Masada

Waking up before the sun had even risen after a long day of walking around Jerusalem was bound to tire the average person out, but not me! As soon as my alarm rang, I collected my things and made my way out. The streets this time were totally abandoned and it was super cold. I hurried and took broad steps to our meeting place at a nearby hotel which was still a 15 minute walk. It seemed like it was the right place when I saw a group of other people hudled up near the entrance. My eyes were initially drawn to a guy and gal of African descent who will end up becoming my good friends later on in the day. We were all herded into a nice van with comfy seats and wi-fi and were off to Masada. I had no idea what this place was about really except that it offered a sunrise hike which seemed like a cool experience. Fergus had also did this hike and said it was worth it though he didn't make it in time for the sunrise. I was able to get some rest on the way to Masada but soon we were out of the van and into the dark desert and getting ready to buy tickets.

The way up was a winding road known as the Snake Path which was really made evident when I saw the map on how it zigzagged all the way to the summit. I was ready and determined to make it up before the sunrise so I quickly set off on a brisk pace even when I only had my slippers with me. With just the flash on my phone to light the way and the darkness giving me comfort that I still had time, it was a quiet and meditative hike. I led by a huge margin, only followed by another person behind me who I viewed as a competitor to keep me on my toes and moving forward. My pace was really good and I had time to catch a breath or two but after a while the fatigue started to catch up to me as I realized I didn't have breakfast and I still only had these brownies to fill me up which wasn't exactly the healthiest way to tackle a hike especially under these circumstances. Still, there was only one way this would end so I kept pushing forward. Near the summit, I was overtaken by a few hikers as it was definitely hitting me hard already but with just a couple of more bursts of energy, I made it to the top just before the sun peeked over the horizon though throughout the hike, the path slowly became more and more illuminated but still it wasn't time for sunrise yet. I moved to find my place to watch the sunrise and settled on one of the walls of the ruins. Sunrises are pretty rare for me so I would say it was really beautiful, the hues were really nice and the views of the Judean desert made for an even more amazing vista. There was a Jewish family who took the best spot in my opinion but I was able to capture a nice photo of the father while he was praying. I was still eating some brownies to replenish my energy but I feel like it was just making things worse for myself. There were some tour groups that I eavesdropped on to try and get some more information about the place and I learned that Masada used to be a fortress and the defenders here committed mass suicide so as not to get captured by the enemy. I also went to use the bathroom for a number 2 and ran into the black guy from earlier. We exchanged some brief pleasantries while I went about my business, when I went out he was still there so we started talking. I told him I came from Japan to which he said it was one of his favorite countries and that he has been there before. He introduced himself as Jeremie from Paris but originally from Congo. I met Malaika soon after, she was also from Paris and of Congo origin. I hit it off pretty well with them and we talked on the way down. I was glad to make some friends and now we were off to the next destination for the day, Ein Gedi.Read more