Rick Steves, the man responsible for the Europe Through the Back Door book series as well as PBS's Travel the World television series, this time leaves the European continent to explore the Middle East. His attitude is one of curiosity, yet also filled with warmth; his philosophy, "Our neighborhood may be bigger than we think, and travel is a fine way to meet the neighbors." Beginning in Jerusalem, Steves gives a brief introduction to the region, giving attention to the sights important to the three religions who consider it a holy city: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He then explores the food, people, and history of Israel, exploring open-air markets, the Dead Sea, a kibbutz, Yad Vashem, Masada, Tel Aviv, and Akko. He mixes some practical advice with the lush scenery, speaking honestly of the dangers of the region, but also hoping that won't stop you from using some common sense in evaluating whether or not to visit. From Israel, Steves travels to Egypt, where he visits the pyramids of Giza (and he looks delightfully ridiculous riding his camel), modern Cairo, and Luxor. He hops a bike into a rural village and passes a morning at the Valley of the Kings. One of the benefits of travel to Egypt is that the "streets are living museums," and we get an idea of this in the bustling pictures of Cairo. Steves is a terrific tour guide, and this video will feed your dreams of travel. --Jenny Brown
Related
Sections
