It's finally day 6 of our Israel pilgrimage. Two more days and we'll be off. :( I don't want to go just yet. Huhuhu! Anyway, i'll just make the most of it while I'm still here. Day 6 started with a delectable Mediterranean breakfast. I personally love the Mediterranean diet because I've noticed positive changes on how it digest the food I've taken. Do check out my post: Israel Travel Itinerary for more travel tips and inspirations.


Breakfast is a good way to start the day. Now off to our first site.

EIN GEDI ("The Spring of the Kid")

Ein Gedi is an oasis located near the Dead Sea known for it's beautiful springs, caves and abundant animal life. This was David's refuge when he fled from King Saul (1 Samuel 23:29). It was in one of the caves here that David cut off a corner of Saul's robe (1 Samuel 24). Some of the psalms are believed to have been inspired in this area.


Notice the caves on the side of the cliff pictured above.

That's a really beautiful rock formation seen from the oasis.

QUMRAN

The 2,000 year old Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in a cave here by a Bedouin shepherd chasing a stray goat in 1947. Consolidated from scrolls found in some 11 caves, every Old Testament book is represented except Esther. Enjoy the photo tour of the place below.

Cisterns, Jewish ritual baths, and cemeteries have been found, along with a dining or assembly room and debris from an upper story alleged by some to have been a 'scriptorium' as well as pottery kilns and a tower.

After our tour at the area to see the scrolls, the caves, the ruins and the sharing about it's interesting history we we're then ushered to the cafeteria for lunch. Aaaahh! The cafeteria has amazing views of the caves of Qumran and the Dead Sea.


Of course, shopping can't be missed. Most of the items sold are Dead Sea products. The store is just located on the same building as the cafeteria. And below are my finds.

DEAD SEA

Biblically known as the Sea of Arabah (Deuteronomy 3:17) or the Salt Sea (Genesis 14:3; Joshua 3:16), it's mineral is so high that nothing lives in it. With a salt concentration many times higher than that of the world's oceans, the density of the water in the Dea Sea is so high that anyone can float in it. With it's unique concentration of minerals, Dead Sea waters and mud have long been known to have health and cosmetic benefits.


To find out more about my Dead Sea experience check out My Experience Floating at the Dead Sea.

UP NEXT: Israel Pilgrimage : DAY 7.