Halloween decorations

The Equinox did a great job decorating for Halloween!

Relaxing day in Egypt

As we pulled into Alexandria, the rain came down in sheets (pic. 1). So far I think it has rained in every port. However it quickly cleared up.

I didn't have plans for Alexandria, just hoped to pick up a tour at the port (pic. 3) or take a ship's bus to a shopping mall. But there were only taxis at the port side so I spent a few hours shopping in port market (pic. 4) and then relaxed on the ship.

Pool lights

In the evening I stopped at the outdoor pool to relax and enjoy the colored fountains. Pic. 1 and 2.

I then checked out the indoor pool to enjoy it's fountain and lights. Pic. 3.

They were accompanied by music and both were very relaxing.

Passing back by the outdoor pool, I got to see it all lit up. Pic. 4.

Israel day 2 - the desert

I was up bright and early for day 2 Israel. I again had a private tour with a cruise critic group. Our guide was on time but for the second time, no driver. Eventually he was found and we were on our way.

First we traveled through the Israel desert. Our guide described how the desert has been used through the years for outlaws and those looking to raise an army. We were on our way to the dead sea!

Masada

However, our first stop was Masada (pic. 1). This is a high plateau that used to hold Herod the Greats fort and palaces. There are two ways up. One is to walk (pic. 2) and the other is the tram (pic. 3). Guess which one I took?

Top of Masada

There were a few ruins littering the top (pic. 1 and 2). Pic. 3 shows the top of the plateau.

However there was also a very moving story regarding some Israelis who held out here against the Romans for 3 yrs before committing suicide. Pic. 4 shows the ramp that the romans built to attack Masada.

One ruin showed where Herod the great had plastered over the local rock to give it a more expensive look (pic. 5).

Dead sea spa

Next up was the long awaited dead sea spa.