PRACTICAL MATTERS FOR TRAVEL IN ISRAEL

Shalom!  Salam!^[1]

I am delighted that you are making plans to be a part of this trip to the Bible lands.  You will find the experience both enjoyable and enriching in so many ways.  We have carefully planned the itinerary so that you will see the best there is to see in relation to our historic faith in such a short period of time.  And I can guarantee that you will never read the Bible the same way again.

The trip is designed for convenience and comfort too, because we know that in order to get the most out of this trip these practical matters have to be taken care of.  So you will have to trust us when we give you advice on how to do things, where you can and cannot go, or how you must act when we visit certain places.  It is a strange and wonderful part of the world; and not surprisingly there are many religious and cultural customs that you will need to be aware of. 

SAFETY

This is always a major concern for traveling today, anywhere, but especially in the Middle East.  We take every precaution possible to make the experience safe and trouble free.  So far our record is perfect--we have never encountered any difficulty.  This is because when we are in the land we are not permitted to enter places where there is even a hint of trouble; and some of the trouble spots that are always on the news we never visit because there is no reason to go there.  We avoid crowded modern scenes like bars, discos, city buses, and malls--that is not why we are there.  And we make use of every form of security that is available.  We do depend on everyone's cooperation to follow our recommendations and not go wandering off without a word, or go places we do not think it wise to visit, at least right now (on occasion folks will be on the trip who have been before, and remember they went to such and such a place and enjoyed it--all of which may be true, but we will decide if it can be visited or not). 

If as the trip draws near we see things heating up in the land, we will cancel the trip.  We can always cancel at the last moment, but we cannot plan it all out at the last moment. 

DOCUMENTS

As an American citizen, for Israel you need a valid passport, and no other document.  If Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, or other countries were to be visited, we would need a group visa.  But not for Israel. If you do not have a passport, get one right away.   If you have a passport and you visited countries in the past like Syria or Iran, or the Emirates, it would be a good idea to get a new passport without those countries stamps in it.  It is not an insurmountable difficulty, but could delay one at immigration for an hour or so. 

When we visit other countries on different trips, we apply for visas prior to our departure, we apply for a group visa (even though there is a small charge for each of us), and we collect everyone's passport number.  One missing passport number and we cannot get the group visa.  But as I said, if we are only visiting Israel, we only need a passport.

It is a good idea to make a photo copy of your passport, just at Kinkos or Staples, or the like.  When we are in places for a little while, especially Jerusalem, we advise people to put their passport and airline ticket and money into safe storage.  People can lose things; and there are pickpockets about.  I have not had that happen to people on a trip yet, and I don't want to start.  But you can carry your copy of the passport for identification in Jerusalem should it be required.

Keep the itinerary and the list of people on the tour (that you will receive) in your possession, especially when you get ready to check in at the airport to come home.  Security is good, but they will ask you where you have been, with whom, and even ask you to point out folks in the lines you know (so get to know one another).  But if you have the itinerary and list that will make it simpler.

LUGGAGE

Pack your own bags.  You will be asked at security if you packed your own bags.  This will not be as much of a problem going over; it will be more of a concern coming back and going through Israel's security and then ours.  But I mention this just so you will know that they will ask.  Going into the land should not be a major difficulty, although they might single people out to check; but it is like flying into any airport--only you will have your passport checked. After that you just get your bags, perhaps change a little money, and walk through the customs halls.  They could single people out to look through their luggage, but they are used to Bible study groups from the States and know what to look for in other cases.

Just do not put things in your luggage that will cause problems, or that would invite theft.  Nowadays they do not want you to lock your bags, even if checked through. So you do not put cameras, valuables of any kind, or the like in suitcases.  Put things like that in a carry-on bag.  Do not take jewelry and expensive items of clothing or other utensils on the trip at all.  There is no need.  Travel light, be practical, and do not create problems for yourself.

I should mention that Israeli security people are very thorough, very business like, but very nice, often apologizing for having to be so careful.  The Americans could take lessons from them; here they think they have to be stern and cold, even treating citizens like as if they were criminals.  Hopefully they will figure out how to do it before they make too many more people go through such awful experiences.

Travel light.  Let me re-iterate this point. You need to calculate carefully what you want to have, because what you take you will on occasion have to carry.  In most of the places that we stay porters will take the bags to the rooms and back to the bus.  But you still want to travel light since you will have to take the bags through security and customs.  You pack for a couple of weeks on this kind of trip, but you do not have to overdo it.  We will have places along the way that you can do or have done some laundry, which means you do not have to cover two weeks for clothing.  You want to be comfortable and practical, and do not need to make a fashion statement.  When the trip is going in the summer months, like May and June, it will be very warm, and in the desert regions very hot.  Very light clothes.  You can wear shorts in a lot of areas where it is very hot, but you cannot wear them in holy places. You do not have to worry about rain gear, for it won=t rain at that time of the year. 

Carry-on luggage.  Note that many airlines, like British Air and El Al, are very strict on carry-on luggage (unlike in the USA).  You are allowed two carry-on pieces on BA, but they must fit their dimensions (and be able to fit under the seat or in the bin) but neither can weigh more than 6 kilos or 12-13 pounds.  Other airlines are similar, and so that is a good standard to follow.  If you have a large suitcase to take as carry-on, they will not let you do it.    You can still check two suitcases per person, but for a trip like this it would be wise to try to get by with one.

As I said, but want to repeat, anything valuable and necessary you should put in the carry-on bags.  Medications, camera equipment, make-up, some shaving kit perhaps, maybe a couple of items of clothing just in case your suitcase gets lost (not very likely), and a bottle of water (which you can buy at the airport).

Make sure your name and local address is on both the inside and outside of what you check or what you carry.  For Israel, use the name of Shoresh, Christ Church, Jaffa Gate, Old City, Jerusalem.  You will put this on the landing card as well when we are ready to land in Israel (that landing card they will stamp and give back to you; you must keep it in your passport to surrender when you leave the country).

AIR TRAVEL

We usually arrange a group air-fare and block out a number of seats for our trips.  Some prefer to get there on their own (frequent flyer miles, or connect from another place, perhaps coming from Europe).   We find different airlines at times have better prices and arrangements.  El Al, the airline of Israel, is usually very crowded, but flies direct from New York to Israel.  If we take other carriers, there is usually a stopover in a European city and a change of flights to Tel Aviv.  We will give everyone the exact information need for the flights we arrange.

Occasionally people are a little creative.  Some have gone over a day early and used that time to sleep off the flight and be rested for when the tour starts.  Some folks arrange a return flight that stops off in Europe, and gives them a week or so to visit some of these places they might not have seen. These arrangements would have to be worked out well in advance of the group booking.

We will be contacting the group well in advance to see how many wish to be in the group plan for the flight.  Of course, folks are free to arrange their own flights, perhaps if they have frequent flyer miles, or other special benefits.  They would have to be sure to arrive the same basic time the group does to make the beginning of the trip work well.

These are not ordinary trips.  You need to try to sleep on the flight over.  If you have never done an Atlantic crossing, you will discover that it will be morning before you are ready to go to sleep, because flying east you will lose seven hours (from the East coast to Tel Aviv).  The flight will leave in the evening from New York, and arrive in Tel Aviv about 3 the next afternoon (but it will be still morning back in New York).  If you can get three or four hours of sleep on the way over, it will be good, and you will not feel wiped out the first few days.   And once you are over there and feeling jet lag, try not to take a nap in the late afternoon before dinner, or you will be wide awake at 3 in the morning (you may be awake then anyway).  It will take a few days to get your system on to a regular routine in Israel.

The flight back is a long endurance flight.  Normally (unless you do something creative and stop in a European gateway city) the flight leaves Tel Aviv a little after midnight, and arrives in New York about 5 a.m.--but eleven hours later.  A very long night and day.  You will get home probably that same morning, but your body clock will tell you it is already in the evening.  But at least coming back you do not lose time.

CLOTHING

If you go in the winter time, say in January, plan for anything from a balmy and warming day to rainy and cold mountain air.  The temperatures at this time of year will be cool to warm, even hot in the desert.  And if it is sunny and clear it will be very warm on top of some of the archaeological locations.  But the weather can also be sunny and cool, especially in higher regions like Jerusalem.  January is between the rainy seasons, so it should be pleasant, but probably jacket weather, and possibly some rain, occasionally a heavy shower.  On some occasions snow, although I have never been there when it snowed.  I have had good weather for the most part in the first half of January.  So, layers are best.  A jacket that is wind-proof and water-resistant, perhaps with a hood, works well.  You can always leave it on the bus if the day gets warm.  A sweater, or sweatshirts, if cooler.  A hat may be worth taking, something to keep your head warm if it gets chilly, something water proof if it rains.  But for the desert regions a light hat to keep the sun.  Maybe a little fold-up umbrella.

If you go in May and June, as this next trip will, weather will be a totally different issue.  It will be hot and dry, no rain at all.  You do not need a rain coat, heavy coat, umbrella and the like.  You will take light clothes that will be comfortable in heat, especially in the desert.  You may take a sweater or a light jacket for evenings that might be cooler in the higher elevations.  A hat would be wise, I mean a sun hat to keep the heat from beating down on you.  Sun glasses, sun-screen, and the like.  Shorts are fine for parts of the trip, but you cannot wear them in holy places (men or women), so must have other things that will cover arms and legs (or a huge scarf to wrap around you at those moments).  No need to take formal clothing, not even for Church, which is casual.  If you want to take something more dressy, for Church, or for the Seder meal, fine, but keep it light and easy to carry.

Some of these companies now are making shirts and blouses that are absolutely wrinkle free and no-iron.  Would be worth looking into if you wish to have something other than the suit-case look each day.  

Swimwear.  Swimwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen, yes.  Even in the winter time of year when we are down by the Dead Sea the sun can be awfully bright.  A lot of folks will want to swim in the Dead Sea, so we always stop for that. Most people do the Dead Sea, once.  It is quite an experience.  Now if you even think you may decide to do it, come prepared.  You need some canvas shoes, an old slip on pair of lightweight canvas shoe, boat shoe or the like.  Shower clogs are okay but not stable--they slip sideways.  The shore and the bottom of the Dead Sea are rocky and sometimes people have cut their feet on them.  An old pair of tennis shoes, or canvas boat shoes, something light that you can get wet, and even throw away afterwards.  Otherwise, you will walk very, very gingerly to the water.  An extra towel, unless you use theirs for a small fee.  Then of course, a bathing suit.

They have nice facilities for changing, with showers to wash the Dead Sea water off.  You do not have to worry about your hair--you do not put your head under water in this water - by no means!  You wade in, and slowly sit down, and lean back, and read your newspaper.  It is 25% solid.  If you get your head under water, you will remember it - a real sting if you get it in your eyes and ears.

Good walking shoes.  Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes, preferably some that have been broken in.  Do some walking beforehand--and not just on smooth mall pavement.  Walking in the Middle East is often on uneven pavement and stones or dirt in many places C so you have to keep looking down where you step as well as looking all around at what you want to see.  A comfortable shoe that also is water and mud resistant is very good.  Tennis shoes are fine.  In the winter when it rains the ground is muddy; the right shoes will help.  Get out and walk well in advance of the trip so that you are used to it.  And walk in parks, on slopes, along shorelines, over rocks, because you will be doing all of this kind of walking.  And start climbing stairs, lots of stairs, instead of using escalators at malls, to get used to it.  We will always make adjustments in places for easier, shorter walking ways for folks who cannot walk very much, or who cannot keep up; but there still will be a good bit of walking to do in the places we want to go.  In some places, like Jerusalem, there are a lot of steps up and down.  So get in shape if you have been used to driving to the corner drug store.

MEDICATIONS

Prescriptions and cards.  You will want to take any prescriptions you might normally have, and you may wish to take the information on them, including glasses, the name or specifications of what it is you take (just in case you had to replace it over there and they called it something else).  Take your health card and number information, just to have that material at hand.  Israel is a modern, Western soceity in many ways, and so you can get meds and prescriptions and various over the counter things in drug stores--but they may have different brand names and may not know what you are used to using.

Prepare yourself a medicine kit.  This may be less necessary in summer than in winter when people often start the trip with colds, but get some aspirin or tylenol, throat lozenges, contac or the like, sinus pills, stomach pills, immodium, skin lotions--whatever you think might possibly be necessary.  You can also get all these things over there - but not always in the middle of the night, and not if we are down in the desert somewhere.  Include some kind of mosquito or insect repellant for a couple of the places, even in the winter.

Note that motion sickness pills can be handy.  You can buy chewable Dramamine over the counter in the drug store.  Not a bad idea, if you are not used to riding on a bus in the Golan Heights (we try to put those most affected near the front of the bus).  But I have found also that a dramamine or two at take-off is enough to get me to sleep on the overnight flight.

You do not need to get any shots for the trip, unless you feel you would like to in order to be doubly safe.  In Israel the foot and the water is safe.  We still tell people to buy bottled water and use it.  If you eat at some out of the way restaurant on a free day we cannot vouch for what you get; but we will tell you what to avoid.  If someone did get sick, stomach or otherwise, we have access to medical assistance for prescriptions.  But that has been more likely the case in winter than summer, and more in Egypt than Israel.

CAMERA EQUIPMENT

Take your camera and any other equipment you have. You can get everything you need over there, but it is more expensive, and it will take time to go get it.  So get your film here, as much as you think you will need.  I do not know how many pictures you normally take; but it is not unheard of for people on these trips to run through about 20 or more rolls once they see what all is there.  There is so much to take pictures of in this part of the world.  Of course now people have all their digital cameras (I still think the 35 mm takes better pictures); make sure you have extra of whatever batteries and elements that you will need over there.

Batteries.  Take extra batteries for your camera, for we are not always in a place to get them.  But take extra batteries for other things too--like a good little  flashlight, or whatever you have that requires them.  Murphy's Law - your battery will go dead on the first important archaeological site.

If you are really into photography, a good wide angle lens capacity and a flash will definitely come in handy.  Video cameras and digital cameras are great for this, for they can adjust to the darker places and smaller areas nicely. 

If your camera is brand new, take the sales' receipt for it, some proof of purchase.  These items are in high demand in the Middle East; you may have to register them crossing borders to make sure you do not sell them when in the countries.  And when you come home if it looks new the Americans might charge you duty. 

We will tell you what you cannot photograph, but military installations are off-limits (they could seize your camera), and a number of holy places or religious groups.  Some places allow photography but charge for videos.  Some do not allow videos at all.  Be careful about taking pictures of people--a lot of them do not like it, for they think you are making fun of them and their poverty back home.

MONEY

What you will need money for will be basically your lunches, drinks at meals (usually in these countries if you have coke, or wine, or beer at a meal they charge the individual separately), and then whatever you choose for spending on souvenirs and extras.  If you need to do laundry, or have it done, you will need a little for that; usually if we are in one hotel for a couple of nights folks will wash a few things out and leave them to dry.  

Lunch Money.  We always make provision for people to have time for lunch.  They can have a full meal if they wish; most settle for lunch items, like sandwiches and such.  We stop at convenient places where people can find what they want; sometimes we even take a collection and buy things for a picnic.  Prices range from 3-4 dollars for a sandwich and drink, on up to a full meal.  We try to avoid the normal custom - in the Middle East the lunch is the bigger meal, and sometimes the driver will stop at a place that expects us to buy one - we forestall that.  But it is hard to say what lunch will cost, because people eat so differently. A sandwich and a drink, the bare minimum, might run $3-5 per lunch.  Eat heartily at breakfast and dinner. 

And always carry a snack in your bag (an orange, health bar, other less healthy snacks), because sometimes we cannot stop right when your stomach demands.

Tipping.  There is no tipping at most of the places we stay, or rather, you will have already tipped when you paid for the trip.  But there may be some places it will be expected - especially if you go to a restaurant for a meal on your own or with a small group. 

In Israel at the end we like to take a collection for a good driver, or a good guide -  they can make things easy or hard on a trip so we treat them well. As a general rule in Israel we take up a "tip collection" at the end of the tour because while the basic tipping is included in the general price, it  is really nominal (and their times are really tough now).  We recommend that a person contribute about a dollar and a half a day for the driver, and about 2 and a half dollars a day for the guide - if they think they did well.  I stress that this is voluntary; but most people like to put something in because these folks really put themselves out for us, and they might not see another tour all month during these hard times.   Checks or currency (US or Israeli) are accepted.  If someone cannot do it, or does not want to, no problem at all.

But in our hotels, no tipping for porters, restaurant staff, or the like--unless they do something very special for you and you want to give them something.  The basic tips are factored into the trip cost.

Spending Money.   On free days some might want to go to different places like museums that are not listed in the itinerary or other places,  and these will have some admission cost for you.  This involves transportation costs as well, a cab, and so allowance should be made for this.  Entrance fees depend on status - student (with a proper photo ID), child, veteran, senior citizen.  It is hard to estimate how much different folks would spend in this.  We do almost everything anyway, so there would be little left for you to go to on your own or in small groups (most of the main museums are in the tour).  And it is always fascinating to see what people buy.  Some buy nothing; others have to ship boxes home.  But you can plan how much spending money you require.  For a short trip of under two weeks there will not be much need for a lot of extra cash unless you are really into shopping.  We give a day for shopping at the end, and along the way there will be some free time in the afternoons.

Note.  You cannot get these currencies ahead of time.  But in the Airport in Tel Aviv while you are waiting for your bag you could pop over to the exchange (a few feet away) and change about 20 or 30 or so dollars into shekels, in case you want some cash to cover your first few days.  Everyone will accept your dollars in their country -  but they will give you change in shekels or whatever - and probably calculate the change in their head.  Not the best method.  And do not be fooled as they stand their trying to calculate it - they know exactly what they are doing, and will get more of your money.  Best to get some local currency as soon as you enter a country and thus not be desperate.  When we are in a city we will stop at a bank or money changer for people to change money.

You can take travelers checks if you feel safe with them.  I never do, because many places just do not understand them.  And it is not always easy to go to a bank with our schedule.  And banks are time-consuming as you wait in line, need your passport, fill out a form, and get your money.  But suit yourself about travelers checks; if you are carrying a good bit of money, you may wish to get them.  You should take some cash that can be either spent or changed easily. Do not assume it will be easy to get to a bank whenever you want to change money C we will be near them regularly, but not every day.  Often we do a lot of internal borrowing from one another until we can change money.

And then there are the major credit cards - of course they accept them all.  And the ATM machines work well if you wish to draw more cash (which is a fast and easy way to get shekels or other forms of money from your home account).  Some of the stores will even take personal checks C  our local money changer in Jerusalem will, if David Pileggi of Christ Church co-signs. 

There are many nice things to buy over there for souvenirs - diamonds, rubies, emeralds, if you visit the diamond factories!   Hmm.  If that is not exactly what you had in mind, we will show you the other end of the scale. Clergy or those hoping to be clergy like to buy vestments with the Jerusalem cross embroidered on them (if they are not hung up about the crusades), and we will show you a wonderful charity place for that.  Genuine antiquities make nice souvenirs and great conversation pieces, but they are getting rare and more expensive, and if you buy from an illegal source you could have problems  We will guide you there.  But really, almost anything that suits your interest or price, from a T Shirt with a camel on it on up, you will find on sale. Down at the Dead Sea there are all kinds of wonderful cosmetics and skin lotions developed from the minerals.  I doubt though that this is a shopping tour for most of our people - but there is still some shopping people like to do.

Remember a couple of things about your purchases - you have to carry them home, and you may have to pay duty.  The USA allows you $400 duty free - and you do not even have to list what you bought.  But if you spend more than that, you have to itemize all the things you bought and give their price (so you need to keep your receipts at hand).  They may not charge duty on the first $1000, but they could.  Certain items like antiquities are duty free.   Sometimes shipping something home (like a rug or a painting) will get you a reduction because the tax will be deducted.

BOOKS

You do not want to be carrying a lot of books around. I will be taking a few books of interest on the places and the sites that people can use.  But you will probably want your Bible (a light one), perhaps a little notebook, and perhaps some of the notes that we will send out prior to the trip.

You may end up buying some books over there.  There are some good things to be sure.  But check the publishers; if it is published in the States you can get it here, probably cheaper, and you do not have to carry it home.

MISCELLANEOUS

Electrical Adapters.  The Middle East is on a different electrical system.  If your equipment is not adjustable, you will need to get an adapter or two plus the different plugs.  Radio Shack has everything you need.  They make a larger adapter for bigger things - like video camera battery chargers, and a smaller one for things like hair blowers.  Make sure that your equipment is covered.  If your equipment is dual voltage already, then you may just need the proper plugs.  Even with adapters you will find that some electrical items run faster, and excessive use could burn them out.

Computers (mostly for students taking the trip for credit).  This will be up to you if you want to take one or not.  It is probably more trouble than it is worth.  You will have electrical outlets in the rooms, of course, and with proper plugs and adapters you can use it. Many of the places have phones in the rooms, but not email.  Christ Church has an email computer in the reception area that anyone can use to send e-mails.  Any faxes or emails sent to Christ Church Shoresh office itself will be forwarded to you in Israel; others could be sent to the other hotels (you will have a complete list).  For short trips over there I would advise against taking a computer unless you are taking the trip for credit and wish to be entering things daily.  If you do take one, get it insured.  They are not usually covered on household or owners insurance; for a few dollars your insurance would probably add it.

Washcloth and soap.  These countries are getting better, but they are not big on washcloths, soft towels, or decent soap.  If you prefer to have soap that lathers, or a towel that is large and soft, or a wash cloth, take them.  But if it means an extra suitcase, you may think twice about "roughing" it. 

Ziplock bags.  These can be very handy for wet washcloths or other small cosmetic items.

Drinking-water bottle.  Some people like to buy these fancy water containers  - I personally think they are unnecessary.  But if you want one around your waste at the ready, fine.  We can buy bottles of water wherever we go, and usually it works well enough to refill them in the hotels (in places).  Food and water are safe in Israel (with our directions), but in the other places we must buy sealed, bottled water; and it is wise to avoid things like tossed salads, watermelon, etc.  The point is to have water with you everywhere.  Even on the flight over to keep from getting dehydrated get a bottle of water and drink regularly.  The point about dehydration is that when you get really thirsty it may be too late.   And if you take anything to help you sleep, you may need to drink more water because those things dry you out.

Fanny Packs.  Some people think that by buying one of these pouches and keeping it around their waist their money and passport are safe.  That is a little like dangling the red flag in front of the bull.  In the old city of Jerusalem we will have to be alert for pick-pockets, kids.  And they are clever.  They can get into these packs without your knowing it.  So whatever system you use, do not assume that is all you need.  We will be reminding you of cautions regularly.  Fortunately, no one yet on one of my trips has had this unfortunate experience.   

Personal items.  If you have your own specialty snacks, food supplements, or gadgets, of course you can always take some along.  We have plenty of opportunity to buy what we want over there, and so these things are not really necessary.  We make frequent stops; and we will always tell folks how long before we eat or stop, to give them a chance to buy something if they like.  Along the way you may want to have a snack (a piece of fruit, a power bar, cookies, whatever) in your bag, because while we stop regularly for times to eat, we cannot always do it right on the hour, and besides, your systems will be off a bit.

Flashlight.  A little light will come in handy, for night, as well as for inside some places we will go (tunnels and water shafts).

Field Glasses.  If you have a small pair of binoculars or opera glasses that are not too heavy you might want to bring them along.  There are places that they could be very handy, like trying to spot an ibex on the cliffs.

An extension cord.  You may find in your room that the plug is on one side of the room and your dressing mirror on the other.  A little extension cord could make things easier.

An alarm clock.  There will be times when you will need help getting up to be at breakfast on time, or on the bus on time.  Wake-up calls do not always work.

WHAT NOT TO BRING AND WHAT NOT TO DO

You do not need jewelry other than a basic ring or watch.  Leave other valuables safely at home.  Your credit cards are also best left home, except for the one or two you might use.  You cannot use your gas cards and store cards over there. You really do not need your drivers license unless you plan to rent a car and drive; the passport is enough identification.  But if you are just used to keeping your drivers license, fine.  All we are saying is take as little as you need - in the event that you lost a wallet, or were picked, there would be less lost.

Do not bring too many clothes.  Bring enough to be comfortable.  But you do not need to make a fashion statement.  Even for church.  You can dress up if you like, but you can also go as you are.  Suits and dresses are not necessary for church.  I suppose over the time there will be occasions you might want to look less earthy, or perhaps just  dress up a bit more to recall the feeling.  So bring what you like.  But again, be practical.  Better to travel light and easy than try to have a proper wardrobe along.

When the weather is hot, you may want to wear shorts (not usually in the winter).  We will let you know when we are going to Moslem or Christian places that do not allow such revealing attire.  Women sometimes put a large scarf in their bag and just wrap it around them when visiting such places.  Men can too - it would look okay in the Middle East.

Modesty.  In the United States we have gotten awfully casual about how we dress in public.  We have to be more careful in the Middle East.  This is particularly true for women. People in that part of the world already think American women are loose.  And if you choose to wear shorts, or tops without sleeves, they will respond very unfavorably, either by sharp criticism, or unwanted attention.  In very hot areas like the desert or on archaeological tells, no one will say much; but if you go around cities or shops and your knees and shoulders are bare, it will be considered very immodest.  And you will not get into Islamic, Greek Orthodox or Christian places with shorts - men or women.  We will try to remind people each day where we will be going and what is acceptable clothing.  But you should always check the night before.

Women would be advised to wear a wedding band (even if not married). Some young men in these countries think they are irresistible, especially if they think the woman is single (and dresses immodestly).   A wedding band holds them in check. 

And by no means flirt.  Americans tend to be very casual and friendly; that can be misread in some places.  Watch how the women of these countries act in public and you will get an idea of what I am talking about.  American women may chat up a storm in the States with total strangers - don't do it over there.  Be friendly; but be modest.

Cultural sensitivity.  Another thing you need to remember concerns cultural differences.  You want to be very careful not to offend people in their lands.  Americans tend to be overbearing and demanding; and they tend to make jokes about everything.  These people take their religion, their country, their heroes, very seriously.  They may not understand your clever jokes about their city, and they certainly do not want to hear how much better everything is in the United States.   It is best to be polite and gracious, even if they seem to get excited and impatient.  Ask them about their city or their country or their children (but men, do not ask them about their wives).  One of the best things you can say to one of them is "I need your help," or "How do you say this in your language?" - instead of immediately asking "Do you speak English?"  Israelis are, of course, different.  Many of them are like folks in New York, and won't speak to you unless they have to.  And the ultra Orthodox probably won't speak to you at all, certainly not in Hebrew.  Arabs will be much friendlier, but be ready for the tough questions--"Why do you Americans hate us?"

Also remember that we may have to adjust how we do things in these lands. We  are Christians, and they know that.  But in Moslem countries they are not that interested in where the Israelites were on their travels, or that the Israelites defeated the Syrians or the Egyptians in antiquity - or recently.  Moslem holy places will not permit Bibles to be opened (just as we would not be happy with a group touring our churches and focusing on the Koran).  We will have Christian guides for the most part, but remember that they are proud of their homes as well.    

The Arabs actually like American people, even though they hate America as a system (decadence, capitalism, interference in their world, anti-Arab positions).  Many of them have family living in the States, or who have studied over here.  What they do not understand is why Americans do not like them, and why Americans like the Israelis.  They do not comprehend how easy it is to understand someone who thinks western as opposed to eastern.  If you do not buy something in their shop, they suspect you are waiting to get to an Israeli shop, so occasionally you have to be diplomatic.  We will give you a crash course on the political and religious history and distinctive ideas so that you perhaps will not make too many mistakes.  I think if you just keep your mind on what you are doing and saying, you will be fine.  But in your efforts to be a friendly American, do not make arrangements to go to their houses for meals or to meet their families, not without checking with us first.  This could be a problem when you try to leave the country and the Israelis want to know where you have been.

Finally, we will be with each other for a number of days, and so we need to work together and help each other.  This usually is not a problem; everyone usually has a wonderful time getting to know the others on the trip.  Where we have had some conflict in the past among members of the group is over religious matters, such as how we do communion or how we baptize.  I try to have each minister on the trip conduct holy communion somewhere, and I like to get as many people involved in the services and discussions as possible.  If you find something intolerable to your convictions, then simply observe and do not participate rather than make an issue out of it on this trip.  Likewise, we will visit some churches and religious organizations that will be very different; here too you should try to understand what they are doing and learn from it.  Certainly ask questions, but in an appropriate way.  There will be a number of things that you will not agree with; this will give us all a chance to focus on things that we do agree about.  But as I said, this is not usually a major problem apart from religious practices and convictions.