BootsnAll Travel Community

I have just returned from one of the best trips of my life. I was travelling with three other Australian work mates over six days.

We basically started with a big night out in the Jerusalem New City that was a blast. It somehow involved shots of Absinth and resembled scenes from the movie 'Eurotrip'.

After a much needed greasy breakfast with friends we made our way down to Beer Sheeba, had lunch at Mitzpe Ramon (an amazing crater on the spice route) and ended up in Eilat for snorkelling in the Red Sea and dinner at a fantastic little seafood resturant next to the Americana Hotel (reasonable room rate, breaky and dinner included but typical israeli fair).

Next day was a day trip to Petra in Jordan. Great package deal, lunch included (beers are very expensive), with a really good guide, picked up at the hotel, guided across the border and driven to Petra. All comments about this place are 100% correct it is truely amazing to sit in the theatre there and think about what has transpired there over the passing of time. Back to Eilat for dinner on the board walk...unfortunately we had been too spoilt with good food and service the night before, so it could not last. However we enjoyed a few beers and argilas on the beach watching the Red Sea.

Day four we crossed over to Taba in Egypt and obtained the services of a driver to get us down to St Catherine's Monastery at the base of Mt Sinai. The local driver was worth his weight in gold getting through the numerous check points, it also helped putting our blonde and female travel mates in the front of the bus. Checked out the village and sites around St Catherine's Monastery and stayed in the Monastery for only US$25 (included breaky, dinner and entrance to see the beautiful treasures in the Monastery).

Unfortunately due to the bombings in Dahab that evening the dawn climb on ANZAC Day was cancelled. So we had a gunfire breakfast (without coffee...only Bundy rum) and played two up after a short but very personal service conducted by the four of us at an old church. Headed back to Taba and stayed at the Hyatt on the beach after obtaining a fantastic rate for room, dinner and breaky. All the meals were excellent and well worth the price. As was the Shisha lounge for cards and watching the 'fireworks' over the Red Sea.

Day six we crossed back to Israel after another morning swim in the Red Sea and headed home.

Great travel buddies, amazing locations and awesome experiences...now that is travelling!