colors!

The post Into the Negev: My Donkey Hates Me appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

Looking out the bus window while heading to the desert, (where we would be riding camels), was something I had never laid eyes on before.  There was nothing out there.  Nothing out there at all.  No cars, no streets, heck, even no people.  Hardly any movement at all.  Just the occasional sway from a bush from the light wind.  It looked so peaceful and quiet.  All I could make out was a teeny tiny settlement in the distance.

“I could get used to this for a little while,” I instantly thought.  Getting away from all the hustle and bustle of big city life is what I feel almost everyone needs every now and then.  And smack dab in the middle of the desert?  Certainly feels like a way to get away from it all.

I should have expected this.  I knew we were going deep into the desert, and I don’t know why I was so surprised when I could hardly see anything in the distance.

This rocky desert was gorgeous.  A collage of brown, orange, rocky, and dusty mountains, interrupted by dry riverbeds and deep craters.  Never have I appreciated nature this much before.

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The post First Views of the Negev: A Photo Essay appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

And enjoying these splendid views all at the same time.

The moment we stepped off the bus I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere.  It’s such a hard feeling to describe.  Feeling totally out of place (as New York is probably the furthest thing from a desert), we prepared ourselves for what would most likely be one of the highlights on our trip- camel trekking throughout the desert.

Every one started partnering up, and since none of us had ever ridden a camel before, there was no right choice.  Since N. and I were lucky enough to get accepted into birthright together, it was obvious we would ride that stinky thing as a team.

No words can describe my initial thoughts of the camels.  They were HUGE. Absolutely huge.  Bigger and taller than I had imagined.  And to be honest, pretty ugly and really smelly (which was even more pungent up close I quickly discovered).  “How was I ever going to get on top of that thing?” was my first question.

The Bedouins led us to the group of camels, and without wasting any time, we were sitting on the back of these large, stinky animals.  As soon as N. and I were on, the Bedouin men hit the camel with a wooden(?) stick to urge them to stand up.  And the way they stand up: backwards.  The camels stand up with their back legs first, basically shooting the person in the back right up.  They then pick their front legs up to finally balance things out.  That was an experience in itself… thankfully I was in the front!

Being atop the camels was an experience like no other.  Between balancing and dearly holding on for life, even I, the girl known by all her family and friends to take pictures of every. single. moment. was having trouble handing the camera.  Thankfully others (on the ground) were able to get decent photos of us.

Has anyone realized just how big a camels tongue is?  And with a big tongue, comes a lot of slobber!

Even though the Bedouins were walking alongside us, occasionally grabbing rope that worked like a leash, I never felt truly secure.  One bump in the road, and I was wishing for a seatbelt.  I thought any moment would be my last on that bizarrely tremendous animal.

All in all, riding those two-humped camels in the sweltering desert heat was surely pretty thrilling.  After our ride of about 10-15 minutes (total guess from the girl with no watch), the donkey riders and camel huggers switched animals.

***Thank you to some of my fellow Birthright-ers for their great camera-handling abilities!  Not all images are my own. If you would like to use a photo, please contact me first.

The post Old School Transportation in the Negev: Camel Riding appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.

We had the opportunity to get lost in the super busy Jerusalem Market, Mahane Yehuda (יהודה‎ מחנה ‎ שוק), commonly referred to as “The Shuk”.  This marketplace, originally all open-aired, now partially covered, is popular with both tourists and locals alike.  The market is home to over 250 venders, including fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods (which I would have loved to got my hands on), fish, meats, and cheeses, nuts, seeds, and spices, wines and liquors (oh, yummy!), and even clothing.  And shoes.  And housewares.  And Judaica.  Just about everything.  I could have stayed there for hours.

But we were only given about 45 minutes.  Complete bummer!

As we walked around, we were surrounded by falafel and schawarma stands, juice bars, cafes, and restaurants.  Having a few felafel and schawarma pitas already on our travels, I really wanted to get my hands on:

1) chocolate rugelach

Chocolately, fudgy “cookies”.  The absolute best.  I instantly went into into a sugar coma the moment I bit into this sweet, sweet treat.  Rugelach are like super duper rich cookies, with a flaky outside, and moist semi-sweet inside.  The Shuk is known for it’s superb rugelach, as they are different from any other rugelach I’ve ever had, practically oozing with it’s chocolately filling.  I can honestly say the rugelach in America just doesn’t cut it anymore.

2) fresh jerusalem breads and pitas

These pita’s are the most awesome thing to stuff with cold cuts, olives, and cheese, or whatever else your heart desires.  Why not put some hummus and felafel inside?  My absolute favorite!

3) olives

4) halva

5) spices and beans

After wandering throughout the market, with my mouth more than salivating, we headed off to a nearby park and got right to it- eating that is.

And sliding down the Monster Slide.  Look at that thing! SO UNEXPECTED!

Tip: If you want to explore the market, try to stay away on Thursdays and Fridays, as the marketplace is filled with shoppers stocking up for Shabbat.  The Shuk is closed from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning for Shabbat.

Tours: If you want to make sure you don’t miss any goodies, you can opt to take a self-guided tour, called “Shuk Bites”.  For 99 shekels (approx $26 US), you get a ticket that includes both a map with a pre-planned route through the market and a punch card which allows you little tastes of a variety of foods and drinks.  Other guided tours include a bakery tour, a wine and cheese tour, chef-guided tasting tour, and a shuk cooking workshop.  I really wish we had enough time to do this.

Considering the tensions between different ethnic, religious, and social groups in Israel, it is fascinating that the Shuk is one of the few places of sanity in the whole city.  It’s true: food always brings people together.

 And a few more treats from the Shuk:

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The post 5 Goodies You Must Try at the Jerusalem Market appeared first on A Passion and A Passport.