Israel : A Hot and Sunny Christmas

It was the end of the year 2012, not too long after the end of the Maya Calendar. We all needed a break from our routine and from all the emotions surrounding Christmas time !  At the very last minute, we decided to fly away towards a hot and sunny destination. You'll probably ask me “Why the heck did you leave ? Christmas atmosphere is so nice and so special...” and my answer would be “Why not ?!?”

Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv, IL | 20.12.2012

A nice room in Tel Aviv was waiting for us, in front of the beach and not too far from the town centre...  The first day, we gently wandered through the city.  From one neighbourhood to the other, the atmosphere changes radically !  One is very poor, and on the next corner, all the buildings are refurbished, the ruins of the old station are transformed in small shops and bars becoming the new "place-to-be" in Tel Aviv...  A shock at each corner !

Tel Aviv from Jaffa’s Coast, Tel Aviv, IL | 21.12.2012

The day after, a ten minutes drive brought us to Jaffa, a small city next to Tel Aviv.  A walk in the old city brings you back 800 to 1000 years earlier at the time of the Crusades when the Muslims owned the place...  This place does not only offer a magnificent history but it will give you an incredible panorama of Tel Aviv...  On the small harbour, you'll find a warehouse transformed in a covered market full of small shops, bars and restaurants...  A lovely place to stop after a long walk in the old city !

A road trip of roughly 2-3 hours from West to East let us discover the mythic archaeological site of Masada.  A wonder of nature and human lust !

On the road to Masada, Masada, IL | 23.12.2012

Salt Crystals, Dead Sea, IL | 23.12.2012

A Roman temple build on the top of a hill with its adjacent town for the servants and slaves.  All around you is desert, nothing but stones, sand and warmth... even in December... When you look towards the East, you can observe the Jordanian coast of the Dead Sea which is few miles away from the temple. 

I knew and was told that the minerals concentration in the water was 10 times higher than the ones in other seas throughout the world but even though you know it, it is really impressive to see that salt crystals formed on the rocks on the shore just because of the tides and waves...

Seaside of Caeserea, Caeserea, IL | 24.12.2012

Another archaeological site was waiting for us just North of Tel Aviv : Caeserea !  Once again, a wonder for the eyes !  A Roman amphitheatre is standing there majestically facing the Mediterranean Sea.  As soon as you sit on the stairs, you can't help yourself to imagine an opera with this wonderful background and vibrant atmosphere... A ruined city stands next to it where approximately 10,000 people lived permanently.  The whole city was supplied in water by a 17 km long Aqueduct.  A masterpiece of architecture and mosaics, all of this, standing right there, facing the deep blue Mediterranean Sea.







This Christmas was certainly not a regular one but what an experience !  I know I've missed the Christmas atmosphere in 2012 but I would do it each year if it was to discover the world !

Caeserea, IL | 24.12.2012

All pictures are original by myself and can be seen on http://lvhphotography.tumblr.com

Loïc Van Hille