February 2, 2006 - 2:58 PM by

When in Israel…

I guess an Israeli going to visit Massada is like a New Yorker visiting the Statue of Liberty, or going to the top of the Empire State Building.

But after a weekend visit to the historic fortress atop the mountain overlooking the Dead Sea, I implore my fellow Israelis who haven’t been there in years to plan a trip now.

First of all, you wouldn’t recognize the place – it’s totally renovated (I mean the visitors’ center – no the ruins). Underground parking, a professionally made introductory film, and even a spanking new youth hostel make a visit to Massada a step into 21st century tourism.

And of course, the climb on the snake path is incomparably beautiful (you didn’t think I’d take the wimpy monorail, did you?). I thought I’d be carrying my five-year-old on my shoulders, but he got up there before everyone else.

Then, there’s the main event – walking through the rooms of Jewish history, as impressive now as when you did it with your youth group on your first visit to Israel so many years ago.

It didn’t hurt that the weather was Mideast wintry perfect – high 60s, sunny, – just right for a day long jaunt up and down the mountain. So don’t worry about being perceived as a tourist – go back to Massada. Just don’t wimp out on the monorail.

Tags: • Category: General, Travel 

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