Back to Israel.

It's hard, because I don't really know how to follow up the Iain post, but I guess I just have to carry on where I left off.

Me, Jack and his brother (Mor) and sister (Hadas) spent a day in Tel Aviv and I was sorry we didn’t spend more time there, because it is such a cool city. Bustling with people, packed with coffee shops and trendy stores, it would be a fantastic city to spend a more “extended” stay in.

As it was we had a beautiful day, wandering through the traditional markets and artist markets that form the hub of the city, along with the coolest street in town. I only wish I had taken more photos!

Mor and Hadas were very patient with my super-slow browsing.
We drank the green drink, which was mostly mint and lime. Might seem like and odd combination but it was very refreshing and tasty.





Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, took place while I was in Israel. It was a very nice celebration to be there for. Jack's family had a beautiful big dinner and a gathering of his extended family later in the night.

The beach near Jack's house. The water is the Mediterranean, which was very warm. There were big waves which were kind of fun and kind of scary, haha.
... and lots of beautiful shells.
Sunset near where Jack is building his house. Every night there was a gorgeous sunset. How is this place so beautiful?

Goodbye...

Iain Gillis (1979-2006)

Comedian, chef, storyteller, writer, joker, musical aficionado, fixer of friends' computers, social butterfly, proud Cape Bretoner and friend to all.

Died October 11th, 2006 after a courageous, optimistic and inspiring battle with Lymphoblastic Lymphoma.

You will be badly missed by many.

www.iaingillis.blogspot.com

Through the Negev Desert… to the Red Sea and Eilat

It was a five hour drive from Jack’s house to Eilat (the southernmost tip of the country) but the scenery was so beautiful and exotic that we didn’t mind for a second. Jack had to stop every ten minutes for me to take pictures and he didn’t even complain once! It was a perfect start to our three night tropical getaway.

The Negev desert covers the entire country from Be'er Sheva to Eilat.

We stopped to see this 40 mile long crater in Mitzpe Ramon. The lunar-like landscape was very beautiful. By this point we were in the centre of the desert and the heat had become dry, making it MUCH more bearable.
We were lucky enough to be at the visitor's centre when this small herd of ibex arrived.


Our first meal in Eilat started with all these dishes (salads) before we even ordered. This is common in Israel. The salads are generally complimentary, and are delivered to the table as soon as you sit down along with fresh pita bread. Kind of like how sometimes restaurants in North America give you bread when you sit. Except way more awesome.

Falafel balls, which are made of chickpea paste are generally eaten in a pita with toppings and sauce. They are to Israel what donairs are to Halifax, except that they have grown to be practically the country's national food. I saw magnets and postcards of falafel. Good thing it's tasty.
Our hotel! One of the nicest ones in Eilat.


Our friends from the ship, Tom and Jennifer. Jack worked with Tom for years and I got to know them once Jack and I were together. Tom lives in Eilat and we were lucky enough to be there at the same time as Jennifer was visitng him from New York.

Eilat is sandwiched between Egypt (beyond those mountains) and Jordan (on the left side of the gulf). You can also see Saudi Arabia across the water.
This is what we ate for breakfast every day. There was an amazing buffet included with our room. I love Israeli food...
Tom goes to university and drives a boat for a water sport company. We spent one afternoon cruising around the Red Sea with them.

The red rock of Jordan.
Our hotel from the water.
Tom convinced us to go on the "banana," which he pulls around the gulf behind his boat and whips around so everyone flies off into the water.

It was actually quite fun.



For a surprise Jack took me to a night of Relaxation in the Water. It is at a dolphin reef in Eilat (although it has nothing to do with dolphins) but involves three amazing pools you can float around in; one as salty as the Dead Sea, one perfectly fresh rainforest water and the other one sea water, all warmed to a wonderful temperature. There is candlelight, music under the water, wine and food. It was the nicest surprise I've had in a long time...




That is the edge of the Dead Sea in the photo, but you had to drive for 40 minutes to get to the part where you can swim. Instead we decided to head for home. We have to save something for my next visit!

Akko (part 1)

Old Akko is encircled by an ancient seawall, built by Crusaders and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. What was once a hub for many orders of the Crusaders (including the Knights Templar), is now a busy, mainly Muslim community. Jack, his brother Mor and I spent the day wandering through the old city and the shouk (market). I loved the tiny, winding streets and the glimpses you could catch of the people and animals who live within the walls. We finished the visit with falafel and a great meal at a hummus restaurant that cost us a total of $15!

Pomegranates grow all over Israel (even in Jack's yard). In the old city there were stalls selling fresh, sweet pomegranate juice. Delicious.
















Yummy sweets for sale, including baklava (front). We ate some of the orange stuff which was very sweet but quite tasty. I wish I could remember what it's called!