On Wednesday morning we set out from Masada and started out on our long trek to the southern most tip of Israel: Eilat. We passed through miles and miles (or kilometers and kilometers) of desert wasteland, often times with Israel on our right and Jordan on our left. Of course we were always in Israel. We spent around three hours getting down to the city, during which many of us turned to our electronic devices, considering the landscape was generally unchanging you really cannot blame us.
We found the hostel after a while of confused directions, and dropped off some of our luggage (it was too early to check in - it was one o'clock and we couldn't check in until three o'clock-) before going out to explore. Eilat is quite the place, it's been called the Los Vegas of Israel, but it was nicer than I was expecting it to be. We drove down to the Egyptian border (or close enough) and it was super cool because we could see three countries at once. The distant mountains of Egypt, the Israeli city of Eilat, Jordan's city, and Saudi Arabia's mountains. Also, we walked around the touristy part of town, past all the shops and along the beach. Got some delicious ice cream, who can go wrong with Passion fruit sorbet and Rum Raison? Not together of course.
Three Monkeys
The city at night.
Eilat with the mountains of Jordan behind.
The next day Abba, Henny, and I got picked up at nine in the morning to go driving in the Red Sea, while Saba, Auntie Coco, and Sarah went and chilled on the beach. Literally. It was probably the coldest day Eilat has seen this winter. Anyways, when our dive guide pulled out the 5mm wetsuits, hoods, and booties, we were certainly rather skeptical, despite the weather. In Caesarea we had only used wetsuits, and the water was much colder. Oh, how I wish we had photos of the neon fish, colorful coral, and amazing underwater life. We did two dives in the Bay of Eilat, which for some reason isn't considered part of the Red Sea by divers, probably because of the difference in underwater scenery. Some things we had the privilege to view include: Blue-spotted stingrays, a baby frogfish, stonefish, numerous lionfish, a huge moray, a giant pufferfish, and a giant clam (which wasn't as big as one might think by the name, but beautiful). Sure enough we ended up glad for all the warm garb we had been required to wear. Overall it was a super cool experience, and someday I hope to dive along Sinai, but due to current tensions that is no time soon.
We hooked back up with the other half of our group afterwards, and we all hung out, walked around, did some school, and finally went out to dinner at a Boston restaurant. It was a good night overall, but by the end no one wanted to do anymore walking. :)
On Friday, after a seven o'clock hostel breakfast, we threw all our bags into the back of the car and got rolling again, this time our final destination was Jerusalem. Our original plan was to drive "up" to Jerusalem, but the Lord put a stop to that. Once we reached near where we had stayed along the dead sea, we found the road closed, probably do to rain and water on the roads. Due to that event, my dad choose to drive to Tel Aviv to drop of the car first, then catch a taxi to Jerusalem. And so that is what we did. At the airport we jumped in a Shurot (a van/taxi thingy) and it wasn't long before we were dropped of at our next temporary home. We found out that it was really good that we didn't drive up along the dead sea and have Abba return the car in Tel Aviv after dropping us off in Jerusalem; because the traffic was very extreme, and he wouldn't have returned until well after Shabbat started.
A huge raincloud that poured a tropical downpour on our car.
Our first stop was the market, which was (and is) only a few blocks from where we were (and are) staying. It was unlike anything I had seen in America, but then again I haven't been to much open markets. Bread, pastries, meat, dates, nuts, and most any kosher food that you can think of was laid out in the stands for us to drool over, and it was very crowded with the pre-Shabbat rush. Everyone was hurrying to buy food before the appointed time arrived, which made it hard to walk very fast. I have sense found that large, slow moving crowds are commonplace here, but of course I haven't been to many cities and I expect that most contain crowds like that.
Auntie Coco, with a little bit of help, prepared a wonderful Shabbat meal for us, with plenty left over to get us through the following day as well. If only Abba, Saba, Sarah, and I hadn't eaten that falafel right beforehand, we could've enjoyed it more fully.
It was truly surreal to be in Jerusalem, on the eve of Purim, and celebrating the Shabbat dinner. What an amazing thing.
Sunrise over Jerusalem
Our Shabbat was a truly relaxing day. We spent some time walking around and looking at the closed shops in our part of the city, and then we walked over to the Old City and explored parts of the Jewish, Christan, and Armenian Quarters. Everything was so interesting. Also, you could tell which shops weren't Jewish (despite their often Jewish wares) by who was open and who wasn't.
And that was that!!! I dearly hope I shall have time to update tomorrow, but my Abba warned me that we shall have a busy day. It is late here, almost midnight. I don't understand why I make everything so last minute!
Shalom everyone, and Shevuah Tov.
Ella
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