The surface of the Sun

Let me start off by saying today was HOT like really hot. We woke up and started on our journey to Masada, one of Emperor Harod of Rome's palaces (originally) but was used by Jewish rebels during the invasion of Jerusalem. It was under Roman siege for 2 years. The Jewish rebels who took refuge in the palace had to make the decision to either be Roman slaves or to die. They slit the throats of their own children and wives, and then took their own lives. We were able to go around the palace, which by the way was built in 1st century BC. 

Of course it wasn't a palace anymore but there were still some original mosaics and stone work from that period. This palace was built on the edge of a mountain top overlooking the Dead Sea. It must've been a mile long because whenever we thought we had seen the whole palace it just kept going. It was almost surreal to imagine what it actually looked like at the time it was built. There were grand bath tubs, pools, and columns with (what looked like) beautiful detailing. 

These past couple of days we have seen things that I had no idea even existed. I can't help but be extremely grateful for having this opportunity to come to Israel to learn more about the cultures and history that is not my own. 

Written by: Katie Taylor