"Yam Ha-Melah" means Sea of Salt in Hebrew and this is referred to by the rest of the world as the Dead Sea. It is the lowest point on earth being 422 meters below sea level. It is one of the saltiest bodies of water that no living thing can survive there. Because of its very high saline content, it makes one very bouyant...hence we see pictures of people reading newspapers while floating on the Dead Sea. During winter, the salt solidifies and makes various formation. These formations melt as summer comes.
The Dead Sea is about 2 hours drive from Jerusalem. It is farther south in the desert so the temperature specially during spring and more so in the summer can be very, very uncomfortable. It can reach up to 42 degrees celsius! I felt like I can get a tan in 10 minutes there!
Aside from the very salty waters, people flock to the Dead Sea for its mud. It is believed to have medicinal properties that make the skin healthier and younger.
The way going to the Dead Sea is breath-taking because you can see the change in landscape as the greenery gives way to the grandeur of the desert. I have never seen such clear, blue sky! You pass through mountains of desert then a vast space of flat and dry land.
From the road up the mountain, you can see the Dead Sea opening up to you from below...
We went to the Ein Gedi Resort. You have a choice of either staying at the in-door hot water pools and get a massage as well or you can go out, take the cart and either proceed to the "mud" station where people strip to their barest and cover themselves with mud. Going down further with the cart will bring you to the Dead Sea.
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dead sea,
desert,
ein gedi
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