The first few photos are of the hotel by the Dead Sea. Our first stop was to Masada which was King Herod’s magnificent palace and fortress and which is the place of the heroic last stand of Jews against the Romans. Masada, a mountain plateau, was awesome. You get there by cable car or walk the trail up (see photo). What a story if you care to read ( http://www.jewishmag.com/26MAG/MASADA/masada.htm).

Next in our journey was close, right up the road to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve where 3000 years ago David the youth hid from the wrath of King Saul (1Samuel 23:1). This was a good hike to get to the top. Once we got there everyone relaxed and cooled off in the water by the falls.

Our last tour of the day we traveled to Nokdim Village in the desert. We were hosted in a desert tent for a large and rich meal as were the kings at the table of the Patriarch Abraham. We got schooled on the Bedouin culture. Everyone took turns riding camels around. Camels are amazing animal. When you see how they fold their legs to get up or to rest on the ground it is amazing.