Today we were up and about by 8 AM, generally the group is feeling well, though there are a few who are having a wee bit of problem with their digestive systems. No secrets given out here! As Samir had to leave us for some pressing family business, he left us in the very capable hands of Mohammed (Mike for short).
We drove east and south of the city toward Masada,
along the shores of the Dead Sea. Mohammed provided us with a great deal of information as we travelled along the highway, pointing out many of the sites. We were struck by the landscape of the Judea Wilderness. It begins as soon as you leave the city, and continues down throughout the West Bank.
We got a first glimpse of our afternoon visits but focused on getting to Masada.
This is a truly amazing site. Once we arrived at the visitor centre, we viewed a 10 minute video about Masada, which filled in much of the information not covered by the Epic Movie Masada. We then took a gondola up to the site. As we are so far below sea level, the heat and sun became quite intense. The tour is about on and a half hours, but, because of the heat a few took an early trip down in the Gondola. 
Of the rest, seven decided to take the Snake Trail down the mountain. The rest remained to complete the tour which included viewing the Roman Ramp. The entire site is absolutely amazing. We could see how the baths were built including the Frescos
on the walls, and some of the tile floors.
When they excavated the site, they marked with a black line all that was excavated. 
Above the black line is what has been reconstructed based on assumptions of its appearance.
Those who took the Snake Trail also really enjoyed the view – along with the 1000+ steps. We were very happy not to be going up.
Our next stop was the Ein Gedi Spa where we had the chance to float in the Dead Sea. There was supposed to be a train from the Spa to the water, unfortunately it is broken down, and only a van is transporting people to the beach.
As a result, most of us walked down, recognizing the extent of the evaporation of the Dead Sea, and the number of feet it has shrunk over the last few years. 
We all really enjoyed our dip, some even plastered themselves with Dead Sea Mud – before heading for the showers. 
It will be interesting to see how many ills have disappeared.
Lunch was a little late due to the walk down, however it was enjoyable, then we were off to Qumran to view the area in which the
Dead Sea Scrolls were found, and to gain a better understanding of the community who took it upon themselves to write out the biblical text. 
Our last and final stop was to Jericho, just as the sun was setting. It was really amazing to comprehend that we were standing on ground that had been occupied by over 20 civilizations. We also viewed the cable cars taking individuals to the Basilica which was built on the site of the temptation of Christ by the devil after he had spent the 40 days and nights in the desert.
After a short ice cream break and an opportunity at more shopping we headed back to the hotel for a wonderful suppr, and the chance to celebrate Oscar’s birthday.
We drove east and south of the city toward Masada,
along the shores of the Dead Sea. Mohammed provided us with a great deal of information as we travelled along the highway, pointing out many of the sites. We were struck by the landscape of the Judea Wilderness. It begins as soon as you leave the city, and continues down throughout the West Bank.
We got a first glimpse of our afternoon visits but focused on getting to Masada.
This is a truly amazing site. Once we arrived at the visitor centre, we viewed a 10 minute video about Masada, which filled in much of the information not covered by the Epic Movie Masada. We then took a gondola up to the site. As we are so far below sea level, the heat and sun became quite intense. The tour is about on and a half hours, but, because of the heat a few took an early trip down in the Gondola. 
Of the rest, seven decided to take the Snake Trail down the mountain. The rest remained to complete the tour which included viewing the Roman Ramp. The entire site is absolutely amazing. We could see how the baths were built including the Frescos
on the walls, and some of the tile floors.
When they excavated the site, they marked with a black line all that was excavated. 
Above the black line is what has been reconstructed based on assumptions of its appearance.
Those who took the Snake Trail also really enjoyed the view – along with the 1000+ steps. We were very happy not to be going up.Our next stop was the Ein Gedi Spa where we had the chance to float in the Dead Sea. There was supposed to be a train from the Spa to the water, unfortunately it is broken down, and only a van is transporting people to the beach.
As a result, most of us walked down, recognizing the extent of the evaporation of the Dead Sea, and the number of feet it has shrunk over the last few years. 
We all really enjoyed our dip, some even plastered themselves with Dead Sea Mud – before heading for the showers. 
It will be interesting to see how many ills have disappeared.Lunch was a little late due to the walk down, however it was enjoyable, then we were off to Qumran to view the area in which the
Dead Sea Scrolls were found, and to gain a better understanding of the community who took it upon themselves to write out the biblical text. 
Our last and final stop was to Jericho, just as the sun was setting. It was really amazing to comprehend that we were standing on ground that had been occupied by over 20 civilizations. We also viewed the cable cars taking individuals to the Basilica which was built on the site of the temptation of Christ by the devil after he had spent the 40 days and nights in the desert.
After a short ice cream break and an opportunity at more shopping we headed back to the hotel for a wonderful suppr, and the chance to celebrate Oscar’s birthday.
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