Floating Away

By: Rebecca

Our friends Beth and Craig visited this past week. We enjoyed showing them around Israel to some of our favorite places and some new places. 

One place that was new to me was the Dead Sea. Up to this point, I hadn't been further south than Jerusalem. I can't believe how different the landscape is once you pass Jerusalem to the south and east! The desert is unbelievable. The brilliant blue water of the Dead Sea sets off the mountains of rocks and sand. The only green to be found is in the plantations of giant date palms. It is completely different from the north and perhaps even more stunning in it's starkness. 

Desert Mountains in Israel

Our plan was to drive along the Sea until we found a place that looked clean and not crowded. We ended up at Mineral Beach - a beach/spa owned by a kibbutz. There is a swimming (well, floating) area with chairs and umbrellas, mud baths, a thermo-mineral spring, a fresh water pool, and a spa offering massages (unfortunately closed the day we were there). 

Mineral Beach on the Dead Sea

Floating in the Dead Sea is one of the strangest experiences I've ever had! The water is so salty (33% - or almost 9 times as salty as the ocean) that it's impossible to sink. Even if you wanted to go under, you can't without major effort - and shouldn't because the water REALLY stings your eyes. Of course, that didn't stop Jason and Craig from trying. 

Floating!!

Just relaxing

Covered in mud, which actually feels great!

We had a very relaxing afternoon and since we were only headed as far as Jerusalem that evening, stayed until almost closing time taking full advantage of the sea, the mud, and the spa. It was a unique experience and definitely something I would do again. 

More photos of our visit with Beth and Craig here.