The Mountain

We all yawned and stretched as we gathered at 4am for some coffee and cake before our hike. We realized how real the struggle was when we saw the distance between where we stood and the mountain top. As we climbed the estimated 110 flights of stairs (according to a Fitbit) we finally reached the top just in time for the sunrise. We snapped many photos of the picture perfect view of the sun rising over the Mars looking landscape of the Dead Sea area.

After our camera rolls were {hypothetically} filled, Ido taught us the history of Masada, which was King Herod's vacation residence over 2,000 years ago. We took a tour of the remaining structures, which included a dove house that was was once used for manure and food.  By the time we climbed back down Masada and reached the guest house for breakfast, we had clocked almost 9 miles (again, thanks Fitbit). We packed up our belongings and headed back to the bus. In case we haven't shared, the bus has become our second home, and nap zone. We took the 2 hour bus ride to Tel Aviv and went to an open air market for lunch and shopping. Afterwards, we frolicked on the powdery sand at the Mediterranean Sea.

We headed to the Ruth Daniel Residence Hostile to get ready for our free night out in Jaffa (nearby art district). That evening, many of us hit up local taverns and restaurants, enjoying some free time amongst friends. We had a great time and learned our new favorite Hebrew phrase, l'chaim.

Photo Credits: Header Image-@glittermonkey, Image 2-@bethalicious_def, Image 3-@xmsarahx, Image 4-@danmanroz, Image 5-@eschmidt90, Image 6-@_dickeyp