It’s a Small World

I started to feel crummy in Eilat, so immediately quit sharing water bottles, and by morning I knew I was headed for a full blown strep infection. Not something you want to have interrupt your vacation! The hotel had moved us due to renovations, so as a consolation prize they offered us the ENORMOUS breakfast buffet for free. We ate and ate, and I attempted to power up for the day by eating 5 or so eggs…some omelet, some shakshuk, and maybe one or two other styles. Its getting fuzzy in my memory. I also sent a sad message to Fadwa, and she told me she’d go get me antibiotics so I could have them that evening yet, bless her heart!

We headed back North towards Abu Dis quite early, making a few fun stops on the way. The first one was Israel’s version of Mt. Hor, where Aaron was buried. Jordan also has one, but it’s at quite an illogical spot, so this one may be the correct one. Regardless it was big and interesting. Also you had to use a few sub par roads to reach it, and needless to say we are road shy. It was blazing hot even in the morning, so only the heartiest souls ran up the steep hiking path to the top.

Next stop Tel Be’er Sheeba, where one of Abraham’s wells is to this day, as well as ruins of lots of cities, big lizards that do pushups and a fascinating cistern. Once you descend into the depths, you walk quite a ways in tunnels and through big storage chambers. It’s pretty cool!

Our last stop was The Valley of Elah, where David fought Goliath. Always one of my favorite stops because it’s so peaceful, the wildflowers are second to none, and you can totally see the whole Biblical battle in your minds eye. Pictures cannot do it justice. The ruined town is at the top of a hill, and brilliant red anemones, iris’, Naples Garlic, and cyclamen were only a few of the flowers that carpeted the ground among the tumble down stone walls. Wild almonds were blooming, and lizards basked in the sunshine. I stopped short of the hiking trail leading down to the stream and curled up on a rock to take a nap. I don’t know, does taking a lot of Tramadol make you sleepy? Steph had been making sure I could swallow all day without too much pain:). Kari kept vigil over me while I slept, which was so comforting. Have I mentioned that these people were super thoughtful? And I wonder if I could always have them around, just in case?

Home was beyond welcome that night. I went straight upstairs to Fadwa, where she and her sisters petted me and made sure I was well stocked with Camomile tea, medication and good cheer. How incredibly blessed I felt! The world is so full of amazing people!