Welcome to “Introducing Israel”, in this series, we will explore Israel and discover some hidden gems. 

I’m Arielle and I invite you to come with me on this intimate journey and transport yourself for a few minutes to this magical place.

Today we’re going to talk about the sounds and silences of the desert. 

An escape to the Negev Desert is most welcome after experiencing the hustle and noise of the cities we've visited. 

Traveling into the desert by car is the quickest and simplest way to see this unique region in just one night. 

The stillness of the desert allows you to feel the wind as it brushes the sand gently.

This space is defined by its sheer magnitude and transcendent atmosphere. 

An aura of unwavering spiritual energy awaits you in the fresh air and clear starlit skies. 

There is a sense of belonging to each other and to oneself in this place. In Israel's Desert lies another world. 

It will teach you the art of doing nothing. 

While doing nothing is meditative, the desert has a few things you can check out if you have more time. 

• Get close to camels while visiting the Negev Camel Ranch, and even spot them along your drive. 
• Visit a winery – the Negev has a number of local wineries that have been very innovative in such a dry climate. 

If you’re spending one night - which I highly recommend - you should start by visiting Mitzpe Ramon. 

Road 40 runs through Israel from north to south and is the main road connecting the center of Israel with the desert. 

From Tel Aviv, take the 40 south towards Eilat and experience the ultimate Israeli desert road trip.

In this region, the landscape becomes breathtakingly beautiful, and the road runs directly through the crater. There are many scenic stops along this road alone.

The car gives you the freedom to pull over at any time. 

The Kornmehl farm is a great place to grab a bite along the way. An organic goat farm with a small restaurant serving delicious home-cooked dishes. 

Mitzpe Ramon is the soul of the desert. 

Standing on the edge of Mitzpe Ramon is like standing on the edge of the world. 

There is nothing but a desert moon landscape stretching out before you. 

Here, one of Israel's most spectacular landscapes can be found in the rugged landscape of the Negev Desert: the Ramon Crater. 

Israel's Grand Canyon - the nickname given to the Ramon Crater, which is far from insignificant. 

The size alone takes your breath away. I too wondered how a tiny country like Israel could keep such a huge secret. 

Makhtesh Ramon, a vast lunar landscape hidden deep in the Negev Desert. The crater is the largest erosion crater in the world. 

It’s unimaginable that this isolated area once was an ocean filled with life. 220 million years ago! 

This heart-shaped area is 40km long and between 2 and 10km wide. 

You need to get off the beaten path to truly appreciate it. 

The deep crater is often just driven through, but very few people take the time to explore its trails. 

Explore the history, hike, cycle, and take in the unique geology. 

When you get out of the car, and walk through the purple and red-coloured sand, you truly experience an other worldly landscape – it’s like fucking mars over there for real

It has the lowest air pollution in Israel so it's an astronomical hotspot! 

There are stargazing tours that are worth checking out! 

Drive through the scenic crater for just an hour until you reach Midbara. 

Midbara is a small family-run property where you can stay in handmade huts made out of mud and stone. 

Each is uniquely designed with the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Breakfast is delivered directly to your room. 

The table is adorned with figs, cheese, homemade bread, freshly-pressed juices, salads, olive oil, and more. 

In Israel, breakfast is a feast - enjoy it in the shade of the olive trees.  

The cabins can be found in the River Ashosh Reserve near the Jordanian border, on the eastern edge of the desert. 

The dry river bed is visible from the rocky hilltops.

Camping is the best way to experience the desert. Several beautiful overnight parks are available in the area, such as Geves Park. 

Falling asleep after a physically exhausting day under the star-lit sky. 

Waking up in the vast space of nothingness, surrounded by silence. 

Feeling truly blessed to be a part of this world is a feeling only camping will give you. 

Make sure you bring some wood so you can set up your camp by the fire. 

Cook dinner outside - if you mainly eat out while traveling, this is a great place to slow down a bit and roast some vegetables over an open fire. 

Have you ever been glamping? It's like camping, but much more comfortable. 

An enchanting campsite - Selena Desert Adventure Glamping - is hidden in the desert dunes of Beer Milka in the Negev desert. Stay in a comfortable tent and use their great facilities - they have ecological toilets and showers!!  

In addition to traditional Bedouin meals, they serve Arabic coffee and tea upon arrival. 

Sandboarding and jeep tours are also offered - what a great way to add some action to your trip. 

After the sun sets over the rocky peaks and the air fills with the sweet dusty scent of the night, it's time to explore the nearby area. 

You can hike the dry river bed on different trails, or just wander around until the sun sets. 

Wander around these ancient lands and take in the raw beauty of rocks and sand. 

This place is magical when the stars and the sunset bonfire light it up.

Watch the Milky Way appear in the sky as you eat a slow-cooked meal with a glass of local wine. 

Take a deep breath and enjoy the calm and stillness for more than just a moment. 

[PAUSE HERE! - breathing in sound] 

Now that you are ready to embark on Israel’s most picturesque road trip, here are my packing tips! Here is a quick list of what you need to bring! 

• A stainless steel insulated water bottle: Keeping hydrated is important, especially in the desert. Israel has drinking water everywhere so you can simply refill your bottle. 
• Mosquito Repellent - you can thank me later ;)
• You will be spending lots of time in the sunshine- a hat is a lifesaver here. 
• Breathable clothes: it’s all about comfort and you’re gonna sweat a lot/like hellll! 

It is far away from the tensio...