Geological formation

Unique in the world, is Israel’s Grand Canyon, and it’s just about as breathtaking.   There are two other, major

makhteshim, the  “small” and the  “large,” and  ha-Makhtesh ha-Katan (“the Small Makhtesh”) is in some ways more spectacular because you can see the whole formation in one glance, and get a better understanding of  how  the geology works.  There are only seven makhteshim in the world, five in the Negev and two in the northern Sinai. In 2009, I had the pleasure of meeting and touring with guide Adam Sela, who specializes in tours of the Negev, with a particular focus on the natural and ecological aspects of the

central Negev highlands.  He lives in Midreshet Ben-Gurion, just outside Sde Boqer, the kibbutz made  famous as the adopted home of Israel’s founder, David Ben-Gurion.   I cannot recommend Adam highly enough – in two days, he showed me a side of Israel and the Negev that I not only had never seen but could never  have  accessed without someone like him.  I had heard of “off-road jeep tours,” but had no idea that one could drive a jeep where he took us!  We went up mountainsides and down through winding, dry wadi beds.   Adam

showed us the Makhtesh Ramon – and really made me understand for the first time the unique, geological process that created it.  He also showed us the remnants of the Nabatean, Roman, and ancient Israelite presence in the region over the centuries, and spectacular vistas that I would never otherwise have found, let alone be able to get to.  The jeep tours are not for the faint of heart, but they are unforgettable and totally worth it.  He is also delightful to spend time with.  For more information, see  www.adamsela.com, e-mail office@adamsela.com,  or call him at (050) 530-8272.  In the picture above, Adam is in the center with the gray hat  – not a great picture, but it was an unforgettable day of touring with Trip Advisor friends!

The Negev – Israel’s Desert South

Most people visiting Israel for the first time do not visit Eilat and the Negev desert (the southern half of the country, shaped like an inverted triangle).  Of course, your choice depends on your interests.  While most  tend to  focus on  the cities, culture, and history, those who want wilderness, a more nature/eco-style trip, or beaches may well head south.  And while Eilat itself is not all that special, the Negev – especially as I experienced it with Adam Sela – is amazing. Eilat is a lovely beach and resort city located on the Red Sea, Israel’s southernmost point.  But there are many  lovely beach cities in North and South America, Europe, and Australia, and I don’t see Eilat as all that distinctive or remarkable.  For return visitors who have seen the rest of the country, it may be a different story.  I think Eilat’s most remarkable feature is the underwater

observatory where you can see the Red Sea coral reefs and fish life.  Many people also enjoy swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Reef.  For more information on these sites and hotels in Eilat, see www.tripadvisor.com or the Frommer’s guide.  Since I have never stayed overnight in Eilat, I don’t have specific recommendations on hotels or restaurants, but those sources will be very helpful.  Destination Expert “Bluesman” on Trip Advisor is also very helpful on Eilat. The Negev, on the other hand, is a  truly spectacular desert, and if you are so inclined, by all means take some time touring it.  Don’t miss the Makhtesh Ramon, the so-called  “Ramon

Crater” (it’s not a crater but a geological formation unique to the Negev) near Mitzpe Ramon in the central Negev.

Miscellaneous

Take an AM/FM radio.  Kol Yisrael (the Voice of Israel) offers 15-minute news bulletins in English at 6:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.,  and 8:30 p.m.   Google  “Kol Israel” and  “English news” to find the  frequencies  of the newscasts  before your trip; they seem to change constantly.  Especially if you are driving on your own, you want to keep an ear on the news.  Israel Television also has a nightly English news bulletin on Channel 1 at 4:50

p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m. on Friday, and 5:00 p.m. on Shabbat. If you want to take your laptop, many hotels now have wi-fi service, though often at charge of up to $15 USD a day.  You probably won’t need a voltage converter other than what came with the computer (check to be sure, but most handle 220 as well as 120 current), but you will need the three-pronged adapter for Israeli plugs. Israelis love and live by their cell phones, and you’ll find it very convenient to have one.  I have rented several times from Amigo (www.amigo-us.com), and have found it very easy to use and reasonable in price.  They mail the phone

to you before you leave, with a return envelope to send it back once you get home.  I only spent about $70 USD in charges each year. Take lots of sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hats.  Also, don’t forget to drink lots of water on hot days.  You’re dehydrating more than you think because, particularly in the drier

interior, you won’t feel sweaty.  You will need to force water frequently – if you wait until you feel thirsty, it’s too late and you won’t catch up.  The water in Israel is safe to drink everywhere, with the possible exception of small Arab villages.  I’ve gotten sick twice in such villages, but that may have been from food that was left out too long. Israeli hotels that aren’t luxury-level sometimes do not provide shampoo or enough soap,

so take them.  They also seem not to provide washcloths, if you care about that.  North American electrical appliances (other than the laptops) require a converter, which can be purchased there.  You’ll also need a plug adapter.  You can find these on the Internet as well.  If you are from a country that uses 220 volt current, you’ll only need the plug adapter.