Some Useful Information
In the following you will find some useful information regarding the Ramat Rachel Archaeological Project, which should help you prepare yourself to your summer excavation adventure.
What to do when landing in Israel: How to get to Ramat Rachel Hotel
You will land in the Ben Gurion International Airport of Israel near Tel-Aviv, and you will enter the state from the new Terminal 3. After collecting your luggage you should look for transportation to Jerusalem.
1. How to get from the International Airport to the holy city of Jerusalem
Jerusalem is about 45 minutes from the airport and there are a few ways to get there:
The easiest way, in my opinion, is to use the “Service Taxi Line” to Jerusalem.
This is a mini-bus taxi line that operates for a reasonable price 24 hours a day from the airport.
You will find it on the “G” floor of Terminal 3 (where you will land) near gates 01-03.
A journey to Jerusalem Central Bus Station will cost 29.10 NIS approximately (1$ = 4.5 NIS; 1 Euro = 5.5 NIS). A journey directly to a specific address like the Ramat Rahel Hotel will cost 45 NIS (approximately).
Another option is to use the bus. You should take line no. 5 from Terminal 3 to the “Airport City”, and from the central “Egged” bus station in the “Airport City” take line no. 947, which leaves every 30 minutes to Jerusalem Central Station.
The third way to get from the airport to Jerusalem is to go through Tel Aviv: For that way (which is the most complicated one…), you should take the local Railway Train from Terminal 3 to Tel Aviv. You should get off the train at Tel Aviv “Hagannah” station or at the central station and go from there to to the Central Bus Station of Tel Aviv. From Tel Aviv Central there is bus no. 405 leaving every 20 minutes to Jerusalem from the platforms on floor no. 6.
Notice: During the Jewish Sabbath (from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening) there is no public transportation like buses or trains. During the Sabbath you can use only the Service Taxi Line, or private Taxi service.
You may find a lot of useful information about the Ben Gurion International Airport and the transportation possibilities to Jerusalem on the Airport web site:
www.iaa.gov.il – After opening this web site, choose the English option (on the left upper corner) and than choose “Ben Gurion Airport”.
2. How to get from the Jerusalem Central Bus Station to Ramat Rachel Hotel
The easiest way will be bus no. 7 from the Central Station, which leaves every 20 minutes to Ramat Rachel. The last stop is near the hotel. Don’t get down in the entrance to the Kibbutz. It is about 20 minutes drive, inside the modern neighborhoods of western Jerusalem.
Another option is to order a Taxi from Jerusalem to the Ramat Rachel Hotel. You will find plenty of taxis willing to help tourist just outside the station. A special taxi drive to the Ramat Rachel Hotel will cost you money by the local rates. I think it will be something between 30-50 NIS. Ask the Taxi driver for the price BEFORE entering, and don’t hesitate NOT to go with a taxi driver who will ask for more money. Many of them will try…
Address for letters (Usually take about a week from out side Israel):
Your name,
Ramat Rachel Hotel
Kibbutz Ramat Rachel
D.N Tzfon Yehuda 90900
Tel: 972-2-6702555
Fax: 972-2-6733155
Internet:
You will have 3 internet computers available for free use 24 hours a day, in the Excavation’s coffee room (with free coffee and biscuits!). If you want to use Skype – bring your private headphone.
There will be also 3 stations where you can connect your laptops (if you have) and use the internet. For electricity – you can use the usual European system. Americans should bring adapters!!
There will be another 3 computers in the office, but they will be ONLY for the staff and ONLY for work.
What should you bring – a suggested list
We are going to spend a four weeks of archaeological excavations, which mean a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. Besides digging, we will have cultural activities, tours around the holy city of Jerusalem and in the beautiful northern parts of Israel, and social activities. You should be well equipped for all of that. First of all, rest assured that you can buy almost everything you are used to in Israel. You will be able to find every thing you need and from almost any kind or firm, so don’t worry if you forget something.
Secondly, remember that your main purpose for being in Israel is working – digging the ground, so you must have appropriate clothing for that, including working shoes (You may use sneakers. Sandals are not allowed – you might drop stones on your foot!).
Thirdly, take into account the Israeli climate which is HOT and very SUNNY during that time of the year, though Jerusalem might be colder in the nights. So, you must have light short clothes, you must always wear a hat during day work and it is strongly recommended to use sun screen. (Although it may seem a great opportunity to get a tan, prolonged exposure to the sun is not particularly pleasant, nor good for your health!). For the evening you may also need some warmer clothing.
Towels, sheets, pillows and blankets are provided by the hotel.
Think that you are going to an interesting trip to the past, think of working, think of tourism – equip yourself for that. Come open minded, ready for a summer adventure, and we will supply your interest and good mode.
Suggested list of clothing and supplies:
Clothes:
Hat (preferably washable)
Working clothes (which you find comfortable enough)
Short and long sleeved shirts
Short and long pants
Underwear and socks
Sandals (just recommended, though you can’t work with it, it is comfortable during the rest of the day time in Israeli summer)
Lightweight jacket
Pajamas
Bathing suit (very important!)
Toiletries:
Toiletries bag.
Soap (other than that supply by the hotel).
Shampoo (other than that supply by the hotel).
Sun screen (high level protection)
Toothpaste & toothbrush
Deodorant
Athlete’s foot powder
Anti bug spray/cream
Medication (if necessary, such as aspirin, antihistamines etc.)
Nail clipper
Personal supply
General Equipment:
Canteen/water bottle for personal use
Work gloves (other than that supply by us).
Bag or suitcase
Small bag/hand bag
Money belt (or wallet)
Knee pads to protect knee while working
Camera
Writing supplies (notebooks, pencils, etc.).
The Bible!!! (always handy when doing “biblical archaeology”)
Don’t forget your passport, flight tickets and the signed health and insurance forms of the Ramat Rachel Archaeological Project, which are attached at the site.