On Tuesday, June 16th, we drove down to Ein Gedi. During the long drive we had many chances to look at the breathtaking surroundings around us. We got to the Ein Gedi Kibbutz Hotel, and after going to the room briefly, we were ready for the pool. At the pool we relaxed and enjoyed ourselves for a few hours and then got in the car and drove to Ein Bokek, a beach at the dead sea. At Ein Bokek we ate dinner in a restaurant called the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal did not have Indian food, but mideastern food and was located in a bedouin tent with lots of stray cats and not enough fans. After a mediocre dinner, we went into the Dead Sea by starlight.

Ima and I went into the dead sea water but Naomi stayed out because the stinging feeling was too intense for her. It was such a shame that Naomi didn’t come in! The water was really nice and we were not alone. It was so peaceful and very zen. The water was warm except for the occasional cold spot. Floating in the Dead Sea is always relaxing and fun and I highly recommend coming at night as well as during the day. Before entering the water, make sure it is safe to go in where you are.

It had always been a lifelong dream of Ima’s to visit the Dead Sea by moonlight but we unfortunately didn’t see the moon. However we did see lots of stars including what Ima thought was a shooting star and I thought was an airplane.

The next morning we woke up at 7:30, which was much too early to be up, and set off for Ein Gedi. After the ten minute drive we started hiking. At the very beginning of the hike, we saw a lot of ibex, which was really awesome. The hike we did, the short one, takes you alongside lots of small waterfalls where you can go in and get wet. I usually hate hiking but I loved this hike. The water felt amazing in the desert heat even though we were there from 8-10:45. It was so early that we only saw people as we were leaving the national park with the exception of an Ahava photoshoot.

After the hike we went back to the hotel where we swam, relaxed, and walked around looking at all the plants. You might not know this but the Ein Gedi Kibbutz (where the hotel is), is a botanical garden. If you walk around, you will see amazing plants.

For any of you planning an Israel trip in the future, I would suggest you go to Ein Gedi.

Ibex

I hope you guys can live vicariously through my many, many photos.

-Alexandra