Floating in the Dead Sea

As anyone who's been to Israel can attest, no trip here is complete without a visit to the Dead Sea. A little background on the Dead Sea (or Sea of Salt as it's known in Hebrew):

• It is the lowest place on earth, some 420 meters (1,378 feet) below sea level.
• At its deepest, the Dead Sea is more than 300 meters deep.
  
• The salt content is almost one-third of the water.
• Mounds of dry salt can often be seen around the edges of the sea.
• Almost nothing can survive the high level of salt.
• To read more click here.

A couple of weeks back I visited the Dead Sea for the first time since making Aliyah (immigrating to Israel) some nine months ago. This was my third visit to the sea and each time it still feels so weird to enter the water. When you first enter the water it doesn't feel any different. However, after walking out 10 meters or so, you quickly discover how buoyant you become and how you automatically float. It is impossible to sink to the bottom of the sea. You can literally read the newspaper while floating there.

Also, there are lots of rich mineral mud deposits all around the water. It is common to rub the mud all over your body and then afterwards have very soft skin. The salty water also has healing effects that help to clear up blemishes; this is why the beauty products from the area are so popular around the world. At left you can see a picture of my friend Rafi and I (pre-mud:)

Wow, second post in one week. I'm getting better:)

A Happy Pesach to all!