The Dead Sea

I was not prepared for the Dead Sea. I didn't think it would be so beautiful, but there it was. The waters looked to me to be almost the same hue as those of the Caribbean. I had thought (though I should have known better) that it would be a dull brackish color. Imagine a sea so salty that nothing can live in it. That is what I thought, but no, no and no. The sea is alive with millions of microorganisms that thrive in its unique ecosystem. It is indeed very salty, with a salt content of over 30%, according to one source 10 times saltier than the Mediterranean. Its saltiness makes it very buoyant; we were able to float in it effortlessly. It was amazing.

The Dead Sea is constantly being replenished by fresh water from the Jordan River and other nearby springs, but the temperatures in the desert are so hot that the water evaporates very quickly, making the salt content high. Mixed in with the salt are rich minerals that are considered to be very therapeutic. Needless to say, you cannot bathe in the Dead Sea without the ritual slathering of mud over your body. I tried it. Dead Sea mud has a velvety smooth texture, and it leaves your skin feeling great. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, 1350 feet below sea level! Traveling into the area makes your ears pop.