traveling in Israel
 

how can i get from city to city without taking a bus or breaking the bank with a taxi? Also, i'm nervous about finding a safe place to eat. I'll be in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa. Any suggestions?

Go with a group or get yourself a well educated tour guide who knows what hes doing. He or she will know what roads to avoid. As far as resturants go, who knows? You just have to hope you're not at the wrong place at the wrong time.

there is no way to feel completely safe now. i live here and ask myself those questions everyday. if you absoulotely have to came now, Mary answers will give you some reasurance. better of course, go somewhere safer and visit us when the situation changes.

Mari, there is a train from Jerusalem going north - Tel Aviv, Haifa, etc. I remember we were leaving between 2 and 3 pm. The area is safe, soldiers patrolling the station and the train. They sell snacks off a moving cart. The seats are soft and comfortable. Very few locals know about the train - the hotel's front desk tried to convince me this train doesn't exist! But she called the number I gave her, and confirmed the time for me. This was the only place the employee in the office did not speak English nor Russian!! You buy a ticket on the train. Search the web, as I did not keep any info on it, I took this train in 1998. I don't know if the USA dollars are accepted on the train as I had shekalim. <BR><BR>Mari, most of hotels offer a buffet breakfast - it's like a USA lunch, so much food! If you're nervous about safety in a restaurant there are so many places to go! <BR>

The best way is by the direct buses and not expensive. In these cities there is no problem of food there are all the types of restaurants.

Mari<BR>There is a train running between Tel Aviv & Haifa. I think the one to Jerusalem doesn't work (in any case, nobody takes the train to Jerusalem as it is twice the time. There are busses to Jerusalem from the central bus station or from the Arlozerove train station.<BR>If you do come, you mustn't think about safe/not safe places, as nobody can tell...<BR>We just go on with daily life and hope for the best.<BR>I hope you will enjoy your trip!<BR>Meira