re: Israel 2018 UPDATE: Pg. 2 Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea

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I have a sweet doc from a local for you. Can you open it? All the best bars and restaurants of the city divided by type and area (click the bottom white bar to see categories)

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Thanks for the map. It’s such a pain in the arse I know it’s only something like 8 miles away but staying in Herzliya feels like a completely different country. I’m definitely going to try HaKosem and Ha’Achim next time I’m in town.

Did the sunrise hike up the Snake Path at Masada. I did not expect the difficulty to be honest. I’m a pretty fit dude and it wasn’t impossible to climb in 30 min but I’m not sure the experience of seeing the sunset from the top of Masada was worth the physicalness of that climb...




Cool to see the ruins of Herod’s castle along with the spot the Jews killed themselves impending the Roman advance.
















Next went to Ein Gedi. These cliffs are where David hid from Saul per the Bible.


Nice little waterfall at the bottom.


Next moved on to the Dead Sea. That place is awesome! The mud bath is an unforgettable experience and floating is obviously cool. 2 things I didn’t anticipate: 1. The “beach” is rocky once you get into the water you fall into multiple VC rat holes with sharp rocks scratching your legs to hell (feels especially good with the salt content of the water). 2. Even 30 minutes after you get out your skin feels like it has a layer of oil on it making it feel very smooth.


Gotta love Israel. At the beach...


Definitely hit up the lowest bar in the world.

Sorry I didn’t close out this thread but I’ve been banned for awhile. Anyways, overall great trip very fun place will probably return in the future. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask.

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Excuse my ignorance, but what's the deal with the Western Wall in Jerusalem? Why were there so many guards that wouldn't allow you to take pictures? .

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I went on a Saturday that time so it’s the Shabbat, which is their day of rest. The Orthodox Jews who run the site can’t use cellphones, etc on that day and enforce it for visitors as well. As an example, they do not allow you to write a letter at the wall on Shabbat because they consider that “work.” So on Saturdays write your note beforehand and carry it in. Anytime except for the Shabbat go and take as many pictures as you want!