I've been in Israel for just over 2 months. It seems so crazy to me that 2 months ago I didn't know the people who are in my life now. I have made amazing friends who I know will stay in my life. Milia said yesterday, "I came looking for fun and found a family instead."
Milia's parents are in town and hosted us Wednesday night for a wonderful evening. Starting at a bar on their hotel rooftop overlooking the entire Old City. Then they took us to a wonderful dinner. We did not even realize it was almost midnight when we finally left the restaurant. A lovely evening and by far the classiest thing we have done in Israel!
Friday I went with Milia's parents to the Dead Sea and Masada. We drove through the Negev desert for about an hour taking in the beautiful scenery and high sandy cliffs. I had yet to visit this part of the country so I was very excited. We saw where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found and finally arrived at Masada. Masada was one of King Herod's palaces which was later used as a refuge for the Jews that rebelled against the Romans after the Romans destroyed the 2nd Temple. The story goes that that about 1,000 Jews lived at Masada while the Romans below took siege. The Romans built a ramp up the side of the mountain in order to capture the Jews. The last night the Jews living in Masada made the decision that instead of living as slaves or being killed by the Romans they would kill themselves. And so the men of each household killed his wife and children. Then lots were drawn over who would have to turn their knife upon themselves. When the Romans arrived the next morning to capture all the Jews they found the entire population dead.
Milia, her Dad and I hiked to the top enjoying the views of the Dead Sea and desert along the way. Once at the top you could see all the way to Jordan on one side and all the way to Jerusalem on the other. We toured around the top listening to the history from our tour guide. The Roman siege wall, ramp and camps can still be seen from the top. The palace itself has been restored by archeologists but a lot of the area was still in tact from a thousand years ago.
We then headed to the Dead Sea! The water is so salty that you can float! The water feels thick but it makes your skin feel great. We covered ourselves in the Dead Sea mud which made for some really funny pictures. We spent the day floating in the Dead Sea laughing. One women near us could not swim so she was so nervous about getting in but eventually realized how easily you could just float. We also sat in the natural warm mineral springs because it was still pretty cold. After we left my skin felt like a babies' butt! So soft and glowing!
We hurried back to Jerusalem in time for Shabbat. I went to Shabbat dinner at my Orthodox friend Rivki's house. Her husband was out of town so it was only girls which was really fun. The food was fabulous and Rivki is so spunky and lively. Rivki breaks a lot of the normal stereotypes of an Orthodox women. The dinner was fabulous and I had a great time!
As part of my Foreign Policy class I have to write a research paper and I have decided to write on the Settlements in the West Bank. I used to think settlements were only for crazy politically charged people but some of my favorite Israelis live in settlements. I decided I needed to learn a lot more before I could make an opinion for myself.
It was a busy few days and I am thankful for Shabbat so I can rest up for the upcoming week! Mid Terms start soon and then Passover break!
Shabbat Shalom!
xoxo,
Katy Ann
No comments:
Post a Comment