See how much fun you can have instead of sleeping?!

I’ve said it a million times before, but it can’t hurt to say it again: sleep is for the weak. Nighttime is the best time.

When I set up this blog at the end of last year, I was already pretty busy with a million other things. I had a full-time job. I was taking art/design classes in my free time. I was learning web programming & a bunch of other random things. I was trying to read The Iliad all the way through (I never finished). I was planning this big trip that I’m on. And I had a life. Weekends and friends and parties to go to.

But I also decided I wanted to have this blog. And the only time I could figure out HOW to blog was late at night.

The New York Times just published an article on groups of people that use those hours most people prefer for sleeping, and instead, burn through the midnight oil to produce… stuff. Everyone works differently, I understand. But there’s something about staying up all night producing something you want to produce, and then continuing on with your life the next morning. Nighttime is your time! Why would you want to sleep through it?

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New to travelsofadam.com? Adam is a graphic designer who rarely slept while planning a trip around the world. Become a Facebook fan or subscribe to the RSS feed for regular updates. Updates that will probably arrive in your inbox very late at night.

I’ve been a bit absent, haven’t I? I figured I better update you on my recent happenings. I’m at a crossroads in my big trip and an update is in order.

I arrived in Israel exactly 3 weeks ago. Since then, I’ve traveled a bit around the country. Saw Jerusalem for the first time. Left Jerusalem and then came back again. (It’s a powerful place.)

I couchsurfed, sat on the beach, floated in the Dead Sea, visited monuments, left a prayer at the Western Wall. Now I’m in Tel Aviv where I’ll remain for the next two months. Yes, two entire months.

When I arrived in Israel I was immediately struck by how different this place is. There’s something in the atmosphere, no doubt, but the people, the places, the culture has been so unexpected from my preconceived notions that I felt a need to stay. To understand and get a better sense of this place.

Everyone has an opinion on Israel. On this land between the Jordan Valley and the Mediterranean. Before I arrived, I probably had an opinion, too. That opinion—and my first impression—has been twisted & turned over the past three weeks. And I expect it to continue to evolve as I explore this culture & society over the next two months.

Books and articles may explain what this place is like but I feel that I can’t rightfully make an argument without seeing the place (and the people) for myself.

So, what will I do with my idle time here?

I decided the best way to delve into the politics of the region, is to, in fact, delve into the politics. I’ve accepted a short-term internship with a reputable nonprofit organization interested in finding a peace agreement between the Israeli & Palestinian peoples.

I spent some time asking around about the organization, reading up on it myself and learning a little more about the politics here. It’s an organization I believe in and the internship will allow me the opportunity to stay abreast of the news and the mood of the region. More on the internship later.

So, that’s what I’ve been up to, where I am and what I’ll be doing. If you’re in Tel Aviv in the next two months, please stop by to say hello.

I’m excited to call this place my temporary home. And to take some time to really explore this fascinating society.

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New to travelsofadam.com? Adam is a graphic designer who left behind a job in Boston to travel around the world…in search of creative inspiration, new knowledge, tasty food, different cultures & interesting people. Become a Facebook fan or subscribe to the RSS feed for regular updates.

Raam Dev has combined over 40 different bloggers’ ideas for making a difference into an ebook. You can download the full ebook here, or visit his site for more information. I’ve also included my three submissions below.

Stay relevant

Read the news. As often as possible. Staying up-to-date on both local and world news is important. It’s important to be aware of what’s going on around the world. Stay in touch and you stay relevant.

Learn new vocabulary

Every time I hear a new or interesting word, I try to write it down. Talking with people from different countries, backgrounds or beliefs, you’re constantly exposed to new vocabulary. Keep those words—whether as a memory or as a way to teach others. Words have power.

Eat less meat

Many cultures around the world don’t consume nearly as much meat as America. You can get the necessary protein from much more sustainable and environmentally-friendly methods. You don’t have to cut out all the meat in your diet (I haven’t) but just be aware that you’re probably consuming more than you actually need.

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What do you think? Can your small actions really make a big difference? I think so. But I’m generally an optimist.

Every now and then something shows up repeatedly in Twitter and I don’t particularly know what it is or why I need to know about it. If it sticks around long enough, I may figure it out. Or look it up.

Like this Inception movie that everyone is talking about. I had no idea of its existence until I saw a handful of tweets about it. A little unclear on what it was or why I should know about it, I put the question to Facebook. And got a handful of responses.

Yes, I could have looked it up myself. Yes, I may have eventually read about it in the news. But this way was more fun. As much news as I may read or current events that I pay attention to, there are some things which I just can’t possibly come across. Movies are probably one of those. Except you can bet just about anything that on the 17th, 18th or 19th of November this year, I’ll be in one of those countries waiting in line at a movie theater.

Philae Temple in Aswan, Egypt. The sacrificial altar.Don’t worry: Mr Wombat’s okay. He’s just admiring all those hieroglyphics!

It’s summertime and that usually means summertime marketing and travel deals. A lovely time of year, yeah? Here’s the scoop:

HostelBookers ‘Summer of Love’ Sale

• At least 20% off hostels in top destinations worldwide including New York City, Budapest, Venice, Edinburgh, Rio de Janerio and Istanbul.
• How to enter? Just place a booking by 31 July 2010 and complete your travel by 30 September.
• More info: http://www.hostelbookers.com/summer-accommodation-deals/

AXE “Grooming on the Go” Giveaway

• Win a travel pack of AXE essentials: body lotion, hand sanitizer, shampoo, deodorant, etc.
• How to enter? Just retweet a message and leave a comment here (on travelsofadam.com no less!)
• More info: http://travelsofadam.com/2010/07/the-stinky-side-of-travel-how-to-beat-dirty-feet-and-other-travel-hygiene-tips-2/

Blog Your Way Around the World

• Win eight different expeditions for two in various places around the world. And some travel gear as well.
• How to enter? Submit a 400-word essay on why you should win and how you will blog. Then get as many votes as possible.
• More info: http://blogyourwayaroundtheworld.com/

Win the Ultimate Road Trip Adventure Pack from World Nomads

• Win an iPod Touch 32GB, $100 iTunes voucher, MacBook Pro 15″, iPhone 32GB, Canon Legria HF20 video camera (total value at $5000) by voting on your favorite Van-tastic team. The team gets AUD$10,000.
• How to enter? Watch the 7 video entries and pick your favorite!
• More info: http://vantastic.worldnomads.com/

Win a Trip to Iceland Sweepstakes

• Win a three-night/four-day trip to Reykjavik (one of my favorite places in the world!) via Icelandair includes: return airfare for two from Seattle, New York or Boston; 3 nights at the Hilton Reykjavik; hot springs & lava cave hike side adventure; 66º North apparel shopping trip; admission to the Blue Lagoon
• How to enter? Go to either Iceland Naturally or Briggs & Riley by August 9th, 2010 at 11:59 PM (ET)
• More info: http://www.icelandnaturally.com/

Your Big Year Competition

• Win a 12-month, expenses paid trip around the world. Get the opportunity to meet world leaders, celebrities & entrepreneurs to encourage global citizenship & social responsibility.
• How to enter? Register at www.yourbigyear.com. If you register, tell them I sent you (my referral id number is 1157).
• More info: http://www.yourbigyear.com

Become the next paid writer for the Flightster Blog

• Make $75-$100 writing a weekly column for a new travel blog.
• How to enter? Write, link, tweet & fan the Flightster blog to get their attention. Then hope they pick you to be their next contributing writer. Ends 30 July.
• More info: http://www.flightster.com/2010/07/20/how-to-become-the-next-paid-writer-for-the-flightster-blog/

Win round-trip tickets to Israel from El Al Israel airlines

• Two round-trip tickets to Israel
• How to enter? Write a clever travel-themed joke on their Facebook page by 19 August.
• More info: http://www.facebook.com/pages/EL-AL-Israel-Airlines-USA/