Hi Guy’s

I shall be making a trip to Israel for the first time next month. My pouch has already experienced travelling in Asia and Australia, however I’ve never been to this region before. I’m not overly concerned as Israel is a modern first world country, but if there is anybody on the board that can offer any advice/suggestions/precautions about travelling in Israel with a pouch I'd really be interested in hearing them.

Cheers

Clive

Hey Cliff
I have met a fewdr's doing fellowships at CC ohio and Florida from Israel. Perhaps you could call CC Ohio and Florida and inquire about dr's in Israel in the event of any unforseen need.
Enjoy your trip.
Holly

I was in Israel 7 years ago. It should be an amazing experience for you. Tel Aviv is modern like a US city, while I the older areas have restrooms for tourists, but are harder to find. You can also pop into a hotel lobbey, shopping mall or restaurant. Similar to Europe, a few places might charge for toilet access so keep some loose change in your pocket at all times.

I would learn the Hebrew word for Bathroom and the phrase - "May I please use your bathroom".

Also check out http://www.thebathroomdiaries.com/search.html and look up Israel.

Although the tap water is fine, I would stick with bottled as every country has different organisms in the water which might have an affect on you.

Good Luck

I just got back from Israel less than 2 weeks ago!

I was there for two weeks and everything was great. I would just say make sure to keep water with you because of the humidity of most areas. I had no problems w/ any bathrooms. Everything is modern.

I was in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Nazareth, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, the Hummi, Banias, Mi'ilya, Tarsheeha, Umm-Il-Fahim, Tiberias, Jaffa, and even more!

I was in Israel from the most northern point all the way to Tel Aviv was the furthest South I'd been.

If you go to the Dead Sea make sure to take a hat, that sun is killer!

Let me know if you have any questions. This was the first time I'd been to Israel with my pouch and everything was great thankfully, not like my past trips w/ UC, ugh.


Oh, also, I spoke English most of the time. With most of my family and in public places as well. It should be very easy to get around if you don't speak Hebrew/Arabic. I do but it is terrible... as I asked my cousin if she needed help in the kitchen w/ two simple words and she said "WHAT? Speak English I don't understand you!"
Most of the street signs are in Hebrew/Arabic/English. I found w/ some older people they may not speak English or well at all, but every single one of my cousins (livng all over Israel) spoke at the least conversational English.

oh, you know what else I did. I had a two-step surgery, so I took BOTH surgical reports with me. Just in case.

HI again

Just wanted to say thanks for the tips and advice.

I’m fortunate in that I’m going to visit and stay with a friend in Israel. She is an Israeli and speaks fluent English so that should help overcome any language problems.

Keith - I will try and brush up on some basic Hebrew and thanks for the link.

Holly – It’s reassuring to know that a lot of Israeli doctors are being highly trained in the States to carry out pouch surgeries. Thanks for the suggestion of calling Cleveland Clinic, although I live in Jersey UK and not Jersey USA so it may not be viable. However I may get in touch with my surgeon here in the UK and see what contacts he has.

Rima – I am only going to be there for a week. I don’t think my itinerary will be as busy as yours. I shall be predominately based in Tel Aviv and will be making a day trip to Jerusalem. I have no real other plans, unless you can suggest a must see destination within easy commute of Tel Aviv?

Anyway thanks to all again

Clive

Even though Israel is a modern country I would suggest you dont drink the water. Also be careful of food - its usually very spicy and garlicky and caused me, at least, problems.
Also be careful of small roadside eateries - the hygiene may not be up to par.
If you're careful you can have a great time.
Things to see in Tel Aviv area - the beach obviously, the Mediterranean is very warm. Then there's the TA Museum - mainly modern art. Lots of clubs and discoes.I always carry with me Pepto bismal - very helpful if you start to feel queasy.
Despite the above, you can enjoy yourself !

Hi Clive,
I go to Israel just about every other year and I have traveled to most major European capitals.
I would worry more about bathrooms in Paris than in Israel. Like Rima said, most hotels will let you in to use the facilities. A bottle of clean water is useful but I have never had to worry about drinking the tap water or washing tubes in it. It is probably purer than what we get here in Europe or back home in the states.
Just in case, keep a card on you at all times discribing your conditon, medical contact info etc... It never hurts to be prudent.
The only "REAL" problem I ever had was when Rabin was assisnated and they bumped us to a flight that transited through Sophia, Bulgaria! No bathroom facilities for over 12 hours and major problems.
So, always use the facilities when and where you find them before pushing off to the next destination. You may be very grateful later.
If you doencounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to contact me, I have english speaking friends who work in the medical field and know about the pouches.
Have a great time.
Sharon

Hi everyone,
Well I’ve just returned from my holiday in Israel and once again “Pouchy” was up to the job!!
I did everything I wanted, spending hours walking the streets of Tel Aviv, Jaffa and Jerusalem and had no problems with food or anything else for that matter and generally having a fantastic time.
I’ve had my takedown in May 2005 and my pouch has now travelled to Australia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Israel.
There really is nothing you can’t do with a pouch.
Anyway just wanted to add a positive story and thanks for all the advice the J-pouch community of this site have offered to me over the past two years.
Cheers
Clive