This morning we woke up in our tents at 4am. We rolled over and groaned but were excited to see The sunrise at the top of Masada. We had some tea & crackers and then drove to where the hike starts. It was a quick but steep hike up to the top. After a few minutes the sun began to rise up from behind the Jordan mountains. Sadly it was a bit cloudy so it went up into the clouds, but it was still so beautiful.
We then had a tour at the top of Masada and learned the story. When the Romans were taking over Israel and killing all the Jews. A portion of Jews created a village at the top of Masada because it was the only area the Romans hadn't found. However, when the Romans found out and the Jews knew they were coming, many of the Jews committed suicide so that they wouldn't be turned into slaves or killed by the Romans. The views from the top were spectacular and after walking around we began our decent down.
The hike and story reminded me a bit of the history of Machu Picchu.
We got to the bottom and had breakfast because it was only around 8am. We then hopped back on to the bus and headed to the Dead Sea.
We went to a resort that had direct access to the Dead Sea which was awesome because we basically had the beach to ourselves. I had heard all about the Dead Sea and how you float instantly, and it was so crazy to actually experience it! The water is warm and at the shore is a bunch of salt with a little sand. When you walk in you start to feel lighter and you can lift your legs and then you start to float! You can lay on your stomach or back or sit with your legs crossed, it was so neat to experience! A bunch of us linked together and formed a raft-like structure which allowed us to relax and float around!
We then had lunch, I of course had falafel again, and then we headed out!
The Dead Sea made our bodies very soft and slippery because of the oils in the water. We showered off but then we visited a waterfall oasis-- with fresh water! The place was called en geti- and it was magical because amongst a desert there was this waterfall that created a stream flowing from the top of a mountain all the way down creating mini waterfalls and pools along the way. We did a bit of hiking and a bit of lounging in the pools.
Leaving the oasis, I ran into a girl, Rebecca, who knew from high school & college! Such a small world!!!!!
We then hopped back on the bus to Jerusalem where we would stay for the rest of our trip! In the evening we hung out but we're pretty exhausted after getting up at 4am that morning!
This had been by far the most "hi-gear" day of our trip! Along with yesterday as well :)
Sending smiles from Jerusalem,
Rebecca
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