Day Two: Stomping through the Negev
Wednesday, day two in Israel, was our third day together as a group and started off with our first authentic Israeli style breakfast, where we enjoyed shakshuka, burkas, salads, yogurts, and cheeses.
We hit the road traveling south by 7:30 am to explore the Negev, the desert in Southern Israel. Our first stop was a Bedouin tent. There is only one way to appreciate the essence of the desert. With the sun shining bright, we held on for dear life as we were led by Bedouins on the backs of camels! What made the experience that much more enjoyable was that we just so happened to be riding camels on HUMP DAY! Also known as Wednesday.
Following our camel ride we were treated to some Bedouin hospitality. We sat in a large tent as Mohammed, a Bedouin father of 14 told us about his culture and some of its traditions over a tea and coffee. Before we left, in typical Jewish fashion he insisted that we stay for lunch! We sat Indian style on rugs and shared laughs and broke bread for a meal to remember.
Our bus veered east and we enjoyed the Negev's awe-inspiring mountainous scenery on the way to Masada!
We learned about the Roman's siege, took in some views and began the track up the side of the mountain. Reaching the top of Masada was rewarding. Throughout the doubt we persevered and were rewarded with an historically rich mountain top telling the story that elicited sympathy and jewish pride. After we enjoyed the panoramic view of the Dead Sea, Jordan, and the mountains of the Negev, we enjoyed the much more leisure method to get up and down the mountain, the cable car.
As if we didn't have enough excitement, we got back on the bus and traveled to a northern beach on the Dead Sea. With the sun's heat tamed, we enjoyed a mineral rich float. Ahhhhh, we made it. Tourists travel from all over the world to enjoy the experience at the lowest place on earth, 450 meters below sea level. We washed the mud off ourselves, and loaded the bus back for Jerusalem.
Getting back to the hotel was welcomed, as we washed up for dinner and our evening team building activity.
Day two was incredible! Rest is much welcomed in preparation for our Thursday old city of Jerusalem tour!
Well wishes from the Holy Land.
