7. Summary

I have taken this trip to Israel with objectives and goals in mind. I wanted to explore, dream and discover. By actively exploring I expanded my mindset, had fun, and grew as a person and a family member. Imagine how good it will feel after volunteering in Israel, taking time for ourselves visiting Ancient cities, and then experiencing nightlife in Tel Aviv! I couldn't be more excited.

I hope to learn about myself as just a traveler as well. I want to see what I enjoy doing the most and who I can travel with the best. It will be an amazing adventure, not an easy adventure. I guess that is a barrier as to why some people don't travel frequently... and end up disappointed. As Mark Twain said, "you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did"; it is important to take advantage of any opportunities that come your way and try to live life to the fullest.

Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn were two children who weren't afraid of adventures, and I will not be either.

6. Budget

Flights:

We will fly air Canada, leaving out of Calgary on May 3rd, 2014. We will go through Toronto on our way to Tel Aviv International airport. We take the same route back on the 18th. The total for flights is $1,966.90 each person.

Guide:

Total quote for guide: $5780 for family. $1,445 each person.

- Acquired from Yfat Shemesh, Manager F.I.T. Department. http://www.eshetincoming.com/.

Accommodations:

May 8 - 9 – 2 Royal rooms at Effendi hotel  - $590 x 2 rooms = $118

May 9 – 11 – 1 mini suite & 1 standard room on Half board basis at Mitzpe Hayamim $980 + $1081 = $2,061

May 11 – 14 – 2 superior rooms at Inbal hotel Jerusalem $11160 x 2 rooms = $2320

May 14 – 18 – 2 club rooms at Sheraton Tel Aviv & Towers Tel Aviv $$1654 x 2 rooms = $3308

Total for hotels: $8869. $2217.25 each person

Miscellaneous Costs:

- VIP airport assistance from the plane includes escort to the passport control hall in a VIP car, baggage claim procedure, claiming duty free items (if needed), and escorting us to the reception hall. Rate per 4 persons - $135. $33.75 each.

- Meals not covered by guide or accommodation: Approximately 10 meals @ ~$20 each. $200 each person.

- Cabs and transportation not covered by guide: Approximately 10 cabs @ ~$20 each. $50 each person

- Shopping: $150 each.

- Other: $100 each.

Total Budget for the Israel Dream Vacation:

$6,162.90 each person.

Although expensive, who can put a price on quality time with your family? Well worth it.

5. Agenda

We are going to Israel to step out of our comfort zone, however we have a pre-scheduled trip and Israel is usually considered a custom for Jewish people to travel to, therefore I would label us as Mid- Centric Type. We are not boldly adventurous, yet we do experiment with places that may be strange to us. I think we do this because of time constraints; we want to experience everything that is recommended to us, and we don’t have time to wander around to try and find other things that are off the beaten path.

We will also be Individual Mass Tourists using tour operators for the ease and maximization of the trip, but also exercising control over our own itinerary.

“To achieve understanding it is necessary not to see many things, But to look hard at what you do see.” - Georgio Morandi. We hope to do many things, but we hope to take our time at each thing we do. I know that having the power to stop and take a breath will allow the meaning of Israel sink in. The warm air, the cool ocean breeze, and the smell of fresh chicken shawarma will keep me feeling positive, in tranquil, and eager to see more.

We fly into Tel Aviv via Air Canada on May 3rd. I don't mind flying, in fact, I actually enjoy it because I know the purpose of flying is to get to a destination where you want to go. I actually get excited! While I watch from above and examine birds eye view of beautiful land, the flight is just the time remaining until I can explore Israel for myself.

May 4- 8 –Beit Halochem Program in Tel Aviv 

A program dedicated to helping the disabled veterans of Israel. We stay on site with the veterans of Israeli army. This is a common tourist attraction because you get to interact with the people who made Israel an independent and Jewish nation. It gives people the feeling that they really belong in Israel and can feel that they play a part in keeping Israel for the Jewish people. I hope to learn how blessed I am to be living in Canada with a loving family by talking to the veterans. I have heard many Israeli soldiers speak before, and I hope to be inspired once again to live life to the fullest, as life is a precious gift.

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Thur, May 8- From Tel Aviv to Akko

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We will depart Tel Aviv and drive along the Mediterranean coast, seeing the thin strip of Ocean that spans all the way to Spain and into the Atlantic Ocean. We will have a tour guide talk about the ancient history of the coastline. I imagine that we will be tired helping out at Beit Halochem and will just listen to stories and let our imagination play out ancient history as the guide tells stories. 

We will visit Caesarea, King Herod, the magnificent city port. Pictured on the left.

We can stop at Zichron Yakov, the charming little town from later 19^th century related to 1^st pioneers and drive along Mt Carmel and visit and shop at the Druze village at Mt Carmel. Mt Carmel stretches from the Mediterranean into the Southeast of Israel, I have seen them before, and am excited to see them again. We then check into the Efendi Hotel. It will be nice relaxing in a hotel after a long day of travel and four days volunteering! I think we may spend the night in, kick back, and relax! A nice restaurant called Uri Buri restaurant is recommended by friends for that evening.

Fri, May 9- From Akko to Galilee

After a relaxing evening, we will get onto the road again refreshed and ready to see some of the sites that we will learn about from the Beit Halochem program - some fortresses and the tense border onto Lebonese territory. We will visit Acre ancient crusaders capital and arab old city, descend by cable car to Rosh Hanikra sea grottos on Lebanese border. This may be a somewhat tense area, but I have been there before and have always felt protected. The guards always assure everyone knows any protocol if any unexpected event occurs. Then, stop for a Panorama over Montfort crusaders fortress; a safer spot where we can capture the feelings we are experiencing in photograph.

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We will spend the next two nights at the Mizpe Hayamim/ Ramot, a rather luxurious and relaxing resort. As you can see in the picture on the right taken at the resort, there is lots of room for exploring even at the resort. We will travel and explore during the day and in the night. I think we may spice it up with a little alcohol and have a good time here! No better way to really explore new places and conversation topics than by having some drinks. I can imagine we will talk about how life is very different in Israel, and perhaps everywhere you go.

Sat, May 10 – Upper Galilee and Golan Heights

We will get our body moving this day. We will hike the Banias Jordan river spring, and the Roman period city and temples. We will ascend the Golan Heights via scenic trails and old outposts. I find hikes very exhausting and relaxing at the same time. You can get your exercise but also feel peaceful and one with nature. The second we get to take a breath and look around is when the rush of connection will come over us, sprouting from the land, the air, the vegetation... everything. I think that we will be able to think to ourselves for the first time while hiking and reflect on what we have learned to solidify the experience.

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Sun, May 11- From Galilee to Jerusalem

This is the adventure to Jerusalem day. Just like our forefathers traveled to Israel in high hopes for the promise land, we make the trip. We will visit Old Safed, the capital of Jewish mysticism and Kabbala, which is a type Jewish thought that guides the way Jewish people live their life. Everything from the roles of men and women, to the levels of the soul. Seeing the origins of these ideas may help instil them in our minds.

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We will drive along the Sea of Galilee and stop in Tiberias, seen on the right. I think that this site may be like a preview of what to come in Jerusalem. You can enjoy all sorts of tourist activities as well as sight see. I love when tourist hosts are like this; providing fun and education.

We then drive via Jordan valley to Jerusalem. The valley forms the border between Israel and Jordan, we can expect to hear about the tense border patrol once again, yet we will safe and protected.

We will then check in for three nights at the Inbal Hotel Jerusalem.

 

May 12 - 13 - "Old City"

Going to Jerusalem or "The Old City" is the reason why many people come to Israel. It is the oldest, most historic, and most beautiful city I have ever seen. All the stone and rock that has been shaped by men thousands of years ago is astounding. When walking through, you half expect the people to be ancient and dressed in the clothes from the old times, yet you see people dressed in modern clothes. It can make you feel confused or feel that life is simple. I hope to experience more of a religious aspect this time when I visit. 

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We then should have time for a quick 2 hour visit to the Dead Sea. We will float on the salt water that is highly concentrated in the sea that it crystallizes and forms rocks of salt. The water and mud in and around the sea is known to be an anti-oxidant and healer for the skin, although the main reason I rub the mud on me and float is for fun! Whenever I am there, the weather is perfect, the water is hot, and you can actually bob in the water! We laugh literally uncontrollably; when you can use someone floating the water as a headrest, it's pretty hilarious. 

This will be another day of fun and education. After visiting Jerusalem and learning the morals that Israel and Judaism have, such as strength, goodwill, and passion, we can relate it metaphorically to the dead sea, as the power of Israel and the water can lift you, oxidize and heal you, and can bring you closer to the ones you love.

On the 13th we are planning on staying in Jerusalem and visiting educational institutes like the AISH and Chabad centres. They are very open to newcomers coming in and simply chatting with the rabbis about religion and Israel. This will provide the unstructured but natural education that may help us understand things better. By interacting with a rabbi, we can politely challenge the knowledge we have and therefore solidify it by removing any internal discrepancies. 

Wed, May 14 – Jerusalem New City to Tel Aviv

Now that we have seen "The Old City", it is time to see the new city of Jerusalem! What better way to understand the changes that have happened in Israel than to tour a city that has different time frames encapsulated in the architecture? I have never been there, however I am really excited and curious to see what people have to say when describing the transformation into modern day society as an ancient city. What feels normal to them probably will feel very different to me.

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We will visit Yad Vashem holocaust victims and heroes memorial to pay tribute to those who made Jerusalem and Judaism as strong as it is today. Especially after a trip into the old city, I estimate that I will feel remorse for those who have perished, and also feel empowered that we have survived and flourished as successful and happy Jewish people.

Then we will make the 30 minute drive to Tel Aviv and stay at the Sheraton Tel Aviv for the remainder of the trip. We are likely choosing this hotel because we are familiar with it, and as Individualized Mass Tourists, we enjoy having accommodations and hospitality like tourists who are just sticking to what they know their whole vacation, yet we try to stray from the group during the day to explore.

Thur, May 15 – 18 Tel Aviv 

Tel Aviv is the most modern city in Israel. It is very fitting that this is our last stop because we can internalize what we have learned in an environment that is the most like the one we live in in Canada. We will do a Tel Aviv tour including visiting the Israeli museum and/or the Palmach museum. These museums provide more insight into the current state of Israel. We will begin to understand how the roots of Israel sprouted into into the beautiful nation it is today.

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Whereas the rest of Israel will be remembered for personal reasons such as enlightenment or beautiful scenery, Tel Aviv is what I remember best and find myself talking about to others because it is the most lively. The last two days of the trip we are completely on our own, and will have to find our own activities to do, which won't be hard because Tel Aviv is literally alive itself, making it easy to find anything and guiding you to do all sorts of activities that everyone can enjoy. We will remember everything from the trip, but Tel Aviv is when you really make your own memories.


Since tourism’s final product is the experience itself, the consumer must be involved in creating the experience. We have created an extensive agenda, and we will only be looking more to find things to do while in Israel.

4. Israel Attractions

What the Tourist Attractions Mean

-       Much of Israel’s attractions are resource-based. Ancient landmarks, fantastic hiking and rafting, and historic buildings for sight seeing.

-       People have opportunities for self-actualizations when experiencing them themselves, and they can also interact on the subject of the beauty that surrounds them to achieve self-belonging in the most natural setting possible.

-       I hope to be fulfilled by experiencing true beauty of the land in my soul and with my family, distanced from artificial beauty in marketing and constructs built by people that surround us in our everyday lives.

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Israeli Tourism was developed through evolution, not revolution

Tourism resources and attractions have been built under many different empires, however marketing them to tourists has been Israeli government policy and planning. All major religious and non-religious sites are operated under heavy security and held open to the public.

The STEEP Model shows different factors that can shape a tourist destination.

Geography of tourism lecture

Technology: Science and technology is one of the country's most developed sectors. Israel is also known for state of the art architecture.
Economy: Ranked by the UN as “very highly developed”. Tourism is one of Israel's major sources of income in the country, attracting 3.54 million tourists in 2013.

Environmental: Israel is ranked as the 2^nd highest Cleantech country in the world according to World Wildlife Foundation. They have vastly different climates and landscapes in such a small country.

Political: As the only democratic country in Middle East, they are able to have strong relations with other democratic nations. The politics that they have make tourists feel more comfortable when visiting.

Social: With such deep-rooted history, Israel is a very proud nation. British mandate, European immigrants, Arab occupants, and religion have all had roles in shaping it. They take their holidays and national announcements very seriously, such as Shabbat every Friday night and Saturday there is a day of rest and no work.

3. My Expectations and Objectives

My best friend, my brother, now lives in Hong Kong and I only see him twice a year. I only see my parents during breaks of school.

This trip embodied the idea of being together with my family where we could get away on an agenda we could create together.

I expected to learn about my family, about myself, and how I fit into the family. I wanted to see how we work together in deciding what we like to do together and acting for the benefit of all.

Being with my family is what I was most excited about.

I already have the physiological and safety needs satisfied in terms of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, and am perhaps in search to clarify the love and belonging I receive from my family. Israel has sense of community by being the homeland for the jewish people, and it really brings people together. I also think that Israel is the perfect place to grow in esteem by learning the values and culture of the jewish people; Israel is a fast moving culture with a strong thirst for knowledge and self righteousness.

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2. Motivation

Cultural Influences have come from the Jewish people and our religion. Not just the ones that our in our lives, but the commandments of Judaism guide us to homeland of Israel. Obviously we are not slaves to our religion, but the pressure of the religion over time has made my family feel like the trip is overdue and we must do it before it is too late.

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Family influences and learning necessities have gently pushed us to Israel. Our distant family and friends guide us to Israel as kind people who want to see us grow and experience Israel. We want to make them happy and experience what they have told us about our lives. We don't feel pressure, we feel kind guidance.

The personality and attitude of my family is social, fun, and makes the most of every day. We like enjoying time with many friends together, and many of our Jewish friends act as a reference group and influence us to enjoy time in Israel. We have been told that we will be able to make the most out of Israel because we are high energy and not be afraid to try new things with new types of people.

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It didn’t have to do with consumer behaviour; Israel was not marketed to us from any direct external parties. We have had influence on our personal and social determinants like our attitude towards Israel from everyone in our life as a Jewish person and just being a Jewish person.

Our choice of destination is people dependant, place dependant, space dependant, and self-dependant. We go there to find more of everything in Israel, in ourselves, and in Judaism.

1. The Family Cultural Journey to the Homeland

Israel: A Destination to Explore, Dream, and Discover.

Exploration lets the body and mind experience new things that may be good for the person to grow.

Dreaming allows someone to imagine their potential and place in the world without borders.

Discovering new things comes only with time and effort of exploration and dreaming.

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As a young Jewish person, I have been to Israel twice on sponsored trips to explore the land and my Judaism. Since my first day of travel, it has been my favourite destination I have ever been to. I felt like I was truly home, somehow connected with Israel even though I had never been. That is what most people admit when they first arrive. I am hoping that my brother, who has been once, my father, who hasn’t been since he was in high school, and my mother, who has never been, will feel the same way. I want to feel connected to myself and others on a new level by exploring, dreaming, and discovering new places. 

"In 20 years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. Explore, Dream, Discover." - Mark Twain

This quote means a lot to me. I think it means to take life by the horns, grab onto any experience that comes your way, especially if it is unfamiliar. It means to think about what you really want to do with your life and go for it even though others around you may not agree. It means to be yourself.

There are things that I want to do in my life, and some others may not agree, but I will pursue them anyways. I value constant learning; I am always learning about myself, my family, and the world around me. I am planning this trip because it is the best destination where I can truly learn about myself.

Let me show you why Israel will facilitate my exploration, dreams, and discoveries.