We had three unplanned days in Israel and decided instead of going north we would go south into the Negev desert. I’ve never spent a lot of time in the desert but the few times I have in the U.S. and in Morocco, I’ve always loved the immense wide-open spaces and the serenity.
We drove to the small town that borders the Mitzpe Ramon crater. We checked into our hotel and it turned out to be one of our best experiences in Israel. Chez Eugene, a small boutique hotel with only six rooms is funnily enough owned by an ex-Parisian, Arnaud Rodrigue. He came to Mitzpe Ramon a number of years ago, instantly falling in love and proceeded to build his dream hotel.
Our fabulous room, which we almost didn’t want to leave, was two stories with a cement floor, comfy purple suede sofa, pony skin rug, and a sexy bathroom with low lights and small tiles. Upstairs was a Queen size bed with soft pure white comforter and sheets.
Chez Eugene also has a restaurant with a chef who formerly worked at the award winning Noma in Copenhagen. We had dinner there both nights and the food was outstanding. Arnaud also owns some vineyards in northern Israel and we tasted some of the excellent wine he produces.
We struck up a conversation with the hotel manager, Hen, and we ended up spending the next two hours talking. Hen, an Israeli native, has had a fascinating life: in his early 20s he did the classic Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance tour across America, and along the way settled in Santa Fe for two years, becoming a photographer and teaching photography to children. He also lived in Germany and Spain, returning to Israel two years ago and was recently offered a job as the hotel manager.
The Mitzpe Ramon crater, which is 24 miles long, four miles wide, and 1500 feet deep, was founded in 1951, as a base for road workers who were building the road to Eilat.
Our days were spent exploring the canyons and the magnificent vistas in the glorious sunshine. We took a hike through one of the parks that had a waterfall, looking in awe at the breathtaking cascading mountains with the flawless azure sky behind them.
One morning we went to an alpaca farm and included in the price of admission was food to feed the alpacas. I innocently started to feed one of them, and all of a sudden the entire pack of alpacas decided they were hungry too, so they were all fighting to eat out of my hand. As I was feeding one of them, he violently sneezed all over me and I had alpaca snot all over my clothes.
We headed to Eilat the next day, sad to leave Miztpe Ramon, such a magical place.
Chez Eugene
8/1 Har Ardon St.
Mitzpe Ramon, Israel
http://mitzperamonhotel.co.il
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
Tours cost 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale
I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos. I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.
Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.
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