Today is Saturday, and Shabbat. This means we cannot do "work" until sundown when Shabbat ends. Work includes using electricity, ridding in vehicles, cooking, etc. While I do not follow these traditions, the trip follows Shabbat so that the members one the trip who keep Shabbat can. Because of this we were able to finally sleep! I got up around 11:30 and slowly made my way to lunch. After lunch the group met up for our hike nearby the kibbutz we are staying at. We hiked Ein Gedi. It was great. The hike began in the desert - rocky and hot - and slowly turned into an oasis, with greenery, shade, and water.

We pass the Israeli flag, which was proudly hung everywhere in the country: landmarks, stores, and homes. There was also a sign that said we were at the lowest place in the world. 394 meters below sea level. And the hike began, up lots of rocky steps.

Photo op, and a neat little bridge as the water begins to break through.

View from above. You can see the Dead Sea in the background, and the mountains passed the Sea is Jordan. The we go from what looks like Arizona, to what is more recognizable as Costa Rica as we walked through a tunnel formed from branches and leaves

I wish I could have swum more, like actually swum. I think I was having withdrawal  To much land not enough water. But any water will do and I had an amazing time in Ein Gedi with the waterfalls an hike. And when it got a little chilly in the water and shade, I dried off in the sun again and began my hike back down. 

We ended the night with dinner and closing Shabbat prayers and sessions. No hanging out for me afterwards and no more sleeping in because it is rise and shine at 3:30 the next morning! Breakfast will be after our first activity (good thing I brought snacks from home - I can always eat).