From Jerusalem we set off to explore the north of Israel. We began by Tiberias, a small town on the coast of the Sea of Galilee. Well they call it sea but it is actually a huge lake. We were there on a holiday and the city was dominated by Orthodox Jews and we learned that this is their preferred region. There wasn’t much to see there but we had a refreshing swim in the lake and went out for dinner to see the night vibe during holiday. The city was pumping!

Then we went westward and stopped in Nazareth, the origin town of Jesus Christ’s parents. Nazareth is the largest Arab city in Israel, but with 33% of Arab Christians. No wonder the city has churches scattered everywhere. We visited only the Basilica of the Annunciation, the largest church in the Middle East and where the angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would carry the Son of God … Well, if they say so! We strolled through the charming narrow streets of the historic center and took the opportunity to relax in our beautiful hostel, which was in one of the old houses of the little old center.

From Nazareth we did a day trip to visit Akko, a fortified town on the Mediterranean coast with strong history. We visited the ruins that were still well conserved, we walked through the alleys of the city predominantly Arab and learned about the story of the most important Hammam of the city, which was still in use until 1940.

We left by bus to our last destination in Israel, the capital Tel Aviv. Surely it is the most westernized city across the country. The traces of religious differences diminish there, most Jews are super modern and don’t even wear the kipa, we begin to see a large population of black people and the restaurants, bars and cafes already let clear that this is a city with energy. The beach reminded us of Rio de Janeiro and was pumping on Saturday when we spent the day there with 3 Americans (Rachel, Jessica and David) and a French guy.

We did couchsurfing in the house of a sensational Israeli couple, Guy and Avital, and we had a great time with them.

Additionally, we spent a day walking around the city with one of Israel’s most famous singers, Danny Bassan, and ended up doing a tour on a television channel when we went with him to work. A simple guy, with a Brazilian soul and for sure a great company.

Now we are getting ready to change the scenery again. Turkey here we go! Woohoo