And the adventure begins!!
This morning, I said goodbye to my family and left on a plane headed for Italy and Israel for the next 10 days. I’m so honored to get to spend this time learning, experiencing, and soaking up the richness of story — God’s story — woven throughout history with the wonderful folks from The Museum of the Bible.
As you know, it’s my Year of Rest, which means I’m saying “no” to almost all opportunities, but this was one that Jesse especially felt strongly I should say “yes” to. So even though it’s a really long time for me to be gone from my family, we both felt that it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I couldn’t turn down.
I’ve never been to Europe or Asia before, so I’m really stoked to get to go to two new continents! And I can wait to “bring you all along” and share pictures and a little peek into what I’m experiencing and learning.
I’m going to be posting daily updates on Instagram (click here to follow me there, if you’re not already) and I plan to post a few updates here on the blog about my trip, as well as possibly Periscope a few times, too (if I can get strong enough wifi!)
In case you’re wondering, my team will be running the blog like normal with deals, etc. while I’m gone. I also have some posts pre-written on various topics that we’ll be sharing, in addition to some updates from my trip!
So even though I won’t be around here as much in the comments — except for once or twice a day when I’m able to get online — you can still expect to all the usual great posts and deals and guest posts here and on social media!
Have you ever been to Italy or Israel? Any must-see attractions or things you would recommend I make a priority if I have free time while I’m there?
P.S. I was SUPER pumped that I managed to pack for 10 days in a carry-on. I’ll have to do a post on that, if it works out and isn’t a flop. (As in, if I don’t royally wish I had packed a lot more things!)
P.P.S. I’ve been reading the book, Presence, on the plane and so far, it’s SO good! Have you read it?
So pleased for you Crystal. Looking forward to what you will share from your experiences. We’ve been around a lot of the world, but never to Italy or Israel although it is on our ‘list.’
God grant you rest, renewal, revitalization, and safety.
And the book looks like it has some very worthwhile material. Haven’t read it but just might have to do so. 🙂
How exciting! I can’t wait to see your pictures and read your posts about the trip! Take lots of pictures!!!!!!!
Me, too! I’m so looking forward to read your posts and see the pictures!
Have a blessed trip! I do have a question the clothes I could probably do for 10 days but what about tolietries? Can you pack enough of those for 10 days & especially things like razors that are supposed to be checked? Just checking because we have flown once & did it w/out checking any baggage but bought some stuff when we arrived at a store but I know that is not always avaible. wanting to know for future reference 🙂
Razors do not need to be checked so long as they are disposable razors. You can fly with 3 oz. bottles of liquids, so I just make sure all my liquids are that size. You can bring multiples of the same item in that size, if need be.
wow I didnt know that disposable razors didnt have to be checked!!!!!!!! you just made my next flight so much better. I will also bring extra liquids that way. thank you thank you 🙂
You’re so welcome! I rarely check bags so I’ve learned lots of tips and tricks as a result.
I pray that you have safe travels! While in Jerusalem, you should try to go to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. It contains the holiest site in Christianity–the empty tomb of Christ. It is also one of the oldest churches in the world, dating back before the fourth century. Though you won’t be there on Pascha (Easter), every Easter holy fire descends on the church in honor of Christ’s resurrection. It is one of the most documented and holy miracles.
Venice! Siena! Everthing!
We are heading to Italy as a family next month so I’m looking forward to following your journey! Safe travels!
Israel-an absolutely wonderful experience, walking in the footsteps of our faith. It was life changing. You will never be the same. We are planning on going again. I felt very safe there. All faiths take care of the pilgrims as it is their livelihood. It was wonderful to see all faiths working together.
Ain Karem, the Mount of Olives and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre were awe inspiring.
I’m actually Israeli (moved to the US a few years ago..), I love Israel, it’s such a diverse country. You have the sea with the beautiful beaches, mountains and streams up north, the desert in the south and Jerusalem in the middle.
My ‘local’ suggestions would be to wonder around Tel Aviv (Rothschild street, Nachlat Benyamin and The Carmel market, the beach), go to old Jaffa (one of the best hummus places in Israel – Ali Karavan in Jaffa) and the old port. It’s also a great time for hiking up north. The desert is also very interesting (Mizpe Ramon, Timna park). In Jerusalem visit the Israel Museum.
It’s also Purim holiday in the end of the month, so be sure to try some hamentashen cookies 🙂
Have fun!
We went to Italy and used the suggested packing guides from Rick Steve’s site, “Europe Through the Back Door”. Basically layers, interchangeable and hand washable-quick dry, with a few accessories to dress up or down. Comfortable shoes, (leather so you won’t look as much like a tourist), hidden waist bag to go under your clothes for money and passport. There are a lot of pickpockets.
We also packed a couple stretchy clotheslines to dry our hand washed stuff on in the places we stayed. We had a 12 pound per person limit on our carry on backpacks, so tried to keep it light. We had more than enough clothes. You may need to pack more warmly as we traveled in May.
We ate this wonderful pizza in Rome. It had anchovies and squash blossoms on it. Pizza is a bit different than we have here. Each of the ingredients are more distinctly flavored.
Many speak English in the big cities but attempting to speak Italian is appreciated. So “per piacere”, “grazie a lei” and “scuzi” go a long way. We also used “Mi sono perso” (I am lost). “Dove’ il gabinetto?” (Where is the bathroom?) and “Dove’ il… (Where is…)” quite a bit.
Watch for the little old ladies to guide you when crossing streets. They know when it’s safe. The Vespa drivers are nuts and seem to come out of no where.
I’m not sure what your tour will include. A friend guided us one day through the city. We went to the Castel Sant’Angelo where Protestants were imprisoned, (you can see one of the rooms as you go up the stars on your right), and where the Pope hid from invaders (his rooms are upstairs), pretty posh and unexpectedly worldly. He had direct access from the Vatican by a protected bridge. We saw where Protestants were burnt and the bridge over the Tiber where some were hung. The Appian Way, you can see the worn spots from chariot wheels in the cobblestones and walk where Paul walked. We threw coins into the Trevi Fountain and hope to return. Amazing to realize it’s aqueduct powered. The catacombs are worth visiting too. That tour was part of the admission, so had a more general tone to it.
If you go to Florence, there is this awesome gelati place just along the river down from the Ponte Vecchio. We think it’s the side of the river with the train station. The Straw Market (don’t be afraid to dicker). The Uffizi. Very sassy pigeons frequent the outdoor cafe there. This great expat book store, can’t remember it’s name. We weren’t in Florence long so didn’t see much, but it is a beautifully designed city.
I’ve been to Italy! Definitely eat gelato, any pasta dish, and pizza. All are so delicious! If you’re going near Perugia, take time to visit. Also, Vatican City in Rome is really cool. Michelangelo’s painting is there in the Sistine Chapel. And don’t forget to bring back some olive oil! Ya can’t beat olive oil from Italy. Also, tipping at restaurants is different than here. I just remember being told by our guide that it is not expected of you to tip the waiter and if you do tip them, it’s a lot less than what you would tip someone here. Have a great trip!
So very excited for you!
I love Italy. The food will change your life…as in American Italian will never again cut it. We used to travel for 2 weeks at a time with just carry on size bags for each of us. Our baby got one packing cube in a backpack. It can be done! 🙂 Have a blast!
So far, I’ve actually been pretty unimpressed with the food. It’s good, but I think that good American Italian food is better. 🙂
The gelato is super yummy, though. 🙂
Be careful. My boss brings tours to Israel. There are local people who will board the tour buses with machine guns. After I heard, I decided not to go on a tour with him… especially as a woman.
Stay with the group!
You should definitely try the different food in Israel. I suggest falafel on pita and halivah (chocolate). Places to go would be Masada, Western Wall, Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum) and of course Old City of Jerusalem.
Yes the traditional Arabic food like falafel and halivah(sweets made from sesame seeds) and shawarma are great.
Have a wonderful trip! Looking forward to your updates and reflections on the experience.
I’ve been to both Italy and Israel. You are going to love it! Truly a once in a lifetime experience. Although squeezing them both into 10 days will be a challenge, I agree that you had to take the chance!
Our favorites in Italy were Venice (even if only for a couple hours!), Rome (so much church history) and Orvieto (a hill town in Umbria with a gorgeous church). We also did Milan, Florence, Pisa, and Padua. We did all these in 10 days and it was a whirlwind.
I was in Israel for 3 weeks and went top to bottom and west to east. Highlights are definitely Jerusalem/Mount of Olives, the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee.
How exciting! I’m looking forward to seeing pictures! I’ve always wanted to go to Italy so I’m going to love reading about your adventures.
Our trip to Israel changed our lives forever. Scripture is so much more realistic.
Good luck and have fun on your trip! Try the local food – you won’t regret it! In my experience, that’s the best part of any trip.
Love that book. I’m fascinated with her research. Love her Ted talk. I’ve sent that talk to many loved ones before an important event in their lives. Interesting, inspiring, & helpful. 🙂
In Rome stay away from tourists’traps when eating: look for the restaurants where locals go. It’s the secret to a good lunch! Have a nice trip!
Hugs from Milan.
I had the privilege of going to Israel/Palestine this past summer. Everything was amazing – some favorites were the Sea of Galilee, En Gedi, Masada, Jerusalem, Bethlehem…
If you have time, stop in the Shorashim Biblical Shop in the Old City of Jerusalem. The owners are Messianic Jews and are amazing brothers to talk with. They have wonderful souvenirs as well! Visit the tunnels underneath the Western Wall of the Temple Mount – fascinating!
Crystal while in Italy. Make sure to stop by Tuscany. If you can stay inborgo dlla meliana. Awesome place to stay. You can definitively relax there. If you are in Rome the coliseum. The Parthenon are a must the same with the Vatican. You would love the Sistine chapel!! Oh. How much I wish to be there with you!!!!
You MUST eat falafel (with all the fixins), pita, hummus and olives in Israel! You will probably see a lot of sights, so make sure to take pictures of the name of the places you go (just the signs at the entrance) before taking pictures there (you think you’ll remember, but you won’t!) Swim in the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, if you can (if your hotel is on the Sea of Galilee, it will have water access). Being baptized in the Jordan (even a 2nd baptism) is amazing! You’ll love it – it’s incredible.
As far as Italy goes, eat some good pasta and gelato. Enjoy it – the atmosphere is very laid back, and there are ruins everywhere! Surreal!
Yes, you are SO right on the ruins and the laid back atmosphere!
I’m so thrilled for you to be on this adventure, Crystal! I’m praying for you to have an amazing time full of growth and incredible experiences that will become cherished memories. Blessings to you as you travel!
A MUST SEE in Italy is Venice! Loved it!!! And also Capri is gorgeous. I did a “tour of Italy” when I was in high school and we visited Florence, Rome, Venice, Capri, Pisa (I missed that one because the bus left me behind! :(), Verona, Milan, and Naples in 10 days. It was a whirlwind, but lots of fun! Italians are so friendly – be prepared to get kissed a lot. 🙂
I haven’t heard of that book, but I just recently heard of that topic. I listened to a podcast recently that played a clip of an interview between Lewis Howes and Vanessa Van Edwards. She talked extensively on the science behind using your body position to build confidence and boost your ability to make a good first impression. I will have to check out this book!
Your trip sounds amazing! I love traveling abroad and have had the privilege of doing it while serving on missions teams. We went to Romania 6 years ago and Haiti last year. I know you will have a fabulous time!
Can you email me the podcast info please? I spoke with a young lady about that yesterday. I’d love to know more
[email protected]
Thanks
Denise
wow! First of all, safe trip and have a wonderful time, then come back with more wonderful story!! God bless you.
So awesome! I had the privilege of going to Israel, Greece and Italy 2 years ago. It gave me so much perspective in my Bible reading. I’m so happy for you!!
So fun. 🙂 Just eat lots of gelato in Italy. I think we got it at least twice a day. 🙂
I can’t speak to Italy or Israel specifically since my traveling has been done in East Asia, but to me a “must do” is the local food! Especially the back alley stuff. You can double check with your guide about food safety but I can’t imagine it being a big deal in those two countries. Go wander around for some family owned restaurants, cafes, and street food. It’s a great way to get a feel for the people and how they live (and to try some great food!)
The Friends of Zion Museum just opened last year in Jerusalem. It is free…I am looking forward to visiting it myself someday. Praying for a safe and good trip!