Why stay away from Palestine? Listen to Aunt Dong's opinion
It was around the summer of last year that I made a decision that I regretted – to travel to Palestine. At the time, I was still curious about this region full of history and contradictions. However, after a series of adventures and insights, I felt that Palestine was not a good destination for a holiday. Aunt Dong, a well-informed neighbor, reminded me before I decided to go to Palestine. Her views are still unforgettable to me.
First of all, the sights and features of Palestine are not as attractive as one might think. I remember that in the streets of Jerusalem, there was a tense atmosphere everywhere. Although it is rich in religious culture and ancient architecture, in the shadow of politics and conflict, these attractions have lost their original sense of tranquility and mystery. Once, while I was visiting the vicinity of the Temple Mount, a protest broke out and I had to leave in a hurry. This unstable environment prevents tourists from truly relaxing and also brings certain dangers to travel.
In Palestine, I also felt first-hand the pressure and unease of the local population. In the Gaza Strip, poverty and unemployment are high and life is difficult. In stark contrast, the locals I met showed remarkable resilience and optimism. Through my conversations with them, I learned that they yearn for peace, but that political complexities make their lives uncertain. This made me feel that Palestine is not a good place to relax.
What touched me even more was the people and stories I came into contact with during my travels. One of them was a young man named Abdul who lost his home in a conflict. Despite life's adversities, Abdul has found a way to vent his emotions in street art. His paintings are full of strength and hope, but they also made me feel that for Palestinians, life is full of unknowable variables.
Another character that stood out to me was a woman named Lena. She is a doctor working in a refugee camp, providing medical care to those suffering from the war. Lena told me that she had been involved in a bomb attack, but she chose to stay on the ground and help more people. Her strength and dedication made me feel that the Palestinian people were worthy of respect, but it also made me wonder if the land was suitable for tourism.
During this trip, I felt that Palestine is not a good holiday destination. Despite its history and culture, the shadow of war and conflict has deprived the land of its original tranquility and peace. I was deeply impressed by the resilience and optimism of the locals, but it also made me reflect on whether we should spend our leisure time in such a place, or should we pay more attention to and support the people here to help them get out of their difficult situation.
Aunt Dong's opinion echoed in my heart. She once told me that traveling is not only about relaxation, but also about knowing and thinking about the world. The conflict and plight in Palestine taught me that traveling is not just about enjoying the scenery, but also about understanding the world on a deeper level. Perhaps, when we choose a travel destination, we should think more rationally, not only considering the beauty of the scenic spots, but also paying attention to the local social conditions and people's lives. In this way, our travel can not only bring us pleasure and relaxation, but also become a care and reflection on the world.