1. Get ten years younger.
The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth, which makes water evaporate faster,
leaving the sand/mud super rich in minerals rejuvenating the skin. They say it can
make you ten years younger. After floating on the water, do go for a body mud
pack. Although this may be challenging, (I suggest a body mud pack partner) the feeling
is WOW when you rinse.
I'm 17 again!
2. Look like Yasser Arafat.
Whether it's the Shemagh, the Yashmagh, the Keffiyeh, or simply an Arabian scarf,
the head scarf that Yasser Arafat brought to fame is officially a fashion icon and it's
available everywhere. It costs anywhere from 5 USD to 15 USD so be patient and buy
in the less touristy areas. I bought one in red (for me), one in black (for Dad), and one
in lavender (for Mom).
3. Visit Petra and the Pyramids in one trip.
No explanation needed.
4. Ride an animal.
Ever since my untimely accident with a donkey and a horse, I still decided to try my
luck with a different donkey and a camel. The donkey was inevitable in Petra. There
was simply no other way. The camel ride to Mount Sinai was not really necessary,
though. 3,750 steps or a 2-hour camel ride?
If you're physically fit, do climb Mount Sinai on foot. It's excellent exercise and you'll
avoid smelling like a camel. (Camels STINK.)
5. Let the Bible come alive.
Visiting the Holy Land is like praying the rosary LIVE. You start with the Joyful Mysteries:
the Church of the Visitation, the Church of the Annunciation, Bethlehem, Jerusalem.
You continue with the Sorrowful Mysteries: the Garden of Gethsemane, the Via Dolorosa,
Mount Calvary, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. You can even include the Mysteries
of Light: the Baptism in Jordan, the wedding at Cana, the proclamation of the Kingdom
of God in Galilee, the transfiguration of Christ in Mount Tabor, and the last supper in
Mount Zion.
6. Get the inside story.
No. 5 gets better. Aside from visiting the places, you also get the inside story. For this,
you need a knowledgeable tour guide. Ours was a walking Bible, a Geek God, aka Mendy.
When we were in Jerusalem, before the via dolorosa, he drew our attention to some pavement
stones. There were some tic-tac-toe-like lines on the stones. This, Mendy said, was proof
that the Roman guards were playing the King's Game.
The King's Game is the Roman version of Russian Roulette. Instead of the loser shooting
himself, though, the loser actually becomes king for a day. He gets to wear a robe and a
crown, and carry a scepter. He gets to order everyone around. But at the end of the day,
he dies. And this, according to Mendy, was the game the Romans played with Jesus.
7. See the Promised Land.
More on Mendy. He got me again with his line, "I don't know about you, but I just love
the Book of Isaiah." He proceeded by saying that it was where the Promised Land was
mentioned. I still remember the mountain from where we saw the Promised Land. It was
all desert! I couldn't understand what was so promising about it. But it is the land God
set aside for His people, and it has become the most disputed piece of real estate
on Earth.
8. Enter Palestinian territory.
More than no. 7 is actually entering Palestinian territory. When we entered Jericho
and then Bethlehem, my nose was literally glued to the window. I couldn't believe I
was in Palestine--the highly-acclaimed Promised Land, tough neighborhood, eye of the storm.
But before we got to do that, we had to experience the ordeal that is the border crossing.
9. Be moved...
The Holy Land is the most fascinating place I've ever visited. Petra and the Pyramids,
the street scenes, sailing/floating/wading on the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea, the
River Jordan, crossing the Suez tunnel, following Christ's footsteps, carrying a cross,
touching the Wall, hearing the stories, listening to the people, eating their food, praying,
praying, praying.
10. And move others.
Before we left Israel, we were all given certificates signed by Israel's Minister of
Tourism. We were officially Tourism Goodwill Ambassadors for Israel! Because sixty
years ago today, the Filipinos were actually instrumental in their bid for independence.
Our very own Carlos P. Romulo voted yes to make Israel a State.
Just knowing that we had a role in this country's independence is reason enough
to visit the place. In Israel, they treat the Filipinos well.
