hikrchick

I'm going to be in Israel May 11-21, visiting family. I'll mostly be staying in Tel Aviv with cousins but will do an overnight in Jerusalem. I've been several times during the past 25 years (I'm in my early 40s) so I've seen many of the important sites. I bought the latest Fodors book last night so at least I'll have that as a resource. The last time I was there was May 2000, so it's been a long time!

But I do need a little information -- I'm addicted to the Ahava moisturizers, which I get only when my Israeli cousins send it to me. Where is a good place in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem that's got a good price to buy many tubes of the stuff? Is there such a thing like an Israeli CVS or something like that?

Also, I am looking to buy an olive wood cross as a wedding present for my best friend, who is Catholic (I'm not). I either read here or on the Thorn Tree (Lonely Planet) that if you take a cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre a priest will bless it. Has anyone done that? Also, does anyone know where I can buy a pretty cross suitable to hang on a wall? Does the Church have a gift shop? I would rather not buy something in the souk but would rather support the Catholic Church as part of the gift to my friend.

And third and last, does anyone have any good suggestions for a budget hotel/hostel in Jerusalem for one night? Though I'm already 42, I'm still OK with the backpacker hostel thing and don't mind staying in a hostel where i have to share a room. I don't want to spend any more than $100 and it just has to be safe.

Thanks very much.
hikrchick

sandi

Ahava products are sold in many places in the States (assuming that's where you're from). Inquire at major department stores and local health/beauty shops (where I often see this) .

Olive wood stores are all over Jerusalem. I'm not up on blessings!

Eli

Ahava: Every major drugstore chain will carry it. Probably even the duty free cosmetics store at the airport. You can even buy it online: http://www.drugstore.co.il/Mutag.asp...FQ4euwodVFzKBQ

Notice that such staff can be taken on board in your hand luggage in TLV airport - but only if you do not board a connecting flight in Europe or USA - in which event pack it in your checked-in luggage.

As regards Christianity issues: perhaps you'd be able to enquire in the Christian Information Center: http://www.jerusalem.muni.il/jer_sys...860&lang=2

AlexA

The prices on Ahava products at the duty free are OK, but as noted you can't buy the stuff there if you are headed to the US because it is past the point where you can add items to your checked luggage.

In Israel, I often see good prices on the products at the SuperPharm chain. They sometimes have special packages around holidays too that are even better deals. The stores are in sveral of the malls, and main streets in many towns.

But definitely double check prices in the US before you go, too. I've seem some of the products discounted at TJ Maxx!

hikrchick

Thanks for the suggestions. I don't shop very much at home, and I've never seen it other than in expensive stores. I saw it coincidentally in Lord & Taylor this weekend for $17 for the regular size tube of hand creme. No thanks. I'll check out SuperPharm.