Middle East Trip

[zara]

In February Im flying out to Iran with work for a couple of weeks but then Ive got some time off, so I thought Id make a trip out of it.

Planning to see some places in Iran, then visit Kurdistan, southern Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and finally Israel. Ive got 5 weeks to do all this so its a rather rushed itinerary. Planning to get some overnight trains to get around faster.

Just wondering if anyone has been to any of these places and could recommend anywhere or anything?

[bigross86]

Just wondering if anyone has been to any of these places and could recommend anywhere or anything?

Well, I live in Israel, so if you've got any questions, lemme know.

I've been to Lebanon as well, but I was in a tank and I had a whole bunch of buddies with me, and sight-seeing wasn't on our list, sorry...

[zara]

Well, I live in Israel, so if you've got any questions, lemme know.

I've been to Lebanon as well, but I was in a tank and I had a whole bunch of buddies with me, and sight-seeing wasn't on our list, sorry...

Thanks Biggross,

Have a few questions about Israel - I have been to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem before, but hoping to see a little more of the country this time.

few questions

- I have 2 days to spend in either Eliat or Aquaba. Was wondering which you'd recommend? Also wondering if its warm enough at this time of year to enjoy the beach? I dont know if your into Diving, but if so id like to hear any reccomendations on dive sites and companies to go with.

- Is the dead sea worth a visit?

- Was thinking about stopping in Sderot on the way from Eliat to Tel Aviv for a few hours. Was wondering if you can see the Gaza strip from anywhere there (obviously not going into it). I know its a little voyeristic, but Id quite like to clap eyes on the place you know..

- Anywhere you'd particularly reccomend? Wheres your favourite places?Israels pretty big on the tourist trail these days, so im guessing its quite hard to avoid the traps. Local knowledge is invaluable.


Cheers, really appreciate the help

[Intifada]

Go to Tulkarm in the West Bank. Simple, but has charm.

If you have a choice go to Aqaba. Jordan is beautiful, and so underrated. I don't wana make Ross upset, but Israel is so popular, it would be nice for someone to pay attention to the places that arent so well known but still just as beautiful. Aqaba is a must. Besides, do it for me. I can't leave for another 6 months because I'm going to have an operation. I really wanted to see Aqaba.

[gunnut]

Wow, sounds like an exciting trip. I wish I had the time and the money to do that.

[zara]

Go to Tulkarm in the West Bank. Simple, but has charm.

If you have a choice go to Aqaba. Jordan is beautiful, and so underrated. I don't wana make Ross upset, but Israel is so popular, it would be nice for someone to pay attention to the places that arent so well known but still just as beautiful. Aqaba is a must. Besides, do it for me. I can't leave for another 6 months because I'm going to have an operation. I really wanted to see Aqaba.

Thanks for the advice Intifada... are you from Palestine originally?

I only have 1 day in the west bank... Ive found an english speaking taxi driver whos reccomended on the Lonely Planet forums. Hes charging $20 US an hour, and has reccomended Bethlehem, Jericho, Qumran, Hemron and then hell drop me off in Masada where ill get the bus to Aquaba (via Eilat). Just looked at Tulkarm, but it seems quite far to the north. How long does it take to get there from Jerusalem? Is it worth the diversion?

Good luck with the operation... hope its nothing serious... mind if I pm you with annoying messages about the area? Ive only got 1 day in the west bank so want to see as much as I can.

[zara]

Wow, sounds like an exciting trip. I wish I had the time and the money to do that.

Iran is cheap, cheap, cheap! Sanctions have made sure of that.

But as a citizen of 'the great satan' I think you need a government escort.

Thats the advantage of being from from an insignificant potatoe republic, weve no beef with anyone (apart from our sworn enemies, the 'the little satan' next door)

[Intifada]

Thanks for the advice Intifada... are you from Palestine originally?

I only have 1 day in the west bank... Ive found an english speaking taxi driver whos reccomended on the Lonely Planet forums. Hes charging $20 US an hour, and has reccomended Bethlehem, Jericho, Qumran, Hemron and then hell drop me off in Masada where ill get the bus to Aquaba (via Eilat). Just looked at Tulkarm, but it seems quite far to the north. How long does it take to get there from Jerusalem? Is it worth the diversion?

Good luck with the operation... hope its nothing serious... mind if I pm you with annoying messages about the area? Ive only got 1 day in the west bank so want to see as much as I can.

Well, I didn't go there from Jerusalem I went through Amman, because I have family there too so it took me a couple of hours. Honestly if you're looking for a lot of retail shops and tourist hype, no TK is not worth the diversion, but, if you're looking for a quaint little town with a lot of culture, and desperately trying to escape tourists, then it is definitely worth the diversion. While in Palestine I recommend you try the food there. They have terrific shawarma.

You can send me as much as you like, it's ok. I'll tell you as much as I know, and whatever else you need to know. If I do it late please forgive. I don't have net at home anymore so I go to our local net cafe or the uni. I go everyday so I'll be quick.

Yea actually the operation is quite serious. All I'll say is I have cancer. It's not something I've swallowed easily these past few months, so I'll not go into too much detail yet. It's kinda fresh.

Yea I'm from Palestine. Well my family is. I'm first generation. My family is from Tulkarm. Notice the bias? ;) Eh, its great place really.

[Intifada]

Iran is cheap, cheap, cheap! Sanctions have made sure of that.

But as a citizen of 'the great satan' I think you need a government escort.

Thats the advantage of being from from an insignificant potatoe republic, weve no beef with anyone (apart from our sworn enemies, the 'the little satan' next door)

What about me? I have American citizenship but am Palestinian.

Potato republic? Is that Ireland?

[Bigfella]

What about me? I have American citizenship but am Palestinian.

Potato republic? Is that Ireland?

It would be Ireland indeed. The 'little satan', of course, is Perfidious Albion.

Good luck with the operation.

[S2]

B.F. Reply

"The 'little satan', of course, is Perfidious Albion."

Actually the lesser satan according to the Tehran mullahs in 1979 was the godless commies, IIRC.:)

[Bigfella]

"The 'little satan', of course, is Perfidious Albion."

Actually the lesser satan according to the Tehran mullahs in 1979 was the godless commies, IIRC.:)

Now THAT takes me back. Tell young folks today that communism once menaced the world & the look at ya funny. We is getting old my friend.

[Intifada]

i'm a communist

[Big K]

In Turkey;

Sanliurfa: Balikli Göl


Mardin: stone houses


Batman: Hasankeyf (before it falls under the dam)


Adıyaman: Mount Nemrut


they say that you are never truly born if you did not see the sunset & down from Nemrut




visit this for further info:
..:: REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND TOURISM ::..

[Big K]

Mardin: Monastery of Deyr-ul Zahferan