It's the laziest cliché in the travel-writing book to describe a place as a country of contrasts.
Speaking of travel guides, don't bother trying your local national chain bookstore for an Israel guide from either Frommers or Fodors, you likely won't find them.
Well, she sure loves Israel, but she doesn't know much about Judaism. Yes, for the thousanth time, Jews believe in "heaven," although we call it "Olam H'ba" ("The World to Come").
I visited Israel in October 1986, something I'd been dreaming of since the Six Day War happened when I was 11. I was moved by the courage Israel showed in not letting the bullies strike first. My visit was one of the top five experiences of my life. The Israelis were great to me, even moreso when they found out I was an American Christian. Their generosity was heartfelt. It is a beautiful country and I hope to visit again one day.
Nice story.
I want to plug a book, one of the best I have seen on touring Israel, even though it is supposedly for 'children':
"Take Me to the Holy Land: A Youngster's tour of Eretz Yisrael" by Tsivia Yanofsky
http://www.artscroll.com/images/insides/takh-all.html#view-link
She's got it in one. We sentimental Israelis see our country through rose-coloured glasses too. No matter what the problems we all agree (well, my friends and I do) that there is "something special" here.
If she had had to stay and earn the low salary we earn here and pay the huge amount that we pay in taxes she might have considered the country more expensive, though. But good for The Times of London for publishing such a positive article on Israel.
The worst guidebooks for my money are the Lonely Planet. Everything Arab is wonderful, and everything Jewish is just awful according to this book.
Hey! They are letting out the secret!!! Darn...
Beautiful.