Spent a little more time under water yesterday. Lazy day today, coffee at the beach and doing some planning for the rest of the trip. Off to Jerusalem tomorrow morning. [caption id=“attachment_2975” align=“aligncenter” width=“450”] Most colourful Fish on the Reef[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2976” align=“aligncenter” width=“450”] Who can spot the two Octopus?[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_2978” align=“aligncenter” width=“300”] Torpedo boat, deliberately sunk as an artificial Reef[/caption]

Yesterday evening I got into a conversation with an Israeli guy, also staying at the hostel. As was my plan for this trip, I enquired about his views on the country, the history and the current situation. He is a student at the Jerusalem university and described his political position as left-liberal. He gave me an overview of the political situation which has parties ranging from the secular on one end to the ultra-orthodox on the other.

A couple of impressions from the Coral Beach Nature Reserve.

Keeping with the biblical analogies, I think I’ve found the modern day sin pool. But all in well order. The day started nice and sunny. In the air-conned breakfast hall, everybody was keeping to the shadowy side of the room. It was 30+ at eight in the morning. At around 9, my dive guide for the day, Moshe, picked me up and took me to the dive centre to gear up.

This “through the desert” is historically a big thing around here. But don’t know about the details, not very firm on my bible studies. My trip started at the central bus station in Jerusalem and led straight through the hills of Jerusalem into the desert. The area is not exactly hospitable but in the beginning isn’t devoid of a certain beauty. That wears off after the first 2-3 hours though.