Marc Zboch Shares How You Can Still Enjoy The Sites of Jerusalem and Cairo Even During Covid
Missionary and philanthropist Marc Zboch recently traveled to Jerusalem and Egypt. As Covid-19 has run rampant worldwide, he noticed that many Middle-Eastern countries were more affected financially than the United States. Covid has changed the way people travel, but it doesn’t mean that one must stop altogether.
There are many advantages to traveling during Covid as well. Jerusalem, for example, is a popular tourist destination and often full of tourists from all over the world at any given time. However, Marc found i. It was much easier to visit important religious sites in peace with fewer people around without feeling rushed or scared. Covid has also impacted Egypt, but there have not been nearly as many cases reported in recent months thanks to efforts by the Egyptian government, such as isolating patients and screening travelers.
Traveling to Jerusalem and Cairo during Covid is not only safe but also offers several advantages. For example, there are fewer tourists in the countries, which means you will get more attention from locals than if you were traveling at any other time. Additionally, many people who do travel during this time have precautions against Covid like hand sanitizer and masks that they can use before entering crowded places.
Why Visit Jerusalem
Traveling to Jerusalem before the Covid-19 Pandemic was seen as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Jerusalem offers historical and religious value to many individuals. This is still true even with Covid-19 present. There are fewer people currently traveling to Jerusalem. This means that the holy sites, such as the Dome of Rock and Church of Holy Sepulchre, will be easier to visit without long wait times for entrance or much more unsafe because there are not enough security personnel available.
There is plenty to see in Jerusalem, especially when it comes to holy sites.
The Dome of Rock
This is one of the most iconic Muslim sites in Jerusalem. The Dome itself was built on what Muslims believe to be the spot from which Muhammad ascended into heaven, said to have been revealed by Gabriel as a “miraculous light.” It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in Jerusalem and offers stunning views from the inside.
The Church of Holy Sepulchre
Located at Calvary, this site holds significant meaning for Christians because it marks Jesus’s crucifixion and death. This includes his tomb and where he was laid to rest after being crucified with two thieves before meeting his resurrection three days later.
Al-Aqsa Mosque
One of Islam’s holiest places has an incredibly rich history that dates back nearly 14 centuries ago when it first opened its doors during 1010 CE. It remained closed until 1948 when it was reopened by Jordan.
Yad Vashem (Holocaust Memorial)
A visit here will give you insight into how Covid-19 affected people who lived through World War II during Nazi occupation in Europe.
Petra
This ancient city, carved into sandstone cliffs in Jordan’s Wadi Musa valley, has a history that dates back to 200 BCE. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Jordan and can be reached by public transportation from Jerusalem.
The Dead Sea
Many people use it for its therapeutic properties, enhanced during Covid because of the water.
Tel Aviv Beach
This is one to visit if you want a break from Jerusalem’s holy sites or just need some time away on the beach! It is usually crowded here with Israelis, locals, and tourists, so be aware that this might not provide much seclusion.
The City of David
This is a site of great biblical significance for Israelis as it is believed to be from where King David set up his capital. It’s one of the few holy sites in Jerusalem that aren’t on Muslim or Christian grounds making it an important destination even with Covid-19 present.
West Bank and Gaza Strip
The Palestinian territories are also worth visiting during Covid because there will likely be fewer tourists traveling there than at any other time. Still, you’ll need special permission before entering Israel/Palestine border areas if you’re not Jewish. In these places, many tours like jeep safaris through the open desert take place so that they may continue despite Covid. You can find information about this here: “Israel Tourism Guide.”
The Western Wall
The Western Wall is the holiest site in all of Judaism. It’s a remnant from the second Jewish temple built by King Herod and is what remains after it was destroyed during 70 CE. The wall itself holds significant meaning to Jews as this is where they pray at least three times per day, seven days per week with their left hand on top of the stones that make up part of its side walls while holding onto any item or materials which will serve as an object for their prayer.
Local Sites and Villages in Jerusalem
There are plenty of lesser-known sites to see in Jerusalem that can be found by doing some research or simply asking locals.
The Church on the Mount (also known as The Upper Room)
This is where Jesus told his twelve disciples, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world,” and it’s also been reported that he performed many miracles here, including feeding thousands before their eyes. It’s believed to have been built over an earlier church erected there during 333 CE, making this a holy site for Christians and Jews alike. Places like these will provide peace from Covid-19 while not being too crowded because fewer people know about them!
Restaurants and Night Life In Jerusalem
Once you’re done sightseeing for the day, you can go out to dinner and mingle with the locals. Jerusalem is filled with restaurants and clubs that are worth visiting for a night out on the town.
Places to Visit in Cairo
Cairo has a rich history that dates back to the times of Alexander The Great. It’s also home to many amazing sites like Giza pyramids, Sakkara ruins, and Cairo Tower.
The Pyramids of Giza
This archaeological site is one of the most famous ones in the world, but it’s always crowded even without Covid-19. If you plan to travel here during Covid, then try and go early morning or late afternoon for a less populated experience.
Sakkara Ruins
If you want to see some really cool ancient ruins that are lesser known than what Giza has to offer, then make your way down south towards Sakkara, where they’re also located near tourist sites like Cairo Tower, which towers over all other buildings with its height of 450 feet! The Pyramids at Sakkara ruins are not nearly as famous or popular as those located at Giza, but they’re also worth visiting during Covid-19 since fewer people will be there.
Cairo Tower
The pyramids at this location date back nearly five thousand years ago while being built out of limestone, granite, and sandstone. They stand as a testament to the ancient civilization of Ancient Egypt, which is still present today in so many ways.
This tower was built between 1975 and 1991 and is 450 feet tall with an exhibition center on its top floor that provides visitors with panoramic views over Cairo’s skyline plus, and it has restaurants, shops, gardens, and even a mosque inside! It’s one of the most visited sites in all of Egypt because tourists love to see views of the city from its top floor.
Cairo Tower is open late, which means you can visit it after dark and view what’s happening below in a different light! It doesn’t close until midnight, so that gives tourists plenty of time to go inside, enjoy the food or just take in the views at night.
The Nile River
This is the longest river in all of Africa, and it’s worth a visit during Covid-19 if you want to get away from crowded tourist sites. The Nile River makes its way through Cairo on its way to the Mediterranean Sea, which separates Europe and Africa, making this location an important one for Egyptians.
The Egyptian Museum
This museum houses over 120 thousand items and artifacts representing Ancient Egypt, including mummies, sarcophagi, jewelry pieces, and other interesting exhibits like Tutankhamun’s tomb! This building was constructed by French architect Alexandre Marcel who designed it with both Greek temples and Islamic mosques in mind so that visitors can enjoy learning about their history while also being inspired by them at the same time.
Old Cairo
This ancient district is one of the few places in Egypt that feels untouched by Covid-19. It’s also home to some incredible restaurants and nightlife venues that are worth visiting for a fun evening out on the town.
The Citadel, Cairo
One thing you should try while traveling through this city is climbing up to The Citadel located near Tahrir Square because it offers an amazing view over all of Cairo from its top floor! Marc recommends doing so at sunset when there are usually fewer crowds, but we’ll if your hands get tired, then take a break on those steps leading up to the entrance where locals like to hang out too!
The Mosque of Muhammad Ali
This is the largest mosque in Cairo with a capacity of 20000 people, which also hosts an exhibition center inside known as The Museum of Islamic Art. This place offers tourists plenty to see and do during Covid-19, including being able to visit its museum, pray or just take some time for yourself while admiring this beautiful building!
Cairo Zoo
If you’re looking for something more low-key, then head on over to the world’s oldest zoo, where they have many different animal species like lions, crocodiles, and elephants that are worth seeing during Covid-19 since there will be fewer humans around! It features a lush garden area with trees, flowers, and shrubs, plus it has great restaurants too if you want to enjoy your meal outside in the middle of an animal habitat.
The Sphinx and The Great Pyramid
This is one of Egypt’s most iconic structures, which means you should try to visit it while Covid-19 is in effect because there will be fewer tourists here, meaning shorter lines! It was built around 2560 BC for Pharaoh Khufu, who ruled during that time period, and each side measures 230 feet long with a height of 147 feet plus. It has been named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This pyramid still stands today after being completed nearly four thousand years ago. Still, it now only covers about 60% due to erosion over time from water, sand, or other natural forces like wind.
What to Wear in Cairo
Marc recommends wearing clothes that are loose-fitting and lightweight, given the heat. Hats or head coverings in Cairo are also recommended because of the sun’s rays during Covid-19. But don’t worry, you’ll find plenty of shops selling these items!
Advantages of visiting those places during Covid-19:
You’ll have the opportunity to see some unique and interesting sites without fighting the crowds, like when it comes time for food or drinks since there will be fewer people around! Plus, you can expect shorter lines at popular attractions if they’re not crowded, which is great because with all of these precautions against Covid, taking your time here should still feel safe. It’s also worth noting that security forces are on high alert, so tourists shouldn’t worry too much about their safety, but just as long as they use common sense while traveling this way, everything should go smoothly.
What Precautions To Take In Jerusalem and Cairo Against Covid-19
There are precautions against Covid that should always be taken when traveling abroad, but these become especially important during periods like Covid-19 pandemic outbreaks. There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy yourself while still being safe by following certain steps like washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizers, drinking bottled water even if it’s not cold (cold drinks are more likely to be contaminated), avoiding eating uncooked food that has been sitting out for an extended period of time or bought from street vendors without checking first.
Why not Visit Jerusalem and Egypt During Covid?
It’s not always easy for travelers to find affordable accommodation due to a large influx of visitors looking for cheap rooms worldwide; prices are set higher as demand increases. If you want cheaper lodging, book it ahead of time online to take advantage of early-bird discounts.
By taking certain precautions like avoiding crowded places such as malls or popular tourist sites during covid outbreaks, eating only fresh food (no street vendors), washing hands often with soap and water, staying hydrated (drink bottled water even if cold), and not letting your guard down, you can still travel abroad without too many tourists. There are also some advantages to this: you’ll be able to visit more places that won’t have many other people visiting them which will provide peace from covid-19 while keeping prices cheaper than usual.
