Today is our final day in Israel. After all the travel and sightseeing it will be a welcome change to stay close to Tel Aviv and visit with Paul's family.
We got back late last night from our trip to the Southern most point in Israel, the resort town of Eilat where we went with Paul's cousin's son, Itai. We drove directly south (after bathing in the Dead Sea) through the Negev desert which was starkly beautiful in a rocky, barren way. We stopped near Eilat for a sunset walk in the desert to see Amran Pillars which is a fantastic towering rock formation against the cliffs. When we arrived in Eilat our big plans to go out for the evening evaporated as soon as we showered and laid down. Having only gotten 4 hours of sleep the night before the pre-dawn climb to Masada had depleted us more than expected. In the morning Paul and Itai went off to the desert and I stayed behind and had a blissful day alone entertaining myself. I walked down to the center of the resort area which is a strip of glitzy hotels right next to the Red Sea. From the seaside path you can see Egypt to the West and Jordan to the East.. The sea was a sparking blue and the desert hills behind the town were parched and brown. I wandered around the tourist area for awhile not particularly interested in all the crappy souvenirs for sale until I came to a sign for a "fish pedicure" which was impossible to resist. I let the little fish nibble the dead skin off my feet which was a ticklishly unique experience. I decided to go snorkeling and took a cab to the Coral Reef Natural Park south of town where they had snorkel gear for rent. It was an underwhelming experience compared to some of the snorkeling I have done in Mexico and Hawaii. The coral was pretty and the fish were fine but the water was freezing and I got out after about an hour and headed back to the hotel where I relaxed by the pool and read while trying to tune out the Israeli hip hop music that was blaring from the poolside speakers.
The following day I got up early and went back to the tourist area which was calm and peaceful since the shops had not yet opened. I watched the hills turn pink in the early morning light and smelled the sharp tang of the sea in the wind. Much better than being there midday when packed with tourists!
We drove back through the desert and stopped at some interesting spots along the route. The photo is taken at Mitzpe Ramon which is a town located at the edge of a huge volcanic crater. It is the "Grand Canyon of Israel" and was breathtakingly beautiful.
On the way back home we stopped for a bite at a roadside cafe in Be'er Sheva which was the site of the recent rocket attacks. The cafe was teeming with soldiers, all of whom looked so young, who had been sent to the area because of the recent incidents.
Today it's time to get packed for the trip to Turkey. I won't be needing my warm weather clothing because the forecast says cold, rainy weather is in store for the week.
I had an amazing time in Israel and I am so happy I got to see the country from the Northern highlands to the Southern desert.