In the desert

I've been in Israel.

I had no idea that there was a commemoration for the Battle of Beersheba taking place this week and was puzzled by all the Australian flags lining the route to Beersheba.

I've been in the desert most of last week, attending a workshop at a research institute. The days were long and intense but I still managed to do some sightseeing and experience the wonders of the local wildlife.

Here is a view near where I was working/staying. It looks like a scene from Star Wars.

These critters are called ibex. They were everywhere.

Here is a horned viper (it was a tiny baby...and super cute).

And my absolute highlight was seeing scorpions. Under a 'black' light (like the ones they use in a nightclub), they fluoresce brilliant turquoise.