Dead Sea and Masada

After seeing the outrageous prices quoted for a tour to the Dead Sea and Masada, we decided to try and rent a car and get there ourselves .  After a little research, we found it would shave around $100 off the trip and, as it turns out, it was so easy!  Israel is a small country and there is only one main highway that leads you directly down the coast of the Dead Sea and straight to Masada- a bit over 1 hour.  So we packed a lunch, grabbed our swimsuits and set off....with Derek at the wheel, of course!  After a few wrong turns, we made it to Masada.  At Masada you can either take a tram to the top or hike for an hour.  We, in our money saving mindsets, figured we would make the hike.  It was an extremely hot that day and with Ashley not so used to the dryness/heat, we had to take it slowly.  But, we made it to the top and enjoyed the panoramic views of the Dead Sea and surrounding desert (only for a few minutes at a time, because then we needed shade!)  After hiking down, we made our way to the Dead Sea, had a picnic lunch, and then carefully waded into the water.  It was a pretty amazing experience...you won't sink even if you try!  But don't stay in too long....any tiny cuts or scrapes begin burning like crazy after a few minutes.  We drove back to Jerusalem just in time for rush hour, but returned the car with 5 minutes to spare!  All in all, a wonderful day. 

 We made it to the top...much to Ashley's relief!                  Derek seems to be fine......   

              Dead Sea in the distance and Roman sauna

                                                    Beautifully preserved mosaic floor

                                                                Wildlife! Notice the baby

                                                                         Dead Sea

                                                                     Just relaxing....

                                                                     And flying......

                                                           More relaxing......

                                                         And more flying....

The Holy Land

  Jerusalem is an amazing city full of history, history and more history.  While the surrounding area beyond the walls of the Old City are modern and full of restaurants and shops, the Old City itself takes you back in time.  The three quarters: Muslim, Christian and Jewish each have their own unique flair.  The most important sights of all three religions are located within steps of each other...The Dome of the Rock (Islamic)- where Mohammed heard the voice of God, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Christian)- venerated as the location of Jesus' crucifixion and burial place, and The Western Wall (Jewish)-the last remnant of the Temple; the most sacred site in Judaism.  The melting pot of people and religions is an amazing experience and personally, puts a lot of things into perspective. If you ever get the chance, Jerusalem is a must see.  But, be prepared for the heat from this time of the year until the fall....we were fooled on our first day.  When we arrived it was raining and around 50 degrees.  That soon changed and a few days later it was well into the 90's and 100's with not a cloud in sight!  We beat the heat at the Dead Sea (photos to come), but Ashley almost passed out on the hike to Masada (story to come). All in all, we've had a great time.  The hummus and olives are to die for, the people are great and the sights are amazing!!
    

                                                    Jaffa Street-just a train, no cars allowed!!

                                                               Outside the Tower of David

                                                    Dome in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

                     Church of the Holy Sepulchre

                 At the right time, the light shines directly on the shrine where it is said Jesus was crucified

                                                           FALAFEL!!  Best food ever
                

                                                          The Western (Wailing) Wall

              Top of Dome of the Rock and roman cisterns (right)                        

                 Roman Cistern at the Basilica of St. Annes

                                    Great find- We are assuming it says Clemson Tigers in Hebrew!