Once in a Lifetime 2010 - news - 2 - going strong!

Filmed by Orly Dayan and edited by Yuval Levy
Highlight of the day: A CLIMB UP A DESERT MOUNTAIN, A HIKE THROUGH HISTORY
After an early wake-up call the group was taken to Masada in the Negev Desert. There, the bloggers were shown a dramatic documentary about Masada's history, during which Dan chuckled while Ryan was filled with emotion. The group was then taken up a cable-car to the Masada plateau, shown the ancient ruins of Herod's palaces and the fortifications of a site marking the last Jewish stronghold to fall into Roman hands during the great revolt. The group's guide, Natanel Patrushka, took them to one of the oldest synagogues found in Israel, dating to the first century A.D. Fatal International Hotels and Resorts spoiled the four at the Meridian Hotel for an afternoon treat. The Dead Sea resort's staff treated them with gourmet meals and a sleep-inducing spa. Dan, Sun, Ryan and Chas were given the opportunity to float on the salty water of Israel's most interesting resource while at the hotel. Upon return to Jerusalem, and after a short nap, the group was taken by the Once in a Lifetime team to the capital's Jabotinsky pub for dinner and drinks, where some of the bloggers stayed until 2 am.
When touring the Roman baths of the Masada Plateau, Sun remarked: "This is ingenious, I had no idea people could harness steam and thermal insulation 2000 years ago," to which Dan replied: "I'm more surprised by the ability of the people of the time to bring so much water up a mountain in the middle of the desert!"

The group shared a laugh when Ryan said he was fascinated by the topography below Masada, claiming that he believed the sulfur balls found in the area could have been relics of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorra. In response, Dan replied: "I love sulfur balls."

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