We were given crackers and tea for breakfast. Anything more at that hour of the day, and I don’t think my stomach would have been able to take it. I was actually still pretty full from our authentic bedouin dinner the night before, which was delicious to say the least. We piled into the bus yet again, leaving Jerusalem, this time off to Mount Masada.
Once we arrived at the foot of the mountain, it was still pitch black out. The group was half asleep, but ready to make this treacherous ascent to the top of Masada in the abyss of the darkness.
Climbing up the mountain wasn’t as difficult as I envisioned, even after my tragic experience on the donkey the day prior. 888 steps later, we were greeted with the most beautiful sunrise overlooking the Dead Sea…
The first glimpse of the bright shining sun was magical. We stood there in awe. Not looking at anything else in sight. It was like the sun had never risen before.
Here comes the sun… (think the Beatles)
I remember it like it was just yesterday. The entire group stood at the edge of the mountain in awe. The sun rises each and every day, but today was different. We were in Israel. On top of Mount Masada. In each others’ company whom, just a few days prior, were complete strangers. Things were just different. Very different. And I’m more than confident that all my new friends would agree. No one can take that day away from us.
Little by little other groups started appearing in the sunlight, and it was evident we were not alone at the top of the mountain.
This was a highlight on my birthright trip as well!!! Oh Etan!!! 🙂
I agree! Eitan really was that amazing!
That sunrise looks and sounds amazing! Really great photos too–I love the first one!! It's always rewarding to finish a hike with views like that 🙂
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Thanks so much- and I agree, the first photo is one of my favorites! Ohhhh, the hike down was even worse! But that's a whole other post for a whole other day!
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That is certainly an impressive sunrise! Just checked out your Santorini sunset photos as well. Where did you stay on the island? I'm going there for my honeymoon in September and can't wait for those visions.
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Hey Suzy, thanks for stopping by! Aren't Santorini sunsets just the best!?! We stayed at Astra Suites in Imerovigli- absolutely amazing! Are you going to any other islands?
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The view from Masada is pretty amazing–the landscape of the desert and Dead Sea, one of my unforgettable moments from the Middle East. Thanks for sharing your sunrise photos.
Beautiful! I don't drag myself out of bed for the sunrise very often, but when I do it's always amazing. Santorini and Luang Prabang are probably the most memorable experiences so far.
We rode the cable car up as a church group. Hours past the sunrise and what a wonderful yet strange sight…not prepared for the austere gray all around, one of which being the Dead Sea. The only way to understand this marvelous land of Israel is to be there..well worthwhile! Rita Camden