Israel episode 19 part 3

Israel episode 19 part 2

Israel episode 19. The last chapter

Our last two days on this most memorable adventure were spent at the Dead Sea. We visited Masada, floated in the salt & mineral rich sea, Jeep 4 wheeling in the Judean Desert and began our trek home. Masada is an UNESCO World Heritage site. Built around 103-76 BCE by the Hasmoneans. Later greatly enhanced by the Romans under the rule of King Herod. After Herod died, Jewish Freedom Fighters inhabited this fortress. The most notable event is this was the demise of last bastion of this rebel group. When they decided they could not defeat the Romans, they chose death by their own hands as opposed to slavery. It is estimated about 960 people died that fateful night before the Romans broke through its walled defenses. Masada's ruins lie on a plateau 450 meters above the Dead Sea. It is approximately 650 meters long and 300 meters wide. Quite a fascinating historical area to explore. The cable car up the little hill is part of the adventure for sure. Especially to experience how many people can be crammed in for one ride. Kinda reminds you of the days of when people tried to get a couple of dozen people into a phone booth... The afternoon was spent bobbing. That's right bobbing like a fishing bobber. The salt and mineral content is so high in the Dead Sea that it is absolutely impossible to sink. Like floating without a flotation devise. So cool! Our pre farewell dinner and debriefing meeting was totally fun including the post trip quiz pitting the 4 teams against each other. There is no doubt we learned a vast amount of information, but remembering... The quiz certainly challenged us. Ironically all four teams ended in a tie. The last day begins with us climbing into Jeeps to go 4 wheeling in the desert. Treated to s yummy lunch under acacia trees. So much fun! Sadly, our last ride on the big bus to drive back to Tel Aviv. Starting our journey home. Thank you so much for traveling with us!

Israel Dead Sea episode 18 part 3

Israel Dead Sea episode 18 part 2

Israel. Dead Sea episode 18

Our guide, Alon, is one if the most creative and positive guys. We were delayed about 4 hours from departing the old city of Jerusalem due to being encapsulated within the routes for the Jerusalem marathon. Who could expect this? Police everywhere had the entire area shut down to all vehicle traffic. The bus could not get near us to pick up bags and passengers. What did he do? Came up with a little walking tour and going over maps recapping our tour to date. Very fun! We walked up to the YMCA, windmill park, and by Solomon's swimming pool. The state of Rhode Island almost could have fit in it. Yea! the bus broke through the police lines at about 1:00, we scrambled in the bus and off we go to our next hotel on the Dead Sea. On the way we stopped at Qumran Caves in the Dead Sea Rift Valley. This is an archeological site where a settlement of Sectarians lived in the first century, wrote the scrolls, then hid them in large jars in the caves. Very interesting, and crowded. Next stop, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. Fabulous view from the top of this mesa of the valley rift below. Treated to watching a few hyraxes scamper about. Shaped kinda like a rabbit and a huge rat. Isn't nature interesting.... No ibexes showed up, but they are around. Finally, arrived at our hotel right on the shore of the Dead Sea. We are more than 1,300 feet below sea level. Who da thot?!? It has an unusually high concentration of salt and rich with minerals. Impossible to sink, only float. Tomorrow, Masada!

Israel episode 17 part 3

Israel episode 17 part 2

Israel episode 17

Congratulations on following this adventure to this point, only 3 more days to when we fly home. Today on the schedule was to be a day on our own or an optional tour. Our guide came up with his own tour of points that may be of interest to us. We bit and it was really fun. Started out with a talk with a man who is a Palestinian Arab Muslim. He also is a tour guide for OAT. Spent about an hour talking about his story and much insight into the conflicts between the Palestinians and the rest of this country. It is multilayered and a bit complicated. Loaded up on the bus and off to the church of St John the Baptist. He is also entombed in this church which is under the control of the Franciscans. Treated to yummy gelato. There is always room. Next stop, the Israeli memorial to 9/11. It is located in the valley of a large park. The bike path was so inviting... must ride someday.... More treats! A picnic under the light rail bridge. That was SO fun! Last stop, the country government offices. We visited inside the Supreme Court. Their legal structure is very similar to ours in the USA. We walked around several buildings and looked upon the parliament building, the Knesset. Armed guards made sure we did not get too close. Back to hotel, happy hour, and included dinner. Tomorrow... no idea, you will have to check in to find out what adventures presented to us.

Israel episode 16 part 4

Israel episode 16 part 3