Yesterday we started the long trek to Masada. We picked up Isaac on our way in Jerusalem while Adi drove the mini bus, which he owns. Getting a particular seat on the bus is always an interesting event!! Adi is 60 years old has 3 sons and 7 grandchildren but looks much younger. He has been driving for tours for 16 years and is not only an excellent driver, but great at recommending restaurants. Isaac is 42 and has 3 children under the age of 15. He is very knowledgable and does an amazing job with our whole group. We took the cable car up to the top of Masada as the hike up would have taken over 2 hours and there was still a lot of walking and information to learn about. Isaac told us all about Herod, his castle and the way in which he lived. We sat in the temple at Masada and were amazed by the views and the beauty of this spectacular site. We ate in the cafeteria at Masada...what else... israeli salad, falafel, french fries, though we were able to find Gatorade for the kids!! Next, we went to the Ahava factory and learned a little about the corporation and were able to buy some products. The Dead Sea was our next stop and it was incredible though a bit rocky. A few cuts, 1 lost flip flop, and shower caps for Alexa and Jill who have Keratin treatment and we all floated in the Dead Sea. The temperature was about 74 degrees outside and it was perfect weather for the sea. We went to the sulfur hot tubs and then all showered the salt off. Our last stop was a quick camel ride on the side of the road by a Bedouin 15 year old boy. Hysterical and great photo opportunities! On the way home we dropped off Isaac and stopped at Abu Gosh with Adi and Michael's friend Mati stopped by to join us. Again, the little plates of salad, baba ganoush, hummus, beets, eggplant were served and then a smorgasboard of chicken and lamb kabobs, lamb chops, and trout. We were exhausted when we got home, showered again to get more salt off from the Dead Sea and passed out. Well, all except Al- who has slept a total of about 7 hours on the entire trip but is drinking 3 double espressos each morning at breakfast. All of the kids have been truly amazing and we are having the time of our life and feel so fortunate to be here with such great friends. Word of the day... NIFLAH...AWESOME!
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