The main attraction in Beit Shean is the Archaeological National Park with the best-preserved ancient ruins in the Middle East.
Israel & Palestinian Territories – Beit Shean
Beit Shean is one of the oldest cities in the country.
It’s also known by names: Scythopolis, Tel Beit Shean, Tel el-Husn, Tel el-Hosn, Beisan, and Nysa.
Israel & Palestinian Territories – Minerals from Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is a very unique sea, unfortunately countries take too much minerals out of the water and it destroys the sea a lot.
Israel & Palestinian Territories – Dead Sea
Dead Sea or Salt Sea is a salty lake between Israel, West Bank and Jordan.
Israel & Palestinian Territories – Red Sea
Red Sea is a narrow strip of water connecting the Gulf of Aden with the Gulf of Suez .
The name comes from the color of the Sea that is sometimes caused by the algae.
Israel & Palestinian Territories – Religion
And today, the last post, where I explain why this month is different from all others on my blog.
Each month, I often mention what’s the dominant religion of a given place, because it’s determine the character of a given country/territory and also helps to undertand why the place is like it is.
This month, I want to avoid this! Of course, I’ll show you many religious buildings, but from the tourist point of view, that’s all.
Israel & Palestinian Territories – Capital and Basic Information
Usually, when I describe a given country, I write what’s the capital and some basic information about the country/place/state. I’m not going to do it this time.
Please, let’s enjoy the interesting places in Israel & Palestinian Territories in general.
I’m aware, it’s like being an ignorant tourist, but in this situation it’s better to keep it this way.
Israel & Palestinian Territories – International Recognition
So in this area, there are countries/states and they are not internationally recognized, i.e., some parts are not even recognized by United Nations.
Israel & Palestinian Territories – Palestine
Palestine is a geographic region.
There is also a territory occupied by Israel called Palestine or the State of Palestine; that includes the West Bank and Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem.
Palestinian Territories or Occupied Palestinian Territories also mean the West Bank and Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem.
And then, in between and around, is Israel.
It’s complicated, let’s leave it like it is,
tomorrow, one more confusing information.
Israel & Palestinian Territories – Name of this Month Series
No, I’m not going to talk about politics as I mentioned yesterday, but only want to explain some of the wordings I decided to use.
I wasn’t sure how to call this month series. It could be “Israel & Occupied Territories”, or “Israel & Occupied Palestinian Territories”. I chose the name “Israel & Palestinian Territories” that sounds to me the most neutral. At the end, my goal is to show you my travel impressions from a given area.
Israel & Palestinian Territories – Introduction
This month, I’ll show you my pictures from the trip to Israel and Palestinian Territories. I want to show you interesting places I’ve visited and don’t want to talk about politics or current situation at all. I know, it may be not fair, but this is way too complicated for the travel blog, and I don’t feel competent enough to write about it.
So please, enjoy all places and pictures and let’s not talk about politics.
Sri Lanka – Final Impression
Today, is the last day of 2019 year and the last day of the month with my travel impressions from Sri Lanka. I have to say, I’ve visited Sri Lanka kind of by accident, but I enjoyed my trip a lot. 🙂
I hope you like my pictures and enjoy traveling with me. 🙂
I wish you a Happy New Year!
Sri Lanka – Atamasthana
Atamasthana are eight sacred places in Sri Lanka.
They are connected with the Buddha’s visit to the island.
The eight places are:
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi,
Ruwanweli Dagaba,
Thuparamaya Dagaba,
Mirisawetiya Dagaba,
Lankarama Dagaba,
Abhayagiri Dagaba,
Lova Maha Paya,
and Jethavanaramaya Dagaba (today’s picture).
They are situated in Anuradhapura.
Sri Lanka – Polonnaruwa
The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa is listed as a World Heritage Site,
and there are many good ruins, I mean reasons, for it. 😉
Sri Lanka – Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa is another must-see place in Sri Lanka,
definitely, it’s one of my favorite sites in the island.
Sri Lanka – Sigiriya Gardens
Sigiriya is interesting from each point of view.
Don’t miss the gardens of Sigiriya!
Sri Lanka – Eighth Wonder of the World – Sigiriya
Sigiriya is one of the most visited and most famous tourist attraction in Sri Lanka.
It’s even called (mostly by locals) as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
While visiting Sigiriya, pay attention to the amazing paintings/frescoes!
Sri Lanka – Sigiriya
Sigiriya (Sinhagiri or a Lion Rock) is an ancient rock palace and fortress.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and absolutely a must-see place in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka – Sri Lankan Elephant
Elephants live in Asia and Africa.
In Sri Lanka, you can relatively find the wild Sri Lankan elephants
or meet them in special sanctuaries.
Sri Lanka – People
Sri Lanka is a highly populated island.
Buddhism is the main religion in Sri Lanka, but based on the people’s clothes and appearance I’d say that Hinduism is the most popular there.