Monday - Below Sea Level

on February 28, 2011 by Walt Dilg

Monday – Below Sea Level         

                Today we headed out to Masada near the southern end of the Dead Sea.  It is a marvelous site, high on a mountain where Herod built a fortress palace.  It is famous for being the dramatic end of the Jewish revolt, when in 72 ce and after a 2 year siege, the Romans stormed the fortress to find the Zealots had committed suicide instead of being taken captive.  Current Israeli soldiers take their commission on this mountain top with the words “Masada will not fall again!”  It is a tremendous archaeological site, with so much structure preserved. 

                We followed this highlight with another noteworthy highlight of a different sort.  We went to the Dead Sea for a swim.  Well not really a swim, it is a float.  Being careful not to get the highly salty mineral water in our eyes or mouths, we sloshed our way into the sea.  No trouble floating here – thin or thick the water keeps you on top.  We indulged in a mud bath and all agreed we now look younger thanks to the restorative properties of the mud of the Dead Sea.  This is a big health industry, by the way.  Photos were taken by others and I am sure will find their way into circulation to the embarrassment of all the bathers. 

                We are winding down in Israel.  Tomorrow is the last day here and four of us will be on their way home tomorrow night.  The other 22 will journey on after tomorrow’s last day here to three days in Jordan.  There is a sadness in the air as we become more cognizant of there being more days behind us than in front of us.