Touring Palestine
04.05.2015
Palestine is the region between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. According the British Mandate of Palestine, the country includes the Palestinian territories of Gaza Strip and West Bank.
Palestine is a land of many treasures one which entices the traveler and brings back memories of great time that have been the hallmark of the region's history. Sightseeing in Palestine is full of many adventures and many more attractions that are rarely seen in any other country of the Middle East.
Tourism in Gaza and the West bank territories of Palestine mainly depend on the shores of the famous sea. The Mediterranean Sea is often known to be the life line for the many Palestinian people who derive their livelihood from the sea. The Sea is famous for its many beaches and the archaeological and historical sites that dot the entire landscapes of the entire Palestine region. Gaza is famous in Palestine for its archaeological sites that are under exploration. West Bank is also known for its moderate weather and summer and winters which are very enticing for travelers. Visitors can spend their leisure time in the many farms and orchards and other tourist facilities in Palestine.
Sightseeing in Palestine is one of the main sights in Gaza are the sea, the beaches, the coast, the sky, the golden bright sand, the sun and warmth, and the soft breeze. Gaza is the beautiful mermaid, which attracts tourists to its sea and beaches. Gaza depends on tourism. It is expected that the number of tourists and tourist trade would increase after the declaration of the independent Palestinian State.
Several fantastic tourist projects were built on the beach to provide visitors of the city with the services they need. These projects include new hotels, resorts, restaurants, coffee shops, entertainment facilities and parks. They all add to the natural attraction of the Mediterranean. There are numerous archaeological sites too in the vicinity of these territories, which are a must see on course of Sightseeing in Palestine.
Restaurants in Palestine
Traditions of the Palestinian people are to make the guests feel at home with the natives. Meals are structured in a cyclical order by Palestinians and span into two main courses and several intermediate ones like coffee, fruits and sweets as well as dinner. Like in most Arab cultures, meals are a time to spend with family and could last 1-2 hours depending on the specific time of the day. Unlike other cultures, lunch is the primary course and breakfast and dinner are lighter in contents.
The importance of Breakfast is always there in Palestine and the term for breakfast is Iftur. This usually consists of fried eggs, olives, labaneh, olive oil or jams. Hummus bi-tahini is also eaten primarily during this time the day. Gheda is a term for lunch, usually late in the afternoon. Lunch is the heaviest meal of the day and main ingredients could include rice, lamb, chicken, cooked vegetables and forms of mahashi. Asrooneh derives from the word 'Aasr is a term for the consumption of a variety of fruits and legumes after gheda. Asha is a term for dinner, usually eaten anytime from 8-10 pm. 'Asha is much simpler than gheda and some foods consumed include fatayer, hummus bi-tahini, a variety of salads and a Levantine-style omelette called 'ijee.
There is a good choice of restaurants in Palestine which offer a plethora of multi cuisine dining options catering to a broad palate of preferences. The major cities and the regions near the main tourist attractions in Palestine are dotted with restaurants serving ethnic cuisines. From the local spread you can have falafel, shawerma, mansaf, hummous and Kunafa sweets. You will find eateries and stalls almost anywhere in the country offering fast food like shawerma sandwiches and falafel sandwiches. Most of the Internet cafes in the city serve drinks and snacks. Al Zahara Restaurant and Kan Zaman are the popular restaurants in Jerusalem.
Tourists a hearty meal and many of Ramallahs streets have local and small eateries that are highly popular among the tourists. Tea and coffee are largely drunk in occasions for social and cultural importance and consumption of alcohol is sometimes restricted. Hilew sometimes after or just before 'asha as well as when hosting guests come various sweets. Baklawa is common and is usually purchased from pastry shops instead of made at home like muhallabiyeh.
Shopping in Palestine
Palestine is a delight for all the tourists who come here. There are many intricate alleys and by lanes which are a delight in the many arts and crafts that the many shopping destinations offer. Despite its popular image associated with conflict and poverty, Palestine has a rich and beautiful cultural heritage that has developed throughout its millennia-long history and Shopping in Palestine is one of the chief ways pf enjoying in the narrow old by lanes of the territories many cities and towns. By providing the market for these crafts, helps Palestinian artisans to be economically empowered, and supports the preservation of the cultural heritage. Ramallah in the West Bank and the Bethlehem are the places to shop away your tourist dollars. Shopping in Palestine is all about hovering around in the diverse markets and centers to shop for clothes, shoes, food, souvenirs, cosmetics, and others.
The markets are highly penetrated by pirated and fake products but there are large storehouses of handicrafts that are native to the Palestinian territories a wide array of traditional handicrafts, using the artisan skills that have been passed on through generations. Prices are moderate, but relatively expensive compared to other West Bank cities. More expensive and upscale shops are available in the Plaza shopping center in El-Bireh suburb of Balou'.
Once a traditional craft practiced by village women, Palestinian cross-stitch embroidery has become an important symbol of Palestinian culture. Embroidered pieces can be found in the homes of most Palestinian families in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Israel and the Diaspora beyond, adorning the walls of houses in Jerusalem, villas in the Gulf, suburban homes in the United States, and cement block houses in refugee camps. In addition, cross-stitch embroidery is given as gifts and worn by Palestinians worldwide on festive occasions You can go Shopping in Palestine in the old city of Ramallah the old corners of the city behind the mosques and the churches lie the alley ways where one cam find the handicrafts that Palestine is famous for But one should be wary of what one buys from the sellers and you should also bargain hard for the produce that you are offered.
During the night, a good number of shops are still open in Ramallah during the summer and Shopping in Palestine is one of the primary most activities that one enjoy A common habit of the citizens of the city is going out for a drink, dinner, or an 'argila' (tobacco waterpipe.) The cities various coffee shops, bars, and restaurants are a must see/visit. The nicer ones are often available closer the older city, and on the road going to Betunia, while some good ones can also be found outside the city center. There is a Turkish bath in the twin-city of El-Bireh, a good destination for foreigners wanting to relax for the day.