Last Thursday we went with kids to Tel Megiddo historical site in Lower Galilee. This is part of our pretty common activities when weather permits - see some history and also get some fresh air. While the day was really hot (temperature in mid-day reached 36 degrees Celsius), we went after noon so we arrived there was a pleasant breeze.
Once the formalities were over (buying the ticket, getting brochure, seeing a short movie in an nearby classroom), we went to see actual antiquities - some dated as far back as 7000 years. Shavit opened the brochure and started reading loudly about the history of the place and significance of each object.
On our way up the hill we met a group of Chinese tourists led by an Israeli guide. The guide stopped for a moment and asked Shavit: "Hey, do you understand this place? What is it all about? I can't seem to understand the map." Shavit politely showed him a map and explained where and which object was in reality. The guy smiled and went on with his small group, translating just acquired knowledge and probably feeling a history guru.
I was stunned - what kind of bullshit this guy tells his clients without even bothering to get prepared, at least slightly?
And what kind of stuff we get when traveling abroad - Europe, the US and everywhere else? One thing makes me feel better - we always get audioguides and official books and never trust just one source...
Once the formalities were over (buying the ticket, getting brochure, seeing a short movie in an nearby classroom), we went to see actual antiquities - some dated as far back as 7000 years. Shavit opened the brochure and started reading loudly about the history of the place and significance of each object.
On our way up the hill we met a group of Chinese tourists led by an Israeli guide. The guide stopped for a moment and asked Shavit: "Hey, do you understand this place? What is it all about? I can't seem to understand the map." Shavit politely showed him a map and explained where and which object was in reality. The guy smiled and went on with his small group, translating just acquired knowledge and probably feeling a history guru.
I was stunned - what kind of bullshit this guy tells his clients without even bothering to get prepared, at least slightly?
And what kind of stuff we get when traveling abroad - Europe, the US and everywhere else? One thing makes me feel better - we always get audioguides and official books and never trust just one source...
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