Sunday, December 28, 2008

HYDRA - island, town,water, dragon


Hydra ( the name means 'water' in Greek) is the capital and main port of the rocky island with the same name . What is special here is that motorized transport is forbidden. Even bicycles are not allowed. Transport of people and goods is made by cart, backs of donkeys, boat.

Since 1950 it has attracted artists from all over the world turning into a cosmopolitan artistic and cultural center.
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Hydra Harbour

From port to town


Cafes and shops line the quayside

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The Hydra with no cars

Hydra (multi-dragon, in mythology)
A cosmopolitan town and artist colony
Painters/writers find here inspiration
For their versatile cultural creation

It has a horseshoe port with yachts
Many cafes, tavernas and shops.
Timeless, stone charming houses
Separated by narrow paved alleys

No modern transport is allowed
On the island and in the small town
Tourists stroll in the cobbled lanes
Enjoying it all, despite leg pains.


Friday, December 19, 2008

The Dead Sea ( 'Yam Hamelach' - 'The Salty Sea')


The ultimate recreation and health spot. It has it all: desert -like climate, mineral-rich sea and mud, hot springs, fine beaches, luxurious hotels and spas. In recent years it has lost some of its natural charm due to reduced inflow of water, massive extraction of minerals from the sea by a chemical company ( "The Dead Sea Works"), increasing number of hotels , therapeutic facilities and visitors .
Yet it's still one of the greatest places on earth.

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The water of the sea has unique properties


sulphur pool


Even in a salty place it's possible to grow things

Colors of water & sky change according to daytime


'Zel Harim' Hotel with all rooms at ground level


I'm 'Mad' about the Dead..Sea

The lowest point on Earth
The Dead Sea area 'gave birth'
To a unique , hypnotizing spot
Which is one big health resort

The sea is both oily and salty
People are engaged in floating
Bromine in the air and water
Make body relaxed and calmer

Sunny skies, dry, pure air
Colors of 'Moav' mountain chain
Nature is all Silence and Beauty
Providing health and serenity

People from all over the world
Come to the Dead Sea pearl
For its climate, mud, minerals
To cure their various illnesses

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ים המוות הנותן חיים

ים המלח, ים הדממה
מוקף באדמה צחיחה
מימיו המלוחים, שומניים
עשירים במינרלים מיטיבי חיים

מכל הארץ ומרחבי העולם
אנשים באים לכאן
למצוא במימיו הכחולים
שלווה ומזור למכאובים

תמיד אהבתי ואוהב
את ים המלח והרי מואב
את האויר, המים והחול
את ערד העיר, המלונות..הברום

ים המלח, ים הדממה
ים של רוגע ושלווה
המקום הנמוך בעולם
הכל בו הוד, וטוב טעם