Masada and En Gedi

Masada was phenomenal. First we met up with Amanda MacCollin and her aunt Mia as they have been traveling over here on their own and it was great to spend the day with them. Took the tram up to the top and walked the site. King Herod built a pretty nice "palace" up there. It was easy to see the Roman encampments and the siege wall below us. The ramp the Romans built is still there - about 9,000 Jewish slaves built that ramp. The view of the Dead Sea and the surrounding ranges was a sight that is indescribable.

Back down the tram and back into the coach to drive to En Gedi. It is hard to believe that water can flow right out of those barren hills - but it does; lots of water. Some of use dipped our feet in the pools below the waterfalls - Alan performed a perfect cannonball into the pool. Very refreshing after walking up over 200 steps to the pools. This is where the cave the David and Saul "met" is located. No one knows the exact cave as there are many of them here. The walk down was quite tricky with small slipery steps, but we all made it without incident.

Back to the golden coach with our fearless driver Munir and off to Jerusalem. We took a short detour to "The Wilderness" overlooking Jericho. The winds were stiff and steady (about 30+ MPH) We saw what the wilderness is really like and this is the "green" time of year. Well, us from Oregon saw VERY LITTLE green anywhere. We can't imagine what the dry time of year looks like. Some Bedouin men came to sell us their wares as well as bringing a camel for us to ride ($3 for a very short ride - but it was worth it). Many of us rode the camel - it was ALOT of fun and with the wind blowing made it a bit more authentic.

The bus roared up the hill to Jerusalem. As we crested the hill with the Mount of Olives on our left we could see Jerusalem, the old city and the Dome of the Rock - pretty breathtaking. We all got out of the bus at Jerusalem University that overlooks the city and got our "lay of the land" so to speak. Munir (our driver) knew of a place to shop here where it is owned by Christians. Of coourse mention the word "SHOP" with this group and we had to go there. Very nice merchandise there and many of us bought items. I think that many VISA cards were worn out today. Then we arrived at the hotel where the buffet style dinner was fabulous.

We are all looking forward to spending the next four days here in Jerusalem.

Sorry - no additional pictures tonight - I will post todays and tomorrows pics tomorrow night. It is just too late and as you all know I especially need my beauty sleep.

Good night from Jerusalem!!!