Eilat to Jerusalem – Last Full Day

Winding down now. Spent about 5 hours working our way back to Jerusalem, this time north along the Dead Sea on Rt. 90.

A long drive, now among some familiar sights. The desert seems endless, but beautiful.

We always knew Israel and its people are amazing, but a few more things put on an exclamation point. When God gives Israelis lemons, they really do make lemonade. The dead, dead water and barren land just gives them the opportunity to squeeze out some gold in the form of manganese, much sold to Volkswagen. Potash plants for fertilizer are also booming, serving the world’s fertilizer needs.

Square miles of salt and desalination plants.

Even burgeoning tourism out of “nothing”.

Ingenious canal system taking water from the north Dead Sea to the South through the evaporated middle. They are even harvesting huge quantities of salt in the south to keep the water from rising into the factories and hotels.

And a huge moment of pride as we were able to make it to the Hadassah Hospital where my recently deceased Aunt, Estelle Siegel bequeathed a large sum of money to build “Granny’s Garden” helping connect the hospital to the medical schools and surrounding buildings.

The director of development met us and graciously gave us a tour of the facility (largest hospital facility in all of Israel), especially the space that will be the garden. Construction starts in April and should be open in the Fall.

It encompasses a large section of space that now is three or four smaller gardens It will have paths, sitting areas, spectacular foliage and a space for patients and staff to relax – or just enjoy seeing.

We’re also introduced to the Garden’s planner/designer who worked with Estelle and her daughters very closely to make her vision come to life.

Tali also gave us a private tour of the hospital’s Chagall windows. Talk about mind-blowing. Each panel is more special than the other, reflecting what the hospital stands for. Everyone is welcome.

What a way to end such a wonderful trip! So beautiful, and so personal.

We’ll wake up at 4 am tomorrow and be back in the US in the early afternoon (12 hour flight). But the length of the flight will give us a chance to reflect on so much. We are really happy you were able to join us…. See you in Alaska later this summer.