Practical Information Arad’s central bus station is on Yehuda St. across from the town’s commercial center. Across from the bus station is the town’s corft-mercial center/mall, containing most of Arad’s important institutions. The tourist office (tel. 95 81 44 or 95 93 33) is located on the opposite side of die center from the bus station (open Sun.-Thurs. 9am-noon and 5-7pm, Fri. 9am-noon). The po* office (tel. 95 70 88) next door to the tourist office has Poste Restante.

(Open Sufl rues, and Thurs. 8am-12:30pm and 3:30-6pm, Wed. 8am-l:30pm, Fri. Sam-noon.) The commercial center also includes a pharmacy (tel. 95 74 39; open Sun.-Thurs. g:30am-7:30pm, Fri. 8:30am-l:30pni), a Co-op Supermarket across the street from the bus station (open Sun.-Thurs. 7:30am-l :30pm and 4-7pm. Fri. 7am-2pm). a Superso) supermarket across the street from the tourist office, and four banks (most open Sun., Tues., and Thurs. 8:30am-12:30pm and 4-5:45pm, Mon. and Wed. 8:30am-12:30pm, Fri. 8:30am-noon). Police (tel. 95 70 44 or 100 in emergencies) and first-aid (tel. 95 72 22 or 101 in emergencies) stations are on Yehuda St. The telephone code in Arad is 057.

Bus 389 speeds to Tel Aviv (NISI7); bus #388 chugs to Be’er Sheva (NIS9). To get to Jerusalem, you’ll have to change in Beer Sheva. Buses #384 and #385 run to Ein Bokek (NIS7)’ Masada (NIS9-50), and Ein Gedi (NIS12.50). Many buses, including some to the Dead Sea, leave from the station up the hill on Yerushalayim St. Special routes apply during the music festival (see below).

Stay at the Blau-Weiss Youth Hostel (HI) on Arad St. (tel. 95 71 50). Walk east on Yehuda St.. take a right on Palmah St. past the police and first-aid stations and follow the signs. The hostel is closed l:30-4;30pm; check-in between 4:30pm and 8pm. The rooms are spotless and there is a kitchen and TV’ room, but no A/C Don’t worry about nil those tiny little ants crawling around your room-the big ants in the bathroom will eat em. Make reservations in advance, especially during festival season. (Dorm beds USS15. Singles US$28, doubles US$40. Nonmembers add US$1.50. Breakfast included.)