Part of the reason we do this blog and live in Jordan is to help people get to know Jordan and the Middle East a little better. We haven't blogged much about the sites and attractions of the country during our two years here but there are many, and we have decided to start drawing some attention to them here. Just call it our small part in helping to boost tourism in Jordan, which is the number one industry of the country and somewhat of a lifeline for the economy.
Seriously--although we do not love everything about living here--we do think there are many things to like about Jordan and many great things to see and experience for a traveller. So, expect periodic entries from now on dealing with the touristic possibilities of Jordan.
The first site we want to highlight is the Dead Sea, since we were just there recently with our friends Erin and Neeraj and their son Ezra who were kind enough to visit us from the States. The Dead Sea--known as the "Salt Sea" and the "Sea of Arabah" in the Bible--is located in the Jordan Valley and is the lowest place on earth, about 1300 feet or 400 meters below sea level. It is referred to as dead because there is nothing that lives or can live in it, due to the high salt content of the water, which is around 30 percent. This is about ten times as much as the salt content of the oceans of the world, and about twice much as the Great Salt Lake in Utah.
Such high salt content means that the Dead Sea is not where you want to go for a refreshing dip to escape the heat of a summer's day in the valley. Dunking your head into the water will cause debilitating, paralyzing pain when you open your eyes. Also, any major or minor cut on your body will be brought to your attention immediately when your body hits the water, and you will at once totally understand the significance and meaning of pouring salt in someones wounds.
However, such high salt content does mean that the Dead Sea is where you want to go if you just want a carefree, relaxing, and one of a kind float atop the water. The Dead Sea is unique because you cannot sink in it; the salt keeps you afloat in any position. It is because of this that I love going there, as to me you cannot beat the feeling of near weightlessness you experience while floating effortlessly over the sea. In fact, when we went last time I spent an hour alone just drifting--hands behind my head and feet pointing out of the water in front of me--not just physically on top of the water, but also mentally between a quiet pondering of the intricacies of life and a state of semi-conscious napping. I recommend trying it, but don't forget your sunblock. Here are some pictures of our time there.
Seriously--although we do not love everything about living here--we do think there are many things to like about Jordan and many great things to see and experience for a traveller. So, expect periodic entries from now on dealing with the touristic possibilities of Jordan.
The first site we want to highlight is the Dead Sea, since we were just there recently with our friends Erin and Neeraj and their son Ezra who were kind enough to visit us from the States. The Dead Sea--known as the "Salt Sea" and the "Sea of Arabah" in the Bible--is located in the Jordan Valley and is the lowest place on earth, about 1300 feet or 400 meters below sea level. It is referred to as dead because there is nothing that lives or can live in it, due to the high salt content of the water, which is around 30 percent. This is about ten times as much as the salt content of the oceans of the world, and about twice much as the Great Salt Lake in Utah.
Such high salt content means that the Dead Sea is not where you want to go for a refreshing dip to escape the heat of a summer's day in the valley. Dunking your head into the water will cause debilitating, paralyzing pain when you open your eyes. Also, any major or minor cut on your body will be brought to your attention immediately when your body hits the water, and you will at once totally understand the significance and meaning of pouring salt in someones wounds.
However, such high salt content does mean that the Dead Sea is where you want to go if you just want a carefree, relaxing, and one of a kind float atop the water. The Dead Sea is unique because you cannot sink in it; the salt keeps you afloat in any position. It is because of this that I love going there, as to me you cannot beat the feeling of near weightlessness you experience while floating effortlessly over the sea. In fact, when we went last time I spent an hour alone just drifting--hands behind my head and feet pointing out of the water in front of me--not just physically on top of the water, but also mentally between a quiet pondering of the intricacies of life and a state of semi-conscious napping. I recommend trying it, but don't forget your sunblock. Here are some pictures of our time there.
A word of caution on the way to the Dead Sea.
Neeraj and I floating.
Israel/Palestine in the background.
Near the shore.
Somebody enjoying a smoke while encased in Dead Sea mud, which is good for the skin.
Sunset, with the buildings of Jerusalem becoming visible on top of the mountain in the distance.
1 comment:
Hi There,
I'm writing to ask if you wouldn't mind emailing me a copy of your picture of the Jordanian road sign that says "Warning Extremely Salty Water" from the Dead Sea.
I searched on google images for the picture and saw it on your blog.
Thanks,
Kerry
kerryjustine@gmail.com
Post a Comment