About Matt Long
Who am I? I am a typical Gen-Xer and recovering cubicle-dweller who has a passion for all things travel. My site brings a unique perspective that is hard to find online. I am not a backpacker, nor am I...
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Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
11 April 2013 11:55 PM | 15 Comments -
20 Things Every Smart Traveler Should Know
11 March 2013 11:55 PM | 33 Comments -
Five Foods You Must Eat in Europe
12 November 2012 8:10 PM | 23 Comments -
Five Reasons to Stop Dreaming and Travel Now
16 April 2012 11:55 PM | 44 Comments -
So What’s Reykjavik Really Like?
28 February 2012 11:55 PM | 30 Comments
As Seen In:
jerusalem Archive
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Western Wall and the Temple Mount in Jerusalem
Posted on March 31, 2012 | 2 Comments -
Four Not to Miss Experiences in Jerusalem
Posted on July 18, 2011 | 6 CommentsNo matter where you turn in Jerusalem, there are constant reminders that you are in one of the most spiritually and historically significant cities in the world. With an overwhelming number of sites to visit, there are four activities that no visitor to the Holy... -
In Search of the Religious Trifecta in Jerusalem
Posted on May 4, 2011 | 6 CommentsPlease note: The photo of the Kotel was not taken on the Sabbath, as that is strictly prohibited. Jerusalem, the historic capital of Israel, is a city in conflict. Not just what one sees on the nightly news, but the city is in conflict... -
Touring the Past to Learn about the Present in the City of David
Posted on April 21, 2011 | 2 CommentsThe Sunday before I left on a solo trip to Israel, we were sitting on the couch watching 60 Minutes and eating some delicious Indian takeout. As I consumed the last morsel of naan a story highlighting the City of David in Jerusalem came on.... -
Exploring the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
Posted on April 19, 2011 | 3 CommentsInitially, Jerusalem can be an incredibly confusing city. Centuries of constant habitation has resulted in a maze of alleys, side streets and endless souks, all of which look amazingly similar to each other. After a few days though, certain landmarks or starting points begin to... -
A Visit to Forgotten Muristan
Posted on April 18, 2011 | 1 CommentNo it’s not a small country in the former Soviet Union, nor is it a far flung province of Afghanistan or even China. While it doesn’t enjoy borders or even many inhabitants, Muristan is one of the most important neighborhoods in world history, found in... -
My Unvisit to the Temple Mount
Posted on April 12, 2011 | 14 CommentsJerusalem has many important sites, both in historical and religious contexts, usually a combination of both. The three great monotheistic religions of the world, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, each claim the city as holy and have corresponding sites of importance in the great capital of... -
Chasing History – In Search of the Last Supper in Jerusalem
Posted on April 5, 2011 | 1 CommentIt was my last full day in Jerusalem, and I wasn’t sure how to spend the afternoon. I had prioritized the sights in the ancient city and thanks to a furious travel style, achieved most of my goals. That’s why I found myself sitting on... -
Walking the Via Dolorosa and Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem: A Guide
Posted on April 3, 2011 | 5 CommentsThere were many things I wanted to do in Jerusalem, and walking the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Suffering, was high on the list. The circuitous route is believed by many to follow the path that Jesus walked, carrying his cross, on the way... -
Spiritual Travel in Jerusalem
Posted on March 27, 2011 | 5 CommentsI wouldn’t call myself a religious person, per se. Rather, I am spiritual and have always had a profound interest in religion, all religions. I was raised Lutheran in a small Pennsylvania town by two parents who had only a passing interest in the subject... -
When Budget Travel Goes Wrong – Alcazar Hotel
Posted on February 13, 2011 | 9 CommentsI’ve always been very careful when describing the mission of LandLopers. Yes, the site is about budget travel, but comfortable budget travel. I don’t believe that you have to couch surf in order to have an affordable vacation. I’m in my mid-thirties, I am a... -
Jerusalem Underground – Zedekiah’s Cave
Posted on January 24, 2011 | 5 CommentsDuring the Jerusalem leg of my trip to Israel, I stayed at a small hotel in East Jerusalem, not far from the walls of the Old City. I chose the strange, poorly kept hotel for its price and proximity to everything I wanted to see... -
Prayer on the Go: Western Wall – Kotel iPhone & iPad App
Posted on January 13, 2011 | 1 CommentOne of the iconic images of Jerusalem, a city of many such images, is the Western Wall or Kotel. The Western Wall is the remnant of the retaining walls of the Second Temple on the Temple Mount built by Herod the Great and which was... -
Lopers Award for Favorite Travel Destination of 2010
Posted on December 31, 2010 | 2 CommentsEvery day this week I have highlighted a favorite travel experience from 2010 with something I call the Lopers Awards. Today I want to share with you my one, favorite travel destination of the year. As I sat down to write this post, I had... -
Jerusalem Ramparts Walk
Posted on December 22, 2010 | No CommentsJerusalem is a city of history and meaning, but it is also a city of gorgeous views and panorama. There are many ways in which to seek out unique views of this ancient town, but the ramparts walk is one of the best. The old... -
Finding Pom Wonderful in Israel
Posted on December 10, 2010 | 1 CommentI did a lot of walking in Jerusalem, most of it in the blazing heat. Given my brief time in the city I made sure I did and saw as much as possible, but I also made sure to rest and take a few breaks... -
Jerusalem: Two Perspectives
Posted on December 9, 2010 | 2 CommentsIt was my last evening in Jerusalem and I had just spent the day with a new friend, a travel writer who happened to be in town at the same time. We explored Yad Vashem and he was gracious enough to teach me the ins... -
Friday Photos – Three Perspectives: Childhood in Israel
Posted on November 12, 2010 | 2 Comments -
The Great Israeli Falafel Experiment
Posted on November 11, 2010 | 11 CommentsI have an insatiable and undeniable love with almost all forms of street food. I’m not talking about the fancy New York City food trucks either. No, I am talking about the food you see being sold from small storefronts or carts all throughout the... -
Why We Visit Tragic Places
Posted on November 8, 2010 | 18 CommentsMy first, and to date only, visit to Germany was way back in 2003. Scott and I were on vacation touring through Austria, the Czech Republic and Germany. The trip was a great introduction to Central and Eastern Europe and continued to fuel my love... -
Israeli Army Scavenger Hunt
Posted on November 4, 2010 | 5 CommentsIt was the only time I got lost in Jerusalem. I had tried to find the entrance to the Temple Mount and after hours of circumnavigating the Old City, dodging souk merchants and tour groups, I was told that it wasn’t open yet. Actually, turns... -
Travel Photo – Cliffs of Masada
Posted on October 29, 2010 | 3 CommentsView of the cliffs of the ancient fortress Masada, which rises more than 1,300 feet and overlooks the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea. The Masada fortress sits high atop an isolated rock plateau and is the legendary site of a Roman siege that prompted... -
Travel Photos – Israel Highlights Day 5
Posted on October 26, 2010 | 2 CommentsMy ability to share pics tomorrow will be completely dependent on the quality of Wi-Fi at Ben Gurion and my ability to find an outlet. Fingers crossed though! -
Travel Photos – Israel Highlights Day 4
Posted on October 25, 2010 | 1 Comment -
Travel Photos – Israel Highlights Day 3
Posted on October 25, 2010 | 6 Comments -
Travel Photos – Dome of the Rock: Pop Art Version
Posted on October 24, 2010 | 2 Comments -
Travel Photos – Israel Highlights Day 2
Posted on October 23, 2010 | 1 Comment -
Friday Night Walk to the Kotel
Posted on October 22, 2010 | 1 CommentI captured this image while on my way to the Kotel, or the Western Wall. The combination of smoke emanating from the nearby food stalls and the mad rush to get to the wall made for a wonderful frenzy. -
Follow Me to Israel
Posted on October 21, 2010 | 2 CommentsLater this evening, I will be embarking on an 11 hour flight from Philadelphia to Tel Aviv for a remarkable adventure. I am traveling solo to Israel for a week to tour about and see as much as I can in this small, but remarkable...
