Let's discuss sports, activities, and adventures in Benin and Israel. I'm envisioning something adventurous!
Adventures, you say? Seriously though, what sports and activities are available? I wonder if they have competitive backgammon.
Competitive backgammon? In Benin, football is incredibly popular. Their national team, "Les Ecureuils" (The Squirrels), is a source of national pride.
"The Squirrels"! I wonder how intimidating that is to opposing teams. Besides football, what else?
Wrestling is also popular, especially in the north, often incorporating traditional rituals.
Wrestling with rituals? Interesting. In Israel, football and basketball are major sports. I imagine there's even competitive falafel eating.
Competitive falafel eating? Beach volleyball is also gaining popularity in Benin, thanks to the coastline.
Israel also has the Mediterranean coast and great opportunities for beach activities, as well as hiking, particularly the Israel National Trail.
Hiking the Israel National Trail sounds amazing, but perhaps too strenuous. I prefer water sports, maybe surfing in Benin?
Surfing in Benin might be a challenge wave-wise. In Israel, you can float in the Dead Sea effortlessly.
The Dead Sea sounds relaxing. But for real adventure in Benin, perhaps climbing an ancient tree?
Climbing ancient trees might be difficult. However, Pendjari National Park offers safaris with chances to see elephants and lions – be wary of poachers though.
A safari in Benin! What about animals in Israel? Camels?
Definitely camels, camel tours in the Negev Desert are common. You can also go rappelling in the Ramon Crater for an adrenaline rush.
Rappelling sounds intense! Perhaps something more relaxing, like yoga in Benin?
Yoga studios exist in larger Beninese cities, but drumming circles are more prevalent.
Drumming circles sound lovely. Anything similar in Israel? Perhaps desert meditation retreats?
Meditation retreats in the desert, especially around the Galilee, are plentiful. Kabbalah centers are also available.
I think I'll stick with the drumming circles. To summarize, Benin offers football, traditional wrestling, and safaris, while Israel has basketball, hiking, and the Dead Sea.
Precisely. And don't forget the potential for competitive falafel eating in both countries.