Southern Adventuring

The last three days we have been to the valleys in the Shephelah, and the ancient cities that controlled them, including the Elah fortress, Beit Shemesh, Azekah, Maresha, Lachish, and a Roman ampitheatre. That was just Tuesday. Two nights ago we camped out at Mizpeh Ramon on the edge of the Super Bowl, which is exactly what it sounds like- a gigantic bowl-shaped valley in the Southern highlands. Hiked down to the bottom and up again Wednesday morning. Then went to Avdat, which was a Nabatean and then Byzantine stronghold in the middle of nowhere. Hiked up Nahal Zin, which is one of the most gorgeous places on Earth. Visited Tel Beer Sheba, Tel Arad, then camped out in modern Arad. I was exhausted.
Today we first visited Masada. It was so incredibly hot, but so incredibly worth it. Masada was one of the places I was looking forward to most in Israel, and is one of my favorite archaeological places. To get there we hiked up the Roman siege ramp in the front and then after visiting the site hiked down the Snake trail down the back, facing the Dead Sea. That was intense. So hot, so much sweat. Nearly 100 degrees F then.
Then we went swimming in the Dead Sea, or should I say, bobbing. So much salt in the water you can't really swim, just bob around. It was such an odd experience. Saved a water bottle full of the water. Then went to En Gedi, a gorgeous series of springs in the middle of nowhere, where it was still very far below sea level and very, very, very hot. This was likely my third favorite natural location. Waterfalls there were breathtaking. Afterwards went to Qumran and saw the ruins from the settlement and the caves that the Dead Sea Scrolls were found- we couldn't go inside the caves but could look from a distance.
Got back to Jerusalem in time for dinner. I hadn't realized I was so hungry- the last three days I had been more preoccupied with staying hydrated than staying fed. As it was over 90 degrees F most of the day and even well over 100 degrees F at the Dead Sea, it is good I did so.
Checked out a book on the Crusades from the JUC library an hour ago and read the first chapter and a half on the origins of the Crusades. Just thinking- if I ever study history it would be the Crusades- because they deal with European AND Middle Eastern civilizations, and had such a long historical preface and have influenced modern geopolitics so much. Then I would have an excuse to learn French  AND Arabic. Which sounds incredible.
Going to bed. Exhausted. Exam on Saturday so tomorrow will be uploading pictures, writing field study reports, and studying for the Negev/Dead Sea exam. And reading about Pope Urban II.