Dilemma

[sbagman]

This may be just a thread for me to get some worries off my chest.

My good friend from Israel left Florence today.

He has invited me to Israel, is willing to show me around, and I've never been to that part of the world. For me, it sounds like an opportunity too good to be passed up.

I must admit though, all my travels have been to relatively "safe" places, and the thought of Israel has me a bit worried.

Am I exaggerating the risk, based on media perceptions? Would you go, if you had a good friend there? Finally, does anyone know of any web resources that could give me an idea of the situation there for travellers? The Aus government website warns against travel to Israel, but then again they say Italy is dangerous, which I find a ridiculous judgement.

Cheers,
Sbagman.

 

[MightySaint]

I've been twice. Once during times of big conflict. Place seemed as safe as the American Reserve Bank. What was a bit freaky though is that every citizen has gas marks and other such equipment just in case. Doesn't fill you with confidence.

There are a lot of soldiers around. The main thing is, as long as you stay away from the border towns, you'll have no problems whatsoever. Just to reinforce that, i'm going later this year, so...

As for the place itself, it is quite beautiful and has its own charm. Obviously all the religious and historical attractions are there (Wailing wall, the old city etc), but i would really reccommend you spend time in a kibbutz.

Its a bit hard to describe in greater detail because i'm not sure exactly what you are after (and don't know of any websites), but I had no problems when I was there and similarly all my relatives over there have encountered no trouble (and they live in towns such as Nazareth for example, which are heavily populated with both jews and arabs).

 

[sbagman]

I guess I'm not after a recommendation on what to see (I think I've already worked all that out), just trying to get a handle of the safety issues.

 

[MightySaint]

Originally posted by sbagman
I guess I'm not after a recommendation on what to see (I think I've already worked all that out), just trying to get a handle of the safety issues.

From my experiences and baised point of view, you'll be completely safe. Especially if you stick with your Israeli friend, given that he/she should know what to avoid having lived there. The trouble is when you don't know what you are doing and end up somewhere you don't want to be (can happen ANYWHERE tho). As i've said, i can only speak from what happened when I was there, and at no stage did i feel in any danger whatsoever.

 

[knuckles]

Originally posted by sbagman
I guess I'm not after a recommendation on what to see (I think I've already worked all that out), just trying to get a handle of the safety issues.

Their airport is the best security wise. I only really spent time in Tel Aviv. I would recommend avoiding crowded places, but that contradicts recommending Tel Aviv bars, night clubs and beaches...mmmmmmm...Israeli babes.....mmmmmm.b

You've probably got more chance of being beaten and mugged in Florence than getting whacked in Israel, esp Tel Aviv.

 

[sbagman]

Originally posted by knuckles
Their airport is the best security wise. I only really spent time in Tel Aviv. I would recommend avoiding crowded places, but that contradicts recommending Tel Aviv bars, night clubs and beaches...mmmmmmm...Israeli babes.....mmmmmm.b

Hungary this week... Israel later this month... the competition is on!!!

Originally posted by knuckles

You've probably got more chance of being beaten and mugged in Florence than getting whacked in Israel, esp Tel Aviv.

I wish I was beaten and mugged in Florence.... at least it would be human contact...

Come on... Florence isn't dangerous.

 

[knuckles]

Originally posted by sbagman
Hungary this week... Israel later this month... the competition is on!!!



I wish I was beaten and mugged in Florence.... at least it would be human contact...

Come on... Florence isn't dangerous.

OMG, Hungary.....what a place! There in late 80s...WOW! history, babes, cheap food, babes, culture, babes etc.



I find the closer you get to Naples, in any direction, the more dangerous the city of Italy is. I've never had problems in Florence, but a colleague was stabbed there. I've only been mugged in Naples and beaten up in Rumania (by "officials").

 

[sbagman]

Originally posted by knuckles
I find the closer you get to Naples, in any direction, the more dangerous the city of Italy is. I've never had problems in Florence, but a colleague was stabbed there. I've only been mugged in Naples and beaten up in Rumania (by "officials").

Moh. I've been to Naples several times, never had a problem. Also spent time in Calabria and Sicily. Never had any problems ever in Italy.

Looking forward to Hungary. Going the way of Prague, seems like a good time to see it, before it becomes completely touristed.

Rio and Buenos Aries should be interesting in October this year...