10 things to do in Palestine: You have one month in Hebron volunteering or studying Arabic with the Excellence Center, what are the 10 things you should not leave without doing?
1- Explore the Old City of Hebron with a local
Recently made into a UNESCO world heritage site, the old center is under-promising reconstruction and in desperate need of visitors. Make time to sit with some of the shop owners and get a peek at the Ibrahimi Mosque. To finish make sure you go into the Shuhada street and experience what most locals are not allowed to even see.
2- Say yes to a dinner
This is easier than you think, the offers will pour and all you have to do is just say yes and experience the warm intimacy of eating together with a family of complete strangers. If possible try everything you are served, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
3- Read the wall in Bethlehem
Between the entrance to Aida Refugee Camp and the Checkpoint 300 one could spend days exploring the graffitis and meditations are written along with the impending concrete slabs. Make sure to brace yourself for some heart-wrenching stories.
3- Walk around Mar Saba
Get somebody to drive you outside of Bethlehem to this spellbinding monastery tucked in between the desert cliffs. It is hard to get in, impossible for women but exploring the desert around it and getting some of the views from across the deep canyon is worth the trip.
4- Listen to some live music in Ramallah
Ramallah is known for its cultural scene and large Christian population. It is the home of the Al Kamandjati conservatory as well as other happening cultural centers. Look at the latest issue of This Week in Palestine to find out exactly what is happening when you are there.
5- Eat some Kinafa in Nablus
Nablus is a less visited but charming city north of Ramallah. It has a beautiful old city an is known for making the best Kinafa in Palestine, this cheesy, syrupy crunchy dessert can be a bit overwhelmingly sweet, but it is delicious freshly made accompanied by a glass of water.
6- See the Freedom Theater in Jenin
Famous for its peaceful resistance through artistic expression, the organization and performance center is in Jenin refugee camp and hosts a diverse program of local and international plays in both English and Arabic.
7- Take a dip in the Dead Sea
Drive to Jericho and take a taxi to the public beach, it can be a bit crowded but getting to some of the other beaches can be a bit complicated. Give yourself a good time, and relax, rub some mud on and float on what if predictions are correct might be a disappearing sea.
8- Morning at the Mount of Olives
Take a bus from Herodes gate at the old city in Jerusalem to the top of the mount. Take in the gorgeous view and stroll down and across the valley to the Temple Mount. It is a beautiful way to spend the morning before getting lost in the crowded streets of Jerusalem’s old city.
9- Get some rest at The First Station
The old train station in Jerusalem has been rehabilitated and turned into a happening cultural gathering place, hosting a variety of restaurants, stores, amusement park, and concert scene, this place is a great rest from the hustle and bustle of the West Bank.
10- Visit a Bedouin Village
There is nothing like heading to the desert to experience the Bedouin lifestyle. The Excellence Center can help organize this with other internationals.
Many of these activities can be combined into a weekend trip, as well as day trips or evening excursions. Talk to other volunteers, students or staff at the Excellence Center and coordinate with others. It is always fun to explore these places with locals or other internationals (*but be aware that Jerusalem is difficult to visit for most Palestinians). I hope you enjoy the top 10 Things to Do In Palestine
