Israel! Elat and Timna Park

After leaving Petra, we had another great Jordanian meal,


We left Jordan and passed through the border at Aqaba, the site of the 1994 peace treaty signing.

Transporting automobiles are a big business in Elat. It is strategically located at the southern tip of Israel on the Red Sea.
Cars are shipped from Japan to avoid going through the Suez Canal, to avoid the per car charge.
Israel ships magnesium, phosphate and dates back to Japan.


Our hotel in Elat had a fantastic view of the Red Sea.


with another great buffet!


and had one of my favorite Israeli desserts!
a cupcake that melted in my mouth; a cross between a cupcake and mousse and topped with a chocolate meringue!


The area had a tropical beach feel


with cafes along the seashore.



This was our last night in Israel, and we left in the morning to go
north through the Aravat Valley to Timna Park, on the way to the airport. This park is the site of the world's oldest copper mines dating back more than 6000 years ago, when men first learned how to produce copper and other metals.

When we entered the park we watched a multimedia presentation first, giving the history of the Egyptian ventures.



Spiral Hill, one of the hills formed by the forces of climate.


Solomon's Pillars formed as a result of erosion along the cracks of the red sandstone.


The highlight of the park is a built-to-scale model of the tabernacle.




We saw another model while in Pennsylvania, but unlike that model, we were able to take pictures inside, as well as enter the holiest of holies.




This model seemed so much more real to me. I think the setting, in the middle of the Israel desert, with the wind and sand, gave a feel of how the Israelites lived and worshipped.

The dust storm we drove through made everything hazy.
As we continued north, we passed the Dead Sea, at the southern tip. The road was lined with a towering mountain of salt, which was the former site of Sodom and Gomorrah!



And this is the traditional statute of Lot's wife

We got to Tel Aviv early enough to have a farewell dinner, and say goodbye to our driver and guide before getting to the airport and leaving at midnight! When we got to Nashville, our granddaughter, Tegan, was there to greet us (along with her mommy, daughter, Karyn!)


Food and safety seems to be a hinderance for people when they consider traveling to Israel. From my blogs, you can tell the food was fantastic! Our safety did not seem to be a concern. I think they like the tourist dollars, so wherever we were, we felt safe. Even in Jordan when we had a guard on the bus, we did not feel threatened. Our host, Rick Hill, is in the process of putting together another trip in 2014.....We would highly recommend considering it!!

I never thought I would ever get to go to Israel or Petra......I have enjoyed sharing it with all of you, (but did not show you the entire 2800 pictures I took) and encourage you to make that trip!! If asked what was my favorite place, I could not tell you. Each place was a highlight, had a wonderful meaning, and such a beauty of its own. I am soooo thankful and blessed to have had this wonderful experience.