EILAT
Bordered by beautiful mountains, Eilat is at the southern tip of Israel on the Gulf of Aqaba, an inlet to the Red Sea.
My room in Custo’s Guest House and Diving Club was spartan, but clean, and the communal part of the house was lovely.
Five hours on the bus had been tedious, but Eilat had a Mediterranean feel and a joyful beach vibe that I was eager to explore.
My first view of the mountains across the water in Jordan took my breath away.
The fiery mountains turned purple in the fading light as I made my way around the curve of the waterfront.
As I drew near the waterfront hotels, I was surprised to find myself in a carnival/ fairground-type atmosphere.
As I walked up the street to my airbnb, I thought how safe I have always felt in Israel, regardless of where I am.
Next to the Egyptian border, this is how Israelis do the beach.
The coastline is rocky, pock-marked and unforgiving, but amazingly, the water is crystal clear.
The reef here is very popular with divers.
The more popular north side beach was close to where I had wandered on my first evening in Eilat.
I had no chair, but the sea wall was comprised of large stones that were smooth and flat.
There was music and activity at the mall behind me and I relaxed and enjoyed this gorgeous day.
Wading in the clear water to cool off, I spotted a chunk of coral and helped myself to a nice souvenir of my visit here.
Watching these full-size jetliners flying in over the mall behind me never failed to excite and entertain.
I am in awe at the skill of the pilots who manuever these jets in and out of this postage stamp-sized airport.
My visit here is drawing to a close and it’s time to get to Tel Aviv. Should I take a five hour bus ride or fly? The answer is “plane” to see.
