Ahavaaaaaah!

Today was a great touring day. We headed out from the hotel -- as usual -- at 8:00am. The late nights and the early mornings are starting to catch up with some of us (myself included) but we are plugging along. From Jerusalem we headed slightly North, then East and down...down....down..... to Masada and the Dead Sea -- the lowest spot on earth. It was an amazing journey, driving from densely-populated Jerusalem, through a tunnel under the Mt. of Olives, and emerging in the desert, in the middle of nothing. Passing herds of sheep and frail Bedouin dwellings, we eventually found ourselves at a newly-rebuilt welcome center at the base of Masada.

Tickets in hand...we boarded the cable car and headed to the top of this remarkable natural fortress. After touring through remarkable heat for almost 2 hours, learning about the struggles, triumphs, and difficult decisions made by the zealots who occupied the mountain, we once again boarded the cable car and headed back to the base of the mountain. Three brave men from our group opted for the more difficult 1-mile snake path route, walking nearly 30 minutes to the bottom.

After time in the gift shop (of course!) and a nice lunch in the air conditioned cafeteria, we boarded the bus on our way to the Dead Sea.

Just before going to the Dead Sea, we stopped at the famous Ahava Factory Outlet. Here, we watched workers on the assembly line manufacturing one of the many all natural Ahava creams and lotions produced by the Ahava company. Also, those who wanted, were given the opportunity to shop in the outlet store. For some, purchases made today will definitely put them over the luggage weight limit for the flight home!

Here is a short video from the Ahavah factory/store...