Negev

Day three of our weekend trip to Negev was along the Dead Sea. It was one of my favorite days in Israel thus far. The landscape is so unlike anything I've ever experienced before and a new astonishing skyline appeared around every corner.

Our trip to Masada was a significant highlight. It began with a 3:05 ascent up the 225 vertical feet staired path from the West. The quick trek up was a reminder of the natural fortress such a land formation provides.

I was especially struck with the history of Masada. it is quite amaxing that such a place was built especially as a palace fortress for Herod, a man who was hardly present there. What kind of empire must be in place to build and cultivate Masada the way it was? How much time and craftsmanship went into the structures built for a man who would only visit a few times in his life? How many servants snuck into the bathhouse during his absence? How much of his imported wine was snuck into other houses? It is hard to believe, but a great insight into the past, seeing the power and control that Herod had.

The Dead Sea was also a much anticipated adventure. Of course, I had heard enough to know what to expect, but to experience makes all the difference. The salt in my eyes was a stern reminder of the saline content. The bare shoreline was a reminder that this body of water drops 1/10 in. every day due to fake irrigation and artificial water control. Such a unique experience overwhelmed my senses.