The Social Anthropologist

Tel Aviv, Israel

Latrun

Latrun is a historical sight in in Israel which has significant strategic, biblical and historical significance. Historically it was said that whoever controlled Latrun, controlled the road to Jerusalem. For this reason, the Ayalon Valley, and Latrun specifically, became an important battlefront for Israel’s quest for independence. Today Latrun is renown for its war memorial which is situated in an old British police fortress. Surrounded by a myriad of tanks and armored vehicles  some from World War II, others from 1956, the war of independence in1967 and most interestingly, some Soviet armor from Arab armies captured by the Israeli armed forces. The site also includes an amphitheater where military ceremonies and memorials are held. A visit to Latrun is an interesting excursion to undertake in Israel and brings you first hand knowledge of the types of forces Israel required to defend itself so many times.

Israel

Jerusalem

I have been visiting israel since I was 15. First to study Ulpan for three months (Hebrew school) then to study law for a month, for my sisters wedding, for my brothers wedding, a tour for my now ex boyfriend the list is endless. Not being religious I thought I was actually over Israel and Jerusalem in particular so when my mum said that my step father was taking all 28 members of my family there for Passover I was not jumping for joy. How wrong I was. Seven days later and Jerusalem has never been more exciting and appealing as a tourist.

From the Local market ( Machneh Yehuda) to the four quarters of the old city, visiting the Holy Seplucar , to Yad Vashem,  Jerusalem is a treasure trove of artifacts, steeped in culture and history with the aura of antiquity every where you look.

I was mezmorized and enraptured once again with a city that several times I have called home. If you are thinking of traveling to Jerusalem, now is as good a time as any.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Recommended Restaurants - Lunch

In General the Jordaan has lots of great little traditional Dutch places to grab a traditional Dutch lunch which consists mainly of deep fried things. The best Dutch delicacy are Bitterballen( Peter will love it!) this is a great website that details the area. www.21stcenturyamsterdam.com/ jordaan-guide.html. The Pijp is another great area that has great lunch eateries.

Cafe Proust - Noordermarkt 4 1015 MV Amsterdam, Netherlands - Proust is a typical Dutch cafe. Situated in the middle of the Jordaan and near the Nordermaket it makes fabulous bitterballen which are deep fried balls of potato with meat inside. Dipped in Mustard you have to try them. The Nordermarket is a cheese and fresh produce market open on Saturdays and Sunday and great fun to walk around in and try all the dutch delicacies.

Walem - Keizersgracht 449 1017DK Amsterdam - In 1984, Café-restaurant Walem was one of the first modern establishments in Amsterdam. Since then its special design and unique character have been preserved: in the centre of the ring of canals, a long and spatial Café-restaurant, in the front facade, designed by the architect Rietveld, add to the influence on the friendly interior. The lunch is good, traditional but modern mostly Mediterranean.

De Kas - Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097 DE, Amsterdam  www.restaurantdekas.nl - In 2001, top chef Gert Jan Hageman, who had earned a Michelin star in Dutch haute cuisine, found a new direction for his own career and a new purpose for the old greenhouse that belonged to Amster­dam’s Municipal Nursery.Situated in Frankendael Park, between the Rembrandt Tower and the nineteenth century facades of Water­graafs­meer, De Kas is an oasis. The kitchen uses herbs and vegetables grown in adjacent greenhouses. A 10-course early-spring menu may include smoked halibut with celeriac ravioli and sweet-pea sprouts, grilled veal with Jerusalem artichokes and roasted onion over creamy lentils.