Free Time in Eilat, Israel

Although the flying and driving for more than twelve hours on Sunday/Monday was somewhat exhausting, we all survived amazingly well! Of course, the fact that these two days in Eilat - right in the south of Israel, at the head of the Gulf of Aqabar/ Gulf of Eilat, depending on which map you look at - have been relatively unstructured has really helped in that respect! The weather here has been in the mid-20s, with sunshine, so that has been very pleasant. As well as catching up on our sleep yesterday, we explored the waterfront, marvelling at some of the opulent hotels, particularly the 'King Solomon' and the 'Queen of Sheba'! Time at the hotel pool, listening to the birds in the palm trees was very restful..

This morning Shalom, the captain of the good ship 'Paradise, took us on a wonderful trip across the Gulf, to within 500 metres of the Egyptian border, and it was there that we dropped anchor, donned snorkelling gear and plunged into the war, buoyant water. Not too many fish to be seen, but our patience was rewarded when we came upon one small school of blue- and yellow-striped fish, before it was time to return to the boat, where lunch had been prepared and set out ready for us to eat.... We were certainly ready for it!

Have to head to bed now as tomorrow is an early start, and a full day, in Jordan to visit the lost city of Petra. Hope to continue to report on our travels, but internet access has been quite a challenge!

Too Optimistic...

After trying on several different occasions, I have been unsuccessful posting pictures...but maybe I'll manage to sometime in the future..
Everything is just fine! Busy days - and busy night yesterday. Packed up ready to leave Athens later today. Back to Frankfurt then on to Tel Aviv. Lots of airport time, so perhaps I'll manage some time on the 'net for free!

"It's All Greek to Me!"

Well, here we are, in the middle of Athens, listening to the blaring of horns as the Friday evening drivers vent their frustrations at the slowness of the commute... Our hotel room overlooks what we have been told is the prime square for Athenian protests and riots. Apparently, two policeman were shot earlier this week, in this very square....

Our first impression, both as we drove in to the centre of Athens from the airport, then later as Merlie and I went exploring the area around the hotel, was of a decidedly run-down city, which is not surprising, considering the current ecconomic situation... Later, we took a short metro ride to the area of the Greek parliament buildings, and there the city looked a lot more prosperous. However the nearby National - formerly Royal - Garden looked as though it could use a lot of TLC.

This morning, shortly after breakfast, we were picked up at the hotel, and taken back into the 'age of antiquity' (our tour guide's expression). After a drive around to see many of the well-known sights of the city, we soon found ourselves clambering on foot up to the Acropolis - 'the high city'. It turned out to be a climb not for the faint-hearted, but the destination was definitely worth the effort. Our tour guide, Theoni, was extremely knowledgeable, and a good communicator, so we learned a lot about the early life of 'the high city'. Being at such a high altitude, we were buffeted and blown by the chilly, gusty wind blowing today, but were so thankful that the rain stayed away, as wet marble and uneven ground would have been very tricky to negotiate. Amazing how the Acropolis was built, and how the remains of the Parthenon and other edifices have survived for so long... (Pictures to follow, I hope...)