…mule love this

Just outside Nazareth is a historical re-enactment park, not unlike Blist’s Hill in England, or Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia.  The difference with this one, not surprisingly, is that it re-enacts Biblical times for the many ‘Bible tourists’ to the area. The site offers an opportunity to connect with these ancient times:

A hands-on experience, Kfar Kedem will transport you back to the roots of your heritage. Ride the rolling hills as Abraham rode them. Take in the scents that Jacob smelled tending Laban’s flocks. Hear the words of the prophets as you thresh grain, press oil from fresh olives and wine from fresh grapes. You’ll even dress like them!

Unlike Abraham and Laban, though, you may wish to update your Facebook status or your Flickr account with photos of your Bible experience on your way round. If you just can’t wait until you get back to the hotel room, Kfar Kedem has the perfect solution, launched last week – five donkeys equipped with wireless routers!

Obviously it is a publicity stunt by the park, but it does raise an interesting question.  Does the ‘always on’ digital realm increase the pressure to validate our travel experiences by sharing them with the world?  In a world where ‘I can be googled therefore I am’ – have I really been on holiday unless I have presented evidence of my travels to the world at large?

When I was growing up, I was never seen on holiday without a camera. Not only that, but as often as not I would carry round a little notebook to record aperture/ exposure etc in order to improve my technique.  The trouble was, too often the frisson of travel was diluted by seeing it through a lens.  Quite often I replace camera with paintbrush these days – or I just walk and breathe.

What about you?

Painted somewhere in the Loire…

Painted on holiday in Picardy…