Experience in Ramallah, Palestine by Lina
What is it like to live in Ramallah? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?
Ramallah is a very beautiful city in Palestine, it is considered the main direction for Palestinians coming from different cities & villages.
Ramallah is located in the middle of Palestine, 12 km away from Jerusalem city. It is the headquarter for national and international NGOs and governmental organizations.
Ramallah means (Heights of Allah- Heights of God), you will find Mosques and Churches side by side, Muslims & Christians have been living in Ramallah in an amazing harmony.
Ramallah is considered one of the most liberal cities, not only in Palestine, but also in the Arab World.
You will find people from different nationalities study, work and live in Ramallah, different cultural events are held almost every day.
Regarding the language, you will not face difficulties, many people speak English, especially in the work place, if you want to go to a bank, for example, you can open an account easily, also you will find that you can use Israeli Shekels, US Dollars and Jordanian Dinars in the stores (all are considered a major currency).
You may find that formal transactions (applications) require time.. it may take longer time than you are used to, so you are advised to follow up your application by your self :).. Also, don`t be surprised to see a lot of people are looking at you (whether you are in a street, cafe, university.. etc. ). You are advised too, to ask about prices before going any where (prices of transportation, food, etc.,.. ).
Ramallah is always active and full of life!...not only in the weekends, but everyday in the day and night. People here are determined to live and enjoy depite the israeli occupation and the daily hardship!
People here love to meet people from different cultures, even if you go to a refugee camp, you will find that people are really generous and welcoming... I`m sure you will be more than happy with the charm of Ramallah city and the will of freedom and dignity of its people :)
What is the student lifestyle like in Ramallah?
Ramallah is the cultural and political capital of occupied Palestine.
Birzeit university (located in Birzeit town near Ramallah) is considered one of the major universities in Palestine (www.birzeit.edu), students from all over Palestine study in Birzeit, not only because of the academic atmosphere, but also for the open and diverse atmosphere.
The major dufficulty will be moving from one city to another because of Israeli checkpionts.
How much does it cost to live in Ramallah?
Ramallah is considered the most expensive city in Palestine, but you can always find different alternatives.
Is it difficult to find accommodation in Ramallah? Is there any advice you can give?
It is a little bit difficult (not very difficult), you can visit Ramallah municipality in the old town of Ramallah and get information.
What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?
MMM... The food is just amazing!
You can find traditional dishes, Italian food, Chinese and fast food restaurants.
Most famous dishes are: Maqlobah, Maftool, Msakhan, Mansaf, Mahashi, Hummus and Falafel, Zeit (oil) and Zatar, Knafeh, Mamoul, Zlabyeh and Halweh, Fteer,.. etc. ). The taste of food will take you to a happier place :)
What places would you recommend visiting in Ramallah?
Old town, city center (Al-Balad), Ramallah Cultural Palace
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Is it good to eat out in Ramallah? Can you tell us your favourite spots?
Yes..it is good
You can go to Darna restaurant, Stones, Bandali, Mays El-Reem, Angelos, and Zalatemo (for sweets)
Is the nightlife good in Ramallah? Where is good to go?
Ramallah is perfect for night life... All cafes and bars stay open for 12 o`clock and it is a safe place, but you have to be careful at night because sometimes Israeli tanks invade Palestinian cities.
You can find places to dance, walk, eat, sit... You have to be careful at night,
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Comments (5 comments)
Hi Lina! Thank you for your post, I am planning to come to Birzeit University next year so any information extra it is really helpful :)
Hello Angela, I hope u will enjoy ur visit to Birzeit university. The public relations office in the university is really active and they will help u very much, u will also see that there are many international students who study in the university or do an exchange. I think u will love it ..u will find different activities held inside the university and in Ramallah city. If u want to learn informal Arabic (only the basics) u can go to Scholarship center in the Old Town of Ramallah city, which is a place u must visit. In the same area u will find the Tourists center and they may help u there. If u intend to live in Ramallah, then u will have to take a taxi (the orange one- we call it Ford :) ) from the down town (Al-Manarah) near Daraghmeh center, it will cost u 4.5 NIS (about 1.5 $). Feel free If u want to ask about anything, but as I said the people in the public relations office are extremely helpful. I hope you will have a great experience :)
The weekend days in most of institutions in Palestine are Fridays and Saturdays, in some places they r Fridays and Sundays (Birzeit University is one of these places).
Thak you for all Lina! Do you know how to find an apartment and the average prices? And how long is the distance between Ramallah and UBZ? I would love to keep on talking :P
Hello Angela, Sorry for the late reply, but I was trying to find a good flat in Ramallah, there is this man who has a studio it is rented now. Prices in Ramallah are high, and they are higher for foreigners, you may live in Birzeit town. it is cheaper, closer to the university, and it is very nice. It takes 20 minutes by taxis (fords) from Ramallah to Birzeit. Did u contact the public relations office in the university to see if they can help u find a flat? Anyway, I`m waiting my friends` reply, she works in the university, she will try to find some flats both in Ramallah and Birzeit. I will tell you once she replies :) When r u coming?