Call-Out to the Middle East Contingent
Steve Manacek ·
September 1, 2010 at 4:28am
My wife and I have to spend a week in Jerusalem this fall for a business conference. If anyone out there in Ricochet-land knows the city and can recommend any good restaurants, sights to see beyond the obvious ones (Temple Mount, Western Wall, Holy Sepulchre), or unique/worthwhile experiences, your tips will be much appreciated.
Also -- any perspectives on how safe the city is (or isn't)? I'm not thinking street crime here, which I suspect is scarce, but rather the random Hamas-launched rocket or suicide bomber. Are the odds of such a thing happening in a given week greater or less than, say, the odds of Peter Robinson voting for a Democrat?
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Aug '10
Re: Call-Out to the Middle East Contingent
What a great perk to be able to spend a week in Jerusalem while on business. We spent time there during Operation cast Lead and would jump at the chance to go again. The city was perfectly safe, even with a war waging less than 75 miles from us. Do be vigilant and keep and mind anything that your sixth sense tells you to.
Among the sights that we enjoyed that might be off the radar, the Tomb of Samuel stands out. It is high on a hill west of Jerusalem and speaks more about Israel than any guidebook can. See from the Dead Sea to the Mediterranean, from Ramala to the Knesset from the terrace atop the mosque. The mosque built on top of the Tomb of Samuel says more than a million dispatches about the perpetual back and forthing that defines this tiny sliver of land. The hilltop of the Tomb of Samuel was also a strategic redoubt for the British in their battle to clear the land of Ottoman troops. Another lesson imparted: how often the sacred and the strategic in Israel are one and the same.
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Re: Call-Out to the Middle East Contingent
That's great that you're coming to town! If you've already got the Old City covered, you should also check out Abu Ghosh, which is a Christian Arab town just outside Jerusalem. I stop there on my way back from Jerusalem for my fixes of rosewater cookies. They also have plenty of restaurants where you can get good old-fashioned Arab food -- little dishes of delicious salads, great hummus, yummy things on skewers, the whole works. I also highly recommend that you and your wife dine at Arcadia, which is my favorite restaurant in Jerusalem. And definitely go for a stroll in the German Colony, which is a charming neighborhood with interesting boutiques. Ein Karem is also a beautiful neighborhood that's worth a look.
I just called my mother-in-law, who has lived in Jerusalem forever, for her advice. She suggests that you take a walk down Sderot Alrov (Alrov Boulevard), which is apparently a gorgeous street lined with shops and restaurants. She also recommends two restaurants: La Guta in the German Colony and Mahane Yehuda. (The latter is also the name of a great open-air market which is also worth a visit.)
Re: Call-Out to the Middle East Contingent
As for safety, there's no way of predicting anything for sure, but you'll be much better protected here than you would be at home from the kind of thing you're worried about. You might witness the remarkable spectacle of people materializing out of thin air to inquire about an unattended car, or you might see the amazingly swift and efficient removal of an unattended briefcase or backpack. (This process is so smooth that even the notoriously impatient Israelis keep their cool during the brief delay.) But try not to worry about any of this. You'll find it's much easier to forget about these things when you're actually here.
Re: Call-Out to the Middle East Contingent
Thanks. We're looking forward to our visit and will do our best to stay alert.
May '10
Re: Call-Out to the Middle East Contingent
The best falafel in J'lem is just down the street from the Central Bus Station. It was 20 years ago, when I was there in school, and it still is, at least as of this past November. Also, the city is full of really good NY style pizza. There is also a group of restaurants associated with a mall called Centre One, also near the bus station, with names generally including Korus. There are both dairy and meat (kosher, so separated) versions in that mall. The steak house was very good and they start you out with an array of appetizers (included) that could have made a meal alone. The steak I had was tender and well prepared and the service very decent. The dairy place has a wonderful onion soup and very nice salads and panini type sandwiches. It's a great place for lunch or a light dinner.
As far as safety, as in any city, there are places to avoid, but overall, I felt fine walking alone most places.