Rainbow Canyon

So our second to last day we took a hike to Rainbow Canyon. It was amazing desert and rock formation, and the colours in the rock were really spectacular. I don't think they really come across here, so when I see you, I will have to show you pictures directly from the computer.

At the end of the hike our driver met us at the oasis and made us a great lunch of tomatoes and cucumber with feta, pita, tea. the man in the western suit was along for "security". Apparently the American government has insisted on security for American and Israeli tourists (I guess Canadian is close enough to American for these purposes.) I thought he looked so uncomfortable in his suit--but at one point when he got up, Mary pointed out the AK-47 he had tucked in his waistband, which I guess you can't do in a robe. Lots of guns in Egypt.

It was an incredible place to see and now I am dying to see more of Egypt, and more of Israel. We were across the water from Saudi Arabia (but I am not too keen to go there, believe me!), then also from Jordan. So many beautiful places in the world!

We headed back to Jerusalem on Jan. 3, then had one full day there, and flew back to London on the 5th, then took the train back to Bath and Peasedown on the 6th.

Mary has started into reading for her lit review and is really enjoying it. I am kind of glum that the holiday is over. It has been rainy and windy every day here, and today many of the roads are flooded. But Mary's friend Barb arrives tonight for five days and I know her company will cheer me up.

More news to follow, once something interesting happens! :-)

Karen