June 1, 2004
Masada and the Dead Sea
We enjoyed the Dead Sea so much, we decided to return during the Shavuot Holiday (Pentecost). Our first time was really just a pitstop, so we didn't have time to see the sights near the Dead Sea. We were anxious to visit Masada, the sight of Herod's mountaintop palace. It was later used as a hideout by Jewish Zealots during the Jewish Revolt until the Romans captured it in 73 A.D. We decided that taking the cable car to the top was preferable to an hour hike with two small children on a switchback trail called the Snake Path.
Cable car at Masada
The girls in the cable car
Tyler wandering around MasadaHere you can see the remains of one of the many Roman camps built at the base during the siege of Masada.
Roman camp outside Masada
Sunset over the Dead SeaThis time we managed to get a picture of us floating in the Dead Sea. It is a very interesting experience. There are so many minerals in the water that it feels very odd. Once you get out a little ways you can't even touch the bottom because it's too buoyant. The Dead Sea is the lowest spot on Earth, 411 meters (1348 feet) below sea level.
The Dead Sea is known for its therapeutic benefits. Our hotel had a spa, so Tiffany was able to pamper herself with a facial treatment.
Floating in the Dead SeaEin Gedi, a natural spring along the Dead Sea, is the site where David hid from Saul, as described in 1 Samuel 24. It is filled with ibex. Ibex can climb up very steep mountainsides and are very curious. They came close to the path and watched us intently. Fortunately, they didn't mind us being there. We had to watch our heads though, their quick climbing sent a few rocks our way. We went on a half hour hike that took us past a few waterfalls, a welcome sight in the middle of the Desert.
Ein Gedi ibex
One of the waterfalls at Ein Gedi
Tyler-isms:
Scott - "I haven't decided yet."
Tyler - "I'll decide for you."
"So they won't blow away and fall into the tub." - Explaining why he was playing with his bath toys outside the tub.
"I drew a camel kneeling down and praying" - It just looked like a squiggle to us.
"The dogs are going home to play cars with their daddy." - Sure.
"Are there kelevim in the elevator?" - Kelevim is Hebrew for dogs.
"Go, leave now" - when we left Tyler with friends to go to a work dinner.
"That mommy is wearing a skirt" - Tyler has some obsession with skirts. He always wants Tiffany to wear one.
"Are we walking on their heads?" - When we explained that we have neighbors below us and he shouldn't stomp around the apartment.