As I lay here on the shores of the Dead Sea, after our trip to Masada, the hotel's pristine sheets rumpled all around me and the air conditioner going at full-force in an effort to dispel the day's hot, stale air, my mind keeps going back to the open cliffs in Masada, Tel Aviv.
I remember the sun beating down on my head, the breath audibly escaping my pursed lips. The terrifying feeling of realizing that my body just wants to succumb to the vertigo and dive, head-first, into the abyss.
A combination of exhilarating fear and all-encompassing happiness in that moment, craved into my mind for posterity.
But more than all of those feelings, there is one sensation I keep going back to, one moment that will come to represent Masada for years to come.
One feeling that is better than food. More important than drink. Stronger than hunger.
I remember G's hand wrapping itself around mine, spurring me to go on when all I want to do is give up.
I remember truly sensing that I am loved.
Reflections on my Trip to Masada
It is in moments like this that I understand why, nearly 9 years later, I still call Israel home. Everything is just so much more vivid here. Pain, anger, love, and of course, the food.
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They are all so much more multi-dimensional in Israel, when lives seem to be at stake every moment and every question is an opportunity for a spirited debate.
And though there are days I hate every part of life here, and days when I long for the cleanliness and order of Montreal, or the wide-open fields of Manitoba, I know that despite its massive barrage of problems, Israel will always stay my home.
And I think I love it even more for all of its idiosyncrasies.
For you see, while I was sitting here, looking for ways to tell you why love feels so much stronger here, amidst the sandy dunes, my family has been frolicking at the pool.
And I think it's time I joined them, for even intrepid food bloggers need a break.
While you are in Tel Aviv, check out the Levinsky market and the Herbert Samuel Tel Aviv restaurant!
One of this trip's best discoveries has this been this little sandwich shop in Jerusalem, Dawini. And I can't recommend going on a Masada and Dead Sea trip enough!
- For more delicious food in the area see my Cheap Eats in Israel Guide!
