Delving deep unearths the real jewels. Same goes for writing compelling copy. When you keep asking insightful questions, you get the nuggets that will truly move people to action. Flint Group Writer and Public Relations Specialist Mary Schieve is incredibly adept at unearthing key information—and crafting it to powerful messages for our clients.
That same curiosity has taken her around the world. Right now, she’s visiting Israel, and some of the world’s most ancient places. Ironically, it’s through modern technology (thanks, Facebook photo uploads!) that she shares some photos and thoughts from her first several days there. In her own words, you’ll see her zest for history and edgy sense of humor.
On a morning boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. It's actually a very big lake that supplies Israel with its water. It's 696 feet below sea level, and is fed and drained by the Jordan River.
Israeli tourism observations
People are visiting the region in growing numbers. Their reasons are varied, including:
– Religious experience in the Holy Land to bring the Bible’s names, events and places to life
The Church of the Beatitudes. Considered by Catholic Church to be where Jesus gave the sermon on the mount; Others are not convinced. But most agree it did happen in the vicinity and this is a beautiful spot.
A boat resurrected from the Sea of Galilee, from the time of Christ. It took 14 years of ingenuity and restoration to get it from the mud to a museum.
With husband Dean (who also once worked at Flint!) in the Chapel at Cana.
One lone tree. Is it familiar? This is the one Judas hung himself on in Jesus Christ Superstar. Naturally, I broke into song upon learning that little tidbit.
– Views of the natural wonders and archaeology
Ruins of a 7,000-seat theatre. Ah, the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome. Or was it the other way around?
Of course no ruins anywhere in the world are complete without the requisite Roman columns. Eleven billion and counting...
– Vacations on the beaches and in the nightlife of Tel Aviv
– Discovering their birthright
– The flavors, especially falafel and hummus
The number one attraction is Jerusalem, followed by Tel Aviv, Dead Sea, Tiberius, Sea of Galilee and Nazareth.
Marketing works
Last year, 3.4 million tourists visited Israel, a number the Tourism Ministry attributes to aggressive marketing efforts to bolster the country’s image as a tourist hot spot. Their goal is 4 million visitors this year. Tourism seems to be thriving, even with political turmoil in the region and nearby violence. We see rows of buses with people from all over the world traveling to the same places we go.
Worlds apart
Mary and her group traveled through the West Bank en route to Jerusalem.
We saw many settlements along the way. It was fascinating countryside, alternating between desolate to land made fertile with irrigation technology and other agricultural advancements, plus rows and rows of beautiful date trees.
The Judean wilderness
Only in Israel
At a gas station stop, visitors can also enjoy a camel ride.
Who could resist?
Whoa, girl.
We arrived in Jerusalem just as dusk was falling.
Modern, urban turn
We have had our heads in antiquity up until now, but things are going to take a more urban and modern turn. Now that I am in Jerusalem, I expect to see more in terms of promotion, marketing, advertising and public relations. We’re excited to explore this area. We then head to Bethlehem for one day–without the same guide, since he is Israeli, and that is Arab territory. Later, we will visit a refugee camp.
We’re hoping Mary shares her impressions of the other parts of her journey when she returns. Meanwhile, thanks for the insights, Mary!