Israel Other than Jerusalem

The Dead Sea, Masada, Qumran, the Israel Museum,  "the wall" and checkpoints dividing Palestinian neighborhoods from Jewish settlements and . . .  Oh yes, Tel Aviv !

We saw the Dead Sea

The Lowest Place on Earth

and toured Masada where we learned about the 960 Israelites who took refuge from thousands of Romans atop the 1,400 foot plateau retreat once built by Herod the Great.

Masada

The Old City of Jerusalem

Entering the Old City of Jerusalem is a sensation of converging sights, sounds, aromas and smells. Each turn on the narrow cobblestone alleyways, every ancient arch, each hidden courtyard instantly reflects a place and a mix (if not clash) of cultures and customs unfamiliar and interesting.