These two legends, a huge part of one of the all-time great bands, will be performing at the Raanana Amphitheater on June 23, which is just outside Tel Aviv. Manzarek and Krieger were here last year and have returned to give their huge fan base in Israel something to smile about. They might be getting on a bit, but class is always class…

Tickets are now on sale for 199 shekels, for more details call 03-5107070.

These guys perform The Doors and a little bit more of The Doors…so if you still need reminding of just what The Doors were all about and that a 70-year old guitarist can still rock with the Gods…and is that Jimbo singing???

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Old City interests many people for many different reasons. But with so many amazing sites within the walls of the Old City, including the Western “Wailing” Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Dome of the Rock, whatever you’re looking for you’re bound to find something that will not only interest you, but may well knock your socks off!

Take it from us, we’ve been to the Old City a number of times, and the adrenalin rush upon entering Jaffa Gate and the seemingly never-ending twists and turns of the alleys and side streets always leave us wanting to stay longer…

Old City, Jerusalem (taken from the Tower of David)

A quick Old City history lesson

The Old City might be less than 1 kilometer squared, but this amazing walled city was actually the whole of Jerusalem until 1860, when the first neighborhood beyond the walls was built. Hard to believe today when you look at the size of the modern city of Jerusalem…

The core of the Old City of Jerusalem has a history that is believed to go back more than 3,000 years, while the great walls that encase the Old City were first built in 1538 by Suileman the Magnificent. Up until 1948 and the Israeli War of Independence, Jews could live here, but following the war they were evicted as Jordan occupied the area. It wasn’t until after the Six Day War in 1967 that Jews could once again live and work in the Old City.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the Old City of Jerusalem is one of the most fought over cities ever  in human history.

The Four Quarters of the Old City, Jerusalem

The Old City of Jerusalem is divided in many ways politically, but there are four different quarters that divide the city culturally, religiously and even historically:

• The Christian Quarter
• The Jewish Quarter
• The Muslim Quarter
• The Armenian Quarter

Each of the four quarters is unique in its own way, providing a sense of history along with its own religious beliefs.  There are many different areas to visit, it’s just a matter of knowing whether you want to just visit the main historical sites or if you’re keen to delve further and explore the nooks and crannies of each of the different quarters…

The Christian Quarter

The Christian Quarter of the Old City is probably the first most tourists come across, as many tourists head into the Old City from Jaffa Gate, which is the closest entrance point for many staying in Jerusalem hotels.  Also just inside Jaffa Gate is the majestic Tower of David, a highly recommended stopover (officially part of the Armenian Quarter, see below).

After heading down David Street, one of the Old City’s main market streets, head left down HaNotsrim for the Church of St. John The Baptist, a popular starting point for Christian tourists. Then continue down HaNotsrim and take a right down Saint Helena. On your left is the amazing Church of the Sepulcher (read our full guide to this amazing site here), the site where it is believed Jesus was crucified and then buried.

There are a number of different Christian groups that keep and maintain the Christian Quarter. But there are arguments about who really should be taking care of what portion of the Quarter, which shows the squabbling is no different than anywhere else around the world.

The Jewish Quarter

For those who want to see what the Jewish day to day life in the Old City is like, then walking through the Jewish Quarter will do the job. The immediate impression you’ll get is it’s a lot quieter and cleaner than other parts of the Old City. You will see people walking about, but many of the small streets aren’t really for visiting.

The Western Wall, known as HaKotel in Hebrew, is the place to really take in more about the Jewish faith (read more about the ultimate site in the Old City here). This monumental wall is where you can leave prayers between the cracks, and is amazingly powerful and intense. Be aware that there are separate sections for men and women.  The Cardo, an excavated and partially reconstructed section of the Jerusalem main thoroughfare in the Byzantine era, is another part of the Jewish Quarter that can provide you with an insight into the history of the Old City.

The Jewish Quarter gives you a real glimpse into the heart of Jewish life in the Old City.

The Muslim Quarter

The Muslim Quarter is similar to the Jewish Quarter in that it has narrow alleys, but the streets are a lot busier. There’s definitely a sense of activity and a busy market atmosphere in many of the streets.

One of the sites that Muslims will head for is the Dome of the Rock, which is part of the Noble Sanctuary, home to the Foundation Stone which is sacred to Muslims, Jews, and Christians (but non-Muslims are prohibited from entering this area during Fridays and prayer times).  This is where Muslims believe that Muhammad ascended into Heaven, accompanied by Gabriel. Another important site is the Monastery of the Flagellation, where it has been said that Christ was flogged by the Roman soldiers prior to His crucifixion and is the first point on the famous Via Dolorosa, the first of the 14 Stations of the Cross.

The Muslim Quarter happens to be the largest of the four quarters. You might also be surprised to know, considering the ever-present tensions in the area, that there are Jewish families that reside in this quarter.

The Armenian Quarter

The Armenian Quarter is the smallest of all the quarters. It has more of an ancient feel to it because of its compact size and number of people who are part of this quarter, and it runs itself like a city within a city.

The standout site to see is the amazing Citadel, known as the Tower of David. This is one of our favorite spots in the Old City, and well worth checking out (read our full guide here – and you might want to check out the impressive Night Spectacular Show too!). There is also the Armenian Museum and St. James Cathedral (one of the most beautiful of all the sacred old buildings in the Old City), two sites of interest for many Old City visitors.

Map of the Old City, Jerusalem

The death of romance…or is it simply evolving?

In a city as technologically savvy as Tel Aviv, we are unable to escape the constant buzz of email alerts, the vibrations of ‘silent’ phone rings, and the annoyingly familiar SMS beep that sounds like a dying robotic bird.

Smartphones. All the kids have them these days. In a paradoxically fascinating way they run around town in vintage outfits, paying homage to the Tel Aviv of days gone by – yet they are followed by these beeps and tweets wherever they go – an inherent need to stay connected to other people…just not physically.

So where does romance and sex fit into this communication revolution? Is it possible to feel the same stomach butterflies or even an actual orgasm without needing to see the person in the flesh? And what about misinterpretations, false assumptions and the potential embarrassment that can arise from such technology? As we are only at the beginning of the ‘new wave’ of loving in Tel Aviv, I am afraid I don’t have any concrete answers. Nonetheless, it is fun to see how hearts are built and broken through the press of a button.

Indeed, our vocabulary is now shaped by the very icons and apps we use to make life easier. There is no denying that this extends to our love life as well. “May I have this dance?” has been replaced by a one worded SMS of “?ערה” (are you awake?), a flirtatious glance from across the room has become a “like” from across the web. Gone are the days where we needed to rely on good looks and good conversation to impress someone – we simply need to update our Facebook profile and tag ourselves in a fashionable location and the groundwork is done!

The problem arises when we face the inevitable transition from ‘virtual’ flirtation to real life communication. Finding the right balance between needing to stay connected and actually ‘connecting’ (in physical terms) can be tricky at times.

For me, the introduction of smart phones and social networking meant the death of mystery – an essential element to the beginning of any kind of sexual relationship. Forming an opinion about someone based on their smartphone activity is a dangerous trap – a trap that we will inevitably fall into, given the ease with which we can pry into someone’s life based on where they are and what they are tweeting about.

I personally do not own a smart phone. I am not against them and I have adjusted to a life where they surround me like a swarm of buzzing bees. I accept that they are here to stay and I eagerly await for an app that will show the type of underwear a man is wearing when he approaches you in a bar.

Nevertheless, I like to believe that I enjoy some level of excitement and the ‘unknown’ when it comes to meeting men for the first time. When they ask for my Facebook details, I offer them a beer and a 3am walk along Rothschild Blvd instead. I use the “people watching” angle to lure them in…..That’s people watching – not profile stalking, or Twitter following – watching real people, engaging in real activities.

While this excites me personally, I acknowledge that not all romance is lost on the smartphone. It is argued, and rightly so, that people can experience the same rush when that little SMS beep sounds. I’m sure that there are thousands of teenage girls out there whose hearts are fluttering upon seeing a “like” on their latest picture or comment….for that must mean something!

Moreover, the same romantic feelings can be experienced just as effectively through smartphones, for example, an embarrassing trip on the sidewalk or fumbling of words in front of the one you love is just as easily achieved through ‘autocorrect’  – so from that side of things, we have nothing to fear.

I continue to observe this evolution of romance without any real conclusions, except for this: It is comforting to see that the young people of Tel Aviv, with all their gadgets and gizmos, have not lost site of the real goal – to get the message across that they are single, hunting and ready for love…..or at least “like”.

Read more great stuff from Pixi here.

They will be playing at Tel Aviv’s Barby Club on June 15th and 16th. Tickets are priced at 250 shekels on the door, or 220 shekels if you pre-order (call 03-5188123).

The Afghan Whigs were originally formed in the 80s and went on to release a number of successful albums through the 90s, til their split in 2001. They briefly reformed in 2006, but this new world tour marks the 25th anniversary of their first live gig back in 1987…

Expect a rockin’ show – here’s a taste of what you can expect…

Click here to view the embedded video.

The exhibition runs from the 21 May to the end of August, and is located at HaTachana, one of Tel Aviv’s best sites if you’re out and about and looking for a whole range of shopping, eating and arty things to do and see (read our full guide to HaTachana here).

We’re not sure if it’s on the same scale as the amazing Body Worlds exhibition which was in Israel a couple of years ago – and which we enjoyed and reviewed here – but it does look like a great little exhibition to check out. Yes, plenty of inner bits and bobs, and slices of human bodies to goggle at – NOT an exhibition for the squeamish!

Opening hours: Sun-Thurs and Saturday 10:00 – 22:00, Friday 10:00 – 14:00. There is an entrance fee of 59 shekels, but various discounts are in place for pensioners, soldiers and certain credit card holders – so check at the door.

Recommended for kids, but from age 11+.

And for those of you who can’t get enough of the internal workings of the human body, there is another exhibition, The Human Body, scheduled to open in the Jaffa Port on June 27…tis the season for bodies!

They were previously here in 2010 for two sold out gigs, and have returned to keep their Israeli fan base happy with concerts at Hangar 11 in Tel Aviv (June 16) and the Beersheva Performing Arts Center (June 17). No news yet of ticket prices, but as soon as we get some info we’ll post it here.

The Alan Parsons Project was primarily composed of keyboardist Alan Parsons and singer Eric Woolfson, who were the core of the band since the start in 1975, though split up before Woolfson’s death in 2009. The Project today is made up of Alan Parsons and some awesome session musicians.

Here’s a taste of what they got up to on their last concert in Tel Aviv two years ago…superb front row view!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Israeli press has declared that he is about to sign on the dotted line to close a date and venue – as soon as we get more details we’ll post them here!

Now 72, the Welsh singing legend (real name Sir Thomas John Woodward!) has had a string of hits over the years, including the legendary Sex Bomb, It’s Not Unusual, Kiss and What’s New Pussycat. The man has sold over 100 million records since his first single was released back in 1964. And despite his renowned womanizing (the pic on the right is for those of you who care), Tom has remained married to Melinda since 1957!

Israel awaits you, Sir Thomas!

In the meantime, here’s a little bit of a classic for you…just to show what Tom can do!

Click here to view the embedded video.

The pic was taken by judi333, a lady from Jerusalem with a very nice collection of shots from Israel.

Click to BIG.

354,000 tourists visited Israel during the month, which was 19% up on last year, and 12% up on the previous highest ever April, back in 2010. In addition, the number of tourists that stayed more than one night – some 296,000 – smashed the previous record April month of 2010 by some 11%.

The total number of visitors who have now visited Israel in the first third of the year has passed one million, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics. This is 6% up on last year, and 4% up on the previous record year, 2010.

Those first 4 months numbers also include an increase in those arriving by air, with some 793,000 entries (3% up on the same period last year) and around 140,000 tourists crossed into Israel by land, 8% up on last year.

If you’re not already here or on your way, what are you waiting for???

Here they are, performing their classic “A Wind of Change”, LIVE in Tel Aviv!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Yes, there haven’t been too many dragon boat races over the years in the Holy Land, but thanks to the initiative of DBI (Dragon Boat Israel), a Canadian-Israel venture, you can now experience the fun and adventure behind a dragon boat race for the very first time.

You can’t register to take part as all slots are full (there are 39 teams racing, including 19 international teams), but there’s plenty more to check out, including the Dragon Boat races themselves, which are spread over a few hours on May 18, arts and crafts stands, food stalls, a beer garden, jugglers, kids activities, drum workshops, dance troupes, and some live bands.

The fun for racers takes place on the waters of the Sea of Galilee; the fun for spectators takes place at the Ma’agan Eden Hotel, a Kibbutz guest house and resort located on the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee. If you’re coming to cheer the teams on and have a beer in the beer garden, there’s an entrance fee of 15 shekels for adults, 5 shekels for kids.

This unique first-time festival could well be the start of something beautiful…and with their goal “to bring people to the north of Israel for an exciting, team-focused event that builds community, supports Israeli charities, fosters cultural awareness and promotes tourism”, it sounds good to us!

For more info, see the official website: www.dragonboatisrael.com

And here’s a practice dragon boat run from a couple of months ago, just to give you a taste of the action…

Click here to view the embedded video.

According to Israeli press, J.Lo – the American actress, businesswoman, dancer and recording artist regarded as the most successful entertainer of Latin descent (including almost 60 million record sales) – is in final negotiations to fix a date. The venue has been confirmed as the Nokia Arena in Tel Aviv, the date and ticket prices yet to be confirmed – as soon as we get any news, we’ll post it!

She will be apparently touring late in the year with Enrique Iglesias, a man who has wowed Tel Aviv in the past, but will apparently be performing in Israel alone.

J.Lo has staged a remarkable singing comeback over the last year or two and has added to her fan base, a base that was in its ultimate at the turn of the Millenium…and here’s a little reminder of what she can do…Tel Aviv awaits you J.Lo!

Click here to view the embedded video.