SUNDAY 7/8/12

MASADA

We get up early to pack. We couldn’t stay at our apt. longer so we had to move. So we packed up everything and left to Masada. This was last stronghold of the Jews as they rebelled against the Roman Empire. They’d rather die than be taken captive as slaves. 1,000 Jews, amongst them women and children made up the rebels. The might of the Roman army motto was I came, I saw, I conquered and that they did. After a siege of a few months they built a ramp from dirt, stone and wood. Then they built a tower with a battering arm and were finally able to breach the west wall. Instead of dying as slaves they made a pact and husbands killed there families and chosen men killed the husbands then themselves. The story is fascinating the place is even more. This place is HUGE. You have a great view of the Dead Sea. And although all you have is desert, it was truly beautiful. You could only imagine what it was like as Herod’s place. He had breathtaking views and with the opulence of Roman time this place must have been magnificent. They have a room on a cliff that was for parties, so we decided to do a little dancing. I can only say so much of this place but it’s nothing like visiting. But at least here are some pics.

Road sign to Masada

Here the danger on the roads are the camels

First look at the Dead Sea

Some of the surrounding landscape of the Dead Sea

Dead Sea in the background

-300' Below sea level

                                                                 Dead Sea Pics

Dead Sea Resort

Masada Visitors Center

Masada on top







Only two ways to the top

Cable Car 

Hoove it, about 2-3 hours ascent and 30 min. descent

Below black line: excavated ruins
Above black line: Archaeological restoration

Roman campgrounds

Herod's Palace

 Uncovered mosaic floor in Herod's palace

Raised floor in Herod's bath house used to heat the air and enjoy a dry sauna. You see the ceramic tubes in the left top corner? That's what drew the air out. Those Romans loved their baths!!!

Beautiful frescoed wall in the party room

 Partying like the Romans

Colonnade in the party room.

The way down to the party room

 
Model of how water was stored. Romans built canals to draw water to there reservoirs. Then built a trail they could take water up with a mule.

Remains of the reservoirs

Oldest known Synagogue, this is where the Jews made the decision to kill their families and themselves rather than let their families be raped, killed or enslaved. What would you have done? Were these Jews heroic or cowardly?

Dirt ramp that Romans build to penetrate the walls

Bath house

West side gate, oldest entry point

 Just having an afternoon nap

Going for a walk now

Roman Starbucks cups found in Herod's Palace
Venti
Grande
Tall






THE DEAD SEA

You've heard it's really easy to float in the Dead Sea
What they don't tell you is, that it's so easy to float if you're not careful you'll turn in to the water. There are warnings that if you get water in your eyes, nose and mouth you should rinse off in the showers immediately and call one of the lifeguards. 

If you stay too long, your skin will start to feel like you're being poked with little needles.

 The beer belly is not necessary to float. All that preparation for nothing.

My mom and I floating in the Dead Sea, Israel
Check that off my bucket list!

 Some camels on the way back to Tel Aviv