Massada

After hearing about Massada for so long, I was so excited to finally be able to experience it for myself. I was filled with so much jubilee about getting to the top that I did not realize how hard the hike itself would be. We woke up 4 in the morning to try and get to the top of the rock for sunrise. Although I am not an early riser, I can truly say it was worth it. I have never seen such a beautiful sunset as the one I saw that morning. The hike itself was long as there were many steps and it was all uphill. At times I wanted to give up and wished we were ridding in the gondola to take us to the top. As I reached the last step though, I felt so proud of myself, knowing I had made it. I imminently regained my breath and it felt like a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders. I was in awe of the view, I had never seen something so magical in my life. I felt so accomplished and happy. Being at the top of Masada is a feeling I will never forget. Up until this trip I felt like I had been living in an American bubble in Israel, but being at the top made me feel so connected to all of Israel. It was the first time I considered Israel home and I am so happy for that. Although Massada was a difficult climb, it is an experience I will never forget.