Elvis – alive and kicking just outside Jerusalem

I didn’t know what to expect in Israel. We only made a fleeting visit – the briefest possible in fact. Our ship from docked in Haifa long enough for us to be taken to Jerusalem and Bethlehem and back again (the first and last time I have ever taken a cruise).

Much of what we saw was a blur, and one day I would like to return. A striking memory of that day is the visit to the motorway rest stop known as the Elvis Cafe. It could hardly be more surreal. Nestled in the barren desert, where a simple gas station might be as much as you would expect, is this bizarre shrine. (I guess many people to come this part of the world to pay homage to their King, whoever that is!)

On leaving our bus, the music of Elvis is blaring out, and I imagine does so 24/7. In the shops you can buy Elvis music, T shirts, posters, key rings, you name it. The burgers and hot dogs have suitably American 50s sounding names. Given the heat of the day we settled for blueberry ice cream.

Although I left this site without a bag full of memorobilia, I can imagine fellow travellers receiving strange looks back home when the recipients of their gifts ask the question “Why? I thought you went to Israel?!)

A final thought – if the Elvis Cafe was built in Israel, where in the world might we find the Michael Jackson cafe in 30 years time?