DAY 155: Masada, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Body Mud, The Dead Sea.

A day so chock full of new experiences would normally mean that I’d write an obscenely long post (such as the last two) but I’m going to try and keep it quick and let the photos do some of the talking.

The first stop for me and Shai was Masada, an ancient fortress and palace which had been occupied by Romans, Zealots and Herods to name a few. Some tourists walk up to the top which can take an hour. We took the cablecar. Beautiful views of the dead sea and the ground below. Shai pounded my brain with information and I had to ask him lots of questions for just some background information.

Our next stop was to a nearby nature reserve, Ein Gedi, where we saw wild animals, insects and waterfalls. We even took a dip in one of the little oasis’ which was so refreshing.

After that it was off to The Dead Sea and I slapped on the black mud. Bit touristy, no one from Israel really does it, but what the hell. The stuff is so thick and a few minutes in the setting sun and it starts to go hard. I was like a walking statue.

Then for a dip in the sea. I started walking in, and possibly because of the mud, the water didn’t feel any different. I got up to about knee height and then tried to get into the water properly. That’s when I realised why this water is so special. My feet and body just floated straight to the surface. You just can’t sink. It’s like there is an invisible pool lounger strapped to your back. The high salt content causes your body to bob along the surface, it also is a great way to identify if you have any cuts on your body. After the mud washed away it was amazing how soft my skin was. Not sure it was worth looking like a bit of a berk though.

After we got out of the water, dried ourselves we headed for home. We gave some passing hitchhikers a lift as well. It was a superb day.

I said my fair wells to the Hoter family as I would now spend a couple of nights with my cousin Susan (1st cousin) and her family in Jerusalem. But I knew I would see the family again the following night at the wedding.

Still no luggage. Had to go shopping in Jerusalem for some new clothes to last me a couple more days and for the wedding tomorrow night.