Masada and Israel - Feb 19

This morning we checked out of our hotel, loaded the bus and got the bus on the road!  A short drive to our first stop – Masada – the rugged, majestic fortress built by King Herod, which overlooks the Dead Sea. There are 3 ways to ascend this dramatic mountain fortress – most take the cable car, others, climb the steps of the steep narrow ‘snake’ path, usually done by ‘youth’, and those more adventurous, take the ‘runners path’ around the mountain.  No challenge is too great for CAARI as three of our hearty participants, Georgina, Mark and Joel, climbed the ‘snake’ path!   Kol Ha Kavod! 

 

Once on the top of the mountain, our Josephus (Neil) explained the amazing construction done by King Herod, much which is preserved today and uncovered by one of Israel’s leading archeologists: Yigal Yadin and Prof. Ehud Netzer.  We toured the Western Palace, with stunning mosaic tile floors and viewed the Northern Palace where Herod built elaborate bath facilities.   Neil explained the sophisticated water systems which collected run-off water from a single day's rain.

The other story of Masada is the final stand between the Jewish rebels and the Roman army.  The rebels choose to commit mass suicide rather than be captured and enslaved by the Romans.  The camps, fortifications and attack ramp that encircle the monument constitute the most complete Roman siege.

Back down the mountain – all by cable car – lunch and on to Jerusalem.  The weather reports were ominous – with snow predicted for the evening.  Although it was raining, we made a VERY short stop for a view of the Old City and a quick stop at the Western Wall before getting to our hotel.  

Susan and Neil said if we get snowed in – it will be a first for CAARI!  We will see!  Enjoy the pictures!

CAARI 2015 

Wednesday - Feb. 18 - R&R & Winery Visit

Shalom!



Weather Report - It seems that throughout the USA, Canada and Israel, all are focused on the winter weather.  Although we had many beautiful days with sun and warm temperatures, we are now experiencing winter warnings with snow expected in Jerusalem!  OY!  This morning, here at the Dead Sea, we had morning clouds, followed by sun, rain sprinkles when we went to the Winery and ending the day with a beautiful rainbow!

Some of us began the day with a walk before breakfast, had spa treatments or just relaxed until this afternoon.  We drove up the mountain to the development town of Arad and to a small winery called Yatir.  This is a small, boutique, high quality winery which was founded in 2000 as a joint venture between the grape-growers of the area and Carmel Winery. The winery was built at the foot of the famous Tel Arad archaeological site, on a hill 600 meters above sea level on the outskirts of Yatir Forest, a JNF forest and the largest hand planted forest in the world! Yatir's wine has received top accolades from critics such as Robert Parker.  It is the first Israeli wine to be listed in the main selection of  Selfridges in London.

Eti, the marketing manager, is quite proud of the winery, its wine and the quality of its wines.  Of course, the highlight of the tour was the sampling of the quality wines!  
Off to Masada tomorrow and on to Jerusalem.  Let's hope that the snow holds off!  
Wishing you a good day!
CAARI 2015

Feb 17 - Hike Ein Gedi Springs & R&R

Shalom!
Here we are overlooking the beautiful, blue, calm Dead Sea - the sun is shining and temperatures are warm.  We know that the weather will be drastically changing in the next few days - another cold and wet forecast for the rest of the week.  So - today we are taking in the sunshine.
Many of us got up early and took a morning walk along the beach and even did some exercises at the 'adult playground' on the beach.
The breakfast menu is a little different here than the City - more delicious coffee cakes, yummy dark rye bread, lots of salads and other fresh vegetables and waffles - similar to those in American hotels. Guess you would say the menu is a mix of Israel, Russian and American items.  There are many Russian Israelis here - and yes they were in the Dead Sea early in the morning - a little 'chilly' for our CAARI group!
After breakfast we left for our hike at the Ein Gedi Springs.  This spectacular Nature Reserve, has two year-round streams, the David Stream (named after King David)  to the north and the Arugot Stream to the south. Neil began our hike with a geological explanation and with a discussion about the 6 references in the |Bible to Ein Gedi.  He read the portion about King David and Saul in the Book of Samuel where King goes into a cave and David cuts of the corner of his robe.  
And then, we began our journey!  The reserve offers a number of trails, from easy ones to those for experienced hikers. We took the lower David Stream (described in books as easy). The trail passes waterfalls and pools, and leads up to the beautiful David Waterfall. Along the way are trees typical to the reserve, among them acacias, Christ-thorn and Egyptian balsam.

Although the trail is described as easy - guess for the younger more experienced hiker- but never-the-less, it was still challange as we walked up and down many stone steps of uneven heights - some railings, crossed water area and climber up and down the hilly paths.  The views were spectacular with the Dead Sea in view as you looked to the East and majestic mountains as you looked up to the West. Enjoy the many pictures of CAARI. It took us a little over an hour to do the hike.  As you can see in the pictures - there is always time for ice cream!
Back at the spa, some took advantage of the many spa treatments and a 'float' in the hotel's salt-water pool!  We are already feeling more relaxed!
Wishing you all well!
CAARI

Heading South - Dead Sea - Feb. 16

Shalom,
Hard to believe that we have been in Tel Aviv for 4 weeks - time marches on!  We said good-bye to those that were leaving at the end of the Tel Aviv Programs called Fig and Wheat programs  - we had such a great group!
Bags packed, loaded on the bus we boarded and headed south!  The day was partly cloudy - but no rain,  definitively cooler temperatures.
Our first stop was just on the outskirts of Jerusalem - a solemn visit to the the JNF 9/11 Memorial. Very moving and impressive.  Back on the bus and on to Qumran, the area where the 



Dead Sea Scrolls were found around 1947. The scrolls were found in caves in this archaeological sites, thought to be settled by a Jewish sect known as the Essences around the time of the Macabiis in the Second Temple Period aproximately 2200 years ago.   

Arrived at the Prima Dead Sea Spa for some CAARI R & R and to explore local area sites.