What nobody tells you about visiting Israel

After a lot of research I thought I knew what to expect from Israel. Some things matched: Western Wall is as spectacular as every review says, and Tel Aviv has a genuine energy I'd read about. The hummus obsession is completely justified.

What I wasn't prepared for: very intense and fascinating culture. That element genuinely surprised me and added something I hadn't seen in any review. Also: expensive for the Middle East. That part the reviews undersell. Overall a wonderful trip — just a more layered experience than I anticipated.