Day 02 - Negev: Masada, Bedouin Hospitality, Tel Arad, Dead Sea

There’s nothing like standing at the top of the world. While Masada is not the top of the world, it definitely felt like it! Our morning bus ride took us from hundreds of meters below sea level, through the mountains and to Masada. Located in southern Israel and surrounded by the desert, this cliff location has housed everything from Herold’s palace to the last of the Jacobian rebels. 

In pursuit of learning more, and appreciating amazing views, we traversed to the top of the mountain by gondola or, if one was extraordinarily adventurous, by foot. We spent part of the morning enjoying the views and learning more about Masada's incredible history. From there, a short hike down to admire the land ramp the Romans built then onto the bus to a Bedouin camp (though not before my excited exclamation of “look!!!” and all of us admiring an ibex walking along the side of a plateau with her two babies!!). 

Shortly after leaving Masada, we arrived at an oasis-feeling spot with palm trees and tents. The Bedouin’s are historically a nomadic people know for fierce hospitality and raising herds of camels. They are experts in transversing the desert and moving supplies across it.  There are around 300,000 of them split across 75 tribes in Israel. After an incredible camel ride, we enjoyed a coffee and tea ceremony. The stars aligned and God smiled down on Jared, allowing him to toast green beans, grind them, and drink them! And yes, we have excellent photos of it all! 

After lunch with a particularly persistent pair of loud cats, we ventured on to Tel Arad. Located in the middle of flat lands, this hill hosts a temple that the Babylonians destroyed in around 2700-2600 BC. Being located where it was, it’s likely this was a trade route stop. 

It’s likely ancient Jews burned cannabis as a sacrificial plant. 
Many of the kings (Josiah, etc…) preferred people not worship our site since they wanted all to come to the temple in Jerusalem. Biblical people such as Abraham and Isaac would have traveled near or through this location multiple times. 

That concluded our tour for the day. After a ~45 minute drive to the hotel, we had options such as a soak in the Dead Sea hot pools or a delicious inner buffet to keep us entertained. We’ll sleep soundly tonight, particularly knowing we have the distinction of sleeping at the lowest stop below sea level that a person can survive. 

by Kristin Schneider