Unimpossible Life: Exclusive! Interview with Wanda

My mother-in-law recently completed a 2 1/2 week visit to Palestine. Near the end of her trip, I asked her 10 questions about her travels, her recommendations for other travelers to Palestine, and what she learned during her time here. After conducting the interview, we spent a day in Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee--a few photos from that tour are included after the interview.

Q: Tell us about your time in Palestine:

Oh—my…I’ve done some great things. The most exciting part was locating my daughter at the airport and seeing her healthy and well (and seeing Mark healthy and well). Otherwise, we’ve walked around Ramallah; I’ve gotten plenty of exercise. I went out with them to play street hockey and even picked up a stick to hit a few balls with my daughter.

Outside of Ramallah, we've gone to Jerusalem, Jericho and the Dead Sea, and Bethlehem. In each of the cities we’ve toured the various sites. In Bethlehem, for example, we went to Solomon’s Pools and Shepherd’s fields—which was very nice. All of the trips have been awesome.

Via Dolorosa in Old Jerusalem

Sycamore Tree of Biblical significance in Jericho

Bethlehem (near the Church of the Nativity)

Birthplace of Jesus (Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem)

We’ve gone through check-points.

Qalandia checkpoint seen through the window of a minibus

The first weekend we went to visit a friend of my daughter’s who is the director of the Ramallah Museum. He gave us a walking tour of Beit Reema and he showed us his new home that is under construction. We had a wonderful dinner with his family and even helped his family celebrate his daughter’s ninth birthday.

Beit Reema

Last night, we heard a very unique and creative band that made music with all types of appliances and children’s learning devices.

And I learned a new card game—two-handed euchre.

Q: What surprised you most about Palestine?

One thing was a wonderful welcoming surprise—the appearance of safety. I call it an "appearance of safety" because it is an outward appearance…things seem to be safer than what I had imagined. However, these guys are all walking around with weapons for a reason. And things have happened in the news since I’ve been here. I’ve heard sounds like gunfire at different times, but nobody else pays attention to it.

I was also surprised by how truly cosmopolitan Ramallah is.

Q: Have you felt safe traveling around Palestine?

Yes, I have.

Q: Did you eat any new foods while in Palestine?

Oh yes. I’ve eaten something called “ful.” I’ve eaten something called “shwarma.” And a few other new dishes. At the birthday party in Beit Reema, we had special cake that the mother made, and we also ate some ‘sugared water balls’ while there, too.

Enjoying falafel in Old Jerusalem

Homemade birthday cake called "Lebanon nights"

One thing that I enjoyed the most were the grape leaves.

Q: What would you recommend a visitor do in Palestine?

First of all, I recommend that if a visitor has an interest to see the Biblical historical sites, the visitor should fully grasp the meaning of the area or what they’re looking at—they should do some research to understand the biblical history.

Also, visitors should enjoy the people…enjoy the scenery. Come with a nice camera. Bring something with video to capture the sights. What’s most exhilarating are the beautiful panoramic views.

Go to the Dead Sea—that’s what I enjoyed to most…especially the view. I could see Jordan.

The Dead Sea (with Jordan in the background)

Learn a little Arabic—at least the general greetings, thank you, how much, pleasure to meet you…

Q: What would you advise against?

I advise against being fearful and close minded.

Q: What about your trip will you still talk about one year from now?

My daughter and Mark and their beautiful home and being such gracious hosts. And the egg breakfast that my daughter cooked.

Q: What are some things you’ve learned while in Palestine?

The one thing I’ve learned is how Americans have a lot of opportunities and freedom which unfortunately is not afforded to everybody in the world. And sadly most Americans do not make the most of it.

I also learned that there is an abundance of multiple histories in this region. I was aware of it to a certain extent, but I saw the strong influence of it with the Biblical (Christian) history, the Muslim, and the Jewish sites. I also saw the strong investment and support that other countries have put in to preserve some of these sites.

Q: Are you taking back any souvenirs?

Yes. A few simple mother-of-pearl items—some of the areas are known for mother-of-pearl. A few simple handcrafted items made of olive wood—mostly bells because I like and collect bells. Some Arabic coffee that has to be prepared in a special way (2-3 teaspoons boiled in a small pot for about 5 minutes) for a friend; and some spices—one special type of spice called Za’atar, which is a blend with thyme, coriander, sumac, and sesame seeds. And some scarves.

Q: Anything you wish you had done that you don’t have time for?

I had read that this area was known for the baths and spas…so I wish I had found a good one and taken a day to relax at one of those. Perhaps a Turkish bath. It was not a high priority, but it was something I wanted to do and will do on another trip. I would also like to see Tel Aviv.

Additional photos from Wanda's trip: