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photo page 16 |
On our journey from Dordrecht to Eilat we were surprised by
a gigantic crater, about 2 hours from Eilat. As we could not make any pictures
by then, we had a good excuse to travel back and visit that area again. These
chalk rock formations were somewhere along the way, reminiscent of cappuccino.
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We stopped half a mile from the crater wall. Although it looks very much
like an impact crater from a meteorite, in fact it is a natural valley formed
by water over millions of years,
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The road zigzags her way to the top of crater, through a number of
hair pin bends, to Mitzpe Ramon. At the top, the temperature is almost 3 degrees
centigrade lower then here.
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The crater in bird's eye view. The black heaps are granite mountains,
the result of volcanic eruptions.
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Coffee with crater cat: this athlete jumped from the
ground outside into the window sill, and looked over Henk's shoulder to see
the whipped cream disappearing. Henk was not really at ease with these 20
sharps nails about to grab him, but shortly after this the cat joined us under
the table and took care of the remains of the omelet with bulgarian cheese.
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The "carpentry", a very peculiar rock formation of granite
that has crystallized into square and hexagonal shapes. This hill is one of
the black heaps seen in the picture above.
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Ibex leisurely wander through the town of Mitzpe Ramon.
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And this is also where our Christmas card was shot: on top
of the carpentry, in the golden light of the sunset, made with the use of
a tri-pod and the camera on delayed action.
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Chanukah, the feast of light is celebrated in Israel just before Christmas.
The candle-holder in the shape of the "hand of Chai" was a present from Monique.
On the first day of Chanukah, the right most candle and the middle one
are lit, and every day one more candle is added. After 45 candles the celebration
is over, this year on december 15.
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Big surprise from Sonja: since a couple of weeks she follows lessons in
Pilates to improve her hurting back. Her teacher Rina was busy getting her
certificate to sail the yacht of her friend Dudu. Rina and Dudu invited us
for a trip.
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Dudu, Henk and Rina at the helm. The yacht is called "Yassour"
(Stormy petrel), and it is 2 meters longer than our former Kolibri "Sagitta".
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This is the life!
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Skipper on the Red Sea: Henk is immensely enjoying himself, hand on the
tiller, all sails set: wow.
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Just the perfect wind to put the boat on one ear.
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After sails entertainment: for a snack and a drink we went to Dolphin
Reef, the place to be for most Eilatis. Many agree this is the most beautiful
place on earth, with stunning views, good food, dolphins at hand, and good
company.
Thank you Rina and Dudu for a perfect day.
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Rina's favorite doggie at Dolphin Reef: Joker. A highly self-willed
dog with unexpected circus qualities.
Well, our second stay in Eilat has come to an end, time flew by, we worked
hard and reduced the backlash almost to zilch. Now we will return to cold
Holland to renew the visa, celebrate birthdays and Christmas, and deliver
some work. Although the temperature in Eilat has also dropped, to around 20
C midday, the temperature in Holland will urge us to go back ASAP.
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