Long before I discovered women I discovered countries through sport and beauty contests, so an invitation to Miss Universe Israel treat.
And like, say the Olympics, you could put a face on the countries which you’d never heard of before.
And a beautiful one at that.
I don’t know why but Miss Guam has left a lasting impression to this day.
Of course the choice of The Land of Milk and Honey for the 70th iteration of the pageant is a marriage made in heaven.
Israel’s own beauty is beyond question.
The Red Sea is where Israelis and Middle Easties, and discerning international travellers, go to party.
And I dipped my toe in the water there, on the Jordan side with G Adventures.
Eliat will bounce with even more beautiful women in November and December.
When stunning women from more than 100 countries will pose before the Red Sea beauty spots.
The Promised Land, as I’ve flagged up from the start, has led the way in vaccination and reopening.
And Miss Universe promises to be the focal point of three weeks of partying across November and December.
Now as a teaser here are some professional model shots we prepared earlier.
And the stunning panorama of Eliat and the Red Sea.
Now as well as contestants from around 100 countries we’re also promised more than a hundred American celebs and world renowned judges.
Now over to the Israel Minister for Tourism for the type of shalom only the Israelis can offer.
Yoel Razvozov said: ‘Israel is a beautiful land of creativity and innovation and we have successfully faced the COVID-19 crisis head on.
‘Therefore, we are among the first countries to host an international event – the unifying Miss Universe.
‘What a great opportunity. An event celebrating women’s empowerment, optimism, tolerance and desire for excellence, that crosses every geographical and national border.
‘I fully hope that in December we will be celebrating not only the new Miss Universe here in Israel, but most importantly, the end of the world pandemic.’
Miss Universe Israel treat. And, of course, I await the call for Mr Universe soon too.
Pictures by Boaz Samorai, Rony Balahsa and Bandaman.