To some people, the expression 'mixed emotions' means watching your mother in law drive off a cliff in your new Ferrari. In my case, this is NOT so. My mother in law, may she rest in peace, had my deepest respect and admiration. She had raised nine children on her own after losing her husband a few years after they arrived in Israel from Iraq. She will always remain one of life's heroines in my mind.

This brings me to my personal definition of the term 'mixed emotions', and this is Eilat. A town on the Red Sea that keeps bringing me back, time after time.

I've had a quiet romance with Eilat since I first saw her in 1967. At that time, I came to Israel as a volunteer, and worked on an ambulance for Magen David Adom in Kiryat Gat. When I had a few days off, I came down to see Eilat and, due to lack of accommodation, I slept on the beach.

Ten years later, I returned to Eilat.....a much bigger Eilat, that now had hotels and a healthy flow of tourists. I worked first as a Night Auditor at the number 1 hotel, The Larromme, and then at a restaurant serving burgers and spaghetti.

 In 1979, I left Eilat, returned in 1983, only to leave again in 1984 having been unable to find my niche again. Incredibly, in 1992 I returned with my wife and two small children. After a short time spent working at the Dolphin Reef and Red Sea Sports Club, my wife and I opened a small Pub/Restaurant. The following years filled me with joy, contentment and self fulfilment.  I had, at last, found my niche in Eilat!

 I do not wish to get political and negative, but the tide turned. The town became a victim of circumstances beyond its control. Tourism died.... and with it, my business. I left Eilat and Israel in 2002 in search of opportunity.

 After almost six years away, my age and health, combined with my longing to be near children dictated my return to Eilat, once again. 

So ...good luck to me, and to Eilat

Art,   Eilat