Trifecta of Israeli Activities

Today was an incredible trifecta of exhilarating Israeli activities! A day lined up with Masada, Camels and the Dead Sea... What could be better?!

First, we began our journey this morning by waking up bright and early together in the Bedouin tents. We loaded up the bus in the dark, groggy, but excited to head to the historical site of Masada for an epic hike chasing the sunrise. When we finally reached the top, we overlooked a magnificent view of a burning pink sunrise above the Dead Sea. We did an interactive meeting to discuss the reign of Herod the Great, and relived the decision making process his people had to make before the Romans overtook the fortress. We made a pit stop in one of the caverns where water used to flow. We tested out the acoustics by belting out the backstreet boys "I want it that way" in harmony. 
After hiking Masada, we made our way to breakfast and camel riding! We enjoyed a traditional breakfast of salads, eggs, cheeses, tuna, pita and of course Bedouin tea. We rushed out of the tent after eating to pair up and find our new camel friends. There was laughter amongst the entire group as each camel showed her personality. It was amazing to ride the "boats of the desert" together while looking upon the vast desert. We grew fond of our furry new friends ... Penelope, Walter and Ziggy to name a few. 

Next, we headed to the Dead Sea! We covered ourselves and each other in the infamous Dead Sea mud and braved the cold water to experience floating first hand.

After some more shawarma, falafel and some Dead Sea gift shopping, we made our way back to Jerusalem. We thought we had seen all of the camels for the day until we stopped for a break at a gas station that was offering camel rides around the parking lot. 

For tonight's group activity,  we began by discussing hot topics relating to Judaism, Israel and the roles played by Jews in the US by sitting in a corner labeled from strongly disagree to strongly agree that best fit in line with our belief on each statement.  It was interesting to hear the varying opinions of Israelis vs Americans, in addition to contrasting Israeli opinions and contrasting American opinions. We ended our busy and exciting day by having a guest speaker from the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation. Each of us was given the opportunity to change lives by signing up to become a donor. Today was an amazing adventure. Beginning to feel sad at the thought of leaving this amazing program Thursday, however I know I have so many new experiences, perspectives, and memories to carry on with me when I return home.