On leaving Jerusalem on road 90, we travel downwards below sea level on this long winding road towards the Dead Sea and then onto Masada. On the way at a distance, we observe the Ancient City of Jericho. According to the Christian bible, Jesus on his arrival to Jericho healed some blind beggars by returning their sight (Mark 10:46-52), and where the walls were brought down by Joshua’s soldiers (Joshua 6).
Also seen on our travels is the Inn of the good Samaritan. This road towards Jericho is linked to the parable of the Good Samaritan of which Jesus told, about a man of this area who was robbed and beaten near to death. A Samaritan passing by who was foreign to the area helped him by taking him to a local inn to heal his wounds, feed and clothe him.
As we reach the Dead Sea, famous for its high salt content, we continue along the coastline travelling in the direction towards Masada. Why not climb up the ancient Snake path like the Romans did 2000 years ago to enter Masada? But no, it would be a lot easier to take the cable to the top of this mountain. At the top, you will reach a plateau, which has an excellent view of the Judean desert and the Dead Sea. This is where Herod built palaces and fortified them. According to Flavius Josephus, a Jewish leader and historian, between 73 and 74AD a siege took place with the Roman soldiers attempt to take Masada, leading to a mass suicide of the Jewish people in the fortified Masada. Rather than face capture by the Roman soldiers, the Jews choose to kill themselves instead.
We turn back towards the Dead Sea we passed earlier. On our travels, we see the desert oasis Ein Gedi abundant with rich green foliage, a variety of wildlife, rivers and at least six beautiful fountains, situated in a desert close to the salty Dead Sea. This is where David hid in a cave with his men from King Saul. Continuing with our journey we pass by the Qumran. Dead Sea scrolls were discovered in some caves here in the hills.
To end our journey, we finally arrive at the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point below sea level and could be chosen as one of the seven wonders of the world. Due to the volume of salt in the Dead Sea, you can’t sink, so enjoy floating with the fear of drowning. People from all over the world come here to enjoy these therapeutic rich salts, minerals and water of the Dead Sea
