Pure Bliss

Woke up too early but the sun didn't care. The red hot star created sweat droplets down my cheeks and a dire need for a drink of water. This combination of annoyances was enough to pull me up and out of my slumber. I climbed out of my camping bed and soaked in the view. A large, calm body of water called the Dead Sea was staring right back at me. The waters appeared relatively clear and inviting. Surely it would refresh me and fulfill my need for coolness. The only thing nagging my brain was that little known fact that the salt concentration is so high it has a short but obvious burning sensation and should never be in contact with the eyes or mouth. This little known fact crushed any idea of diving into the sea, instead, I just sat back down and relaxed in the shade.
Looking around it is clear that this is no ordinary beach. Tree branches and rocks are covered with a thick, hard shell of salt which drips over like icicles. Small pools of salt water have dried creating crystal chips that sparkle and glitter in the sunlight.
As I stand on the beach I look out to the horizon. On one side of the sea lies Jordon and on the other side lies sharp mountain sides. The land is bare but jagged and painted with beautiful deep orange and red colors. A few yards away from where we camped lie very inviting pools of natural and refreshing cool waters. These are often used to rinse off after a salty dip in the Dead Sea.
Now rested and satisfied with my surroundings, I decide that it is time to test the waters. I walk to the shore and dip my feet first. The warmth and thickness of the water is inviting despite the stingy to the skin from the salt. Even small cuts do not go unnoticed. I dunk my body and float effortlessly. The stingy dissipates quickly and all that is felt is silky smooth waters. A slight turn to the side sends me spinning in the water. In the deep sections I can float upright like a buoy. Smiles and giggles are contagious and sharing the experience with Amitaii and his friends was a definite highlight to my travels.
The rest of the day was spent smashing mud on our bodies and basking in the sun. As difficult as it was to end the day, my friends needed to return to work. It was a great moment when I realized that I hadn't worried about or anticipated work for months now. I don't think I knew the true meaning of relaxation and the pure bliss it can bring until taking this journey.
I returned back to Tel Aviv and for 2 more days I toured the city by bus and bicycle. I visited areas such as the old city of Jaffa-a city over 4000 years old and founded by Noah's son-Japheth, the Yemenite Quarters-a maze of narrow cobbled streets, and the famous square where peace seeking and national symbol, Prime Minister Rabin, was assassinated. It is easy to say that one of my favorite pass times was admiring all of the architectural beauties. Two loves that stick out in my memory are the rounded Bauhaus buildings and the Israeli flag. The architectural design is timeless and the Israeli flag is easily spotted waving proudly throughout on old and new homes, store fronts, cars and bicycle baskets.
A few days later Amittai whisked me away on yet another journey to Northern Israel. I had been invited to stay with his brother and girlfriend, Nimrod and Denete.....Full speed ahead and another journal entry to follow!
Fun facts about the Dead Sea: 1) It is 1300 feet below sea level-making it the lowest place on earth 2) It is made up of 33% salt, making it the highest concentration in the world 3) Nearly impossible to drown in the waters due to the salt content 4) over 300 biblical and non biblical scrolls have been discovered in the caves surrounding the Dead Sea 5) Both the Dead Sea and Kilimanjaro are part of the same fault line, Syro-African, running through the Great Rift Valley. That means I visited the lowest (Dead Sea) and the highest (Kilimanjaro) place on this fault line. Super Cool for me :)

Just Breathe....

So many people say to me, "You are so brave to travel by yourself". I wonder sometimes if they are just being polite and truly they want to replace the word "brave" with "stupid". Mostly I just shrug and don't really care either way. However, traveling from Egypt to Israel via the Taba border crossing was probably more adventurous rather than wise. Of course everything went smooth and was completely safe but I did wonder about my choice in transportation when I read that the Taba border was last bombed only 3 years ago. None the less, I ventured out and took a bus ride rather than an expensive plane ride. My route followed the roads of Sinai through miles of beautiful views of sand dunes, crystal clear waters of the Red Sea, and hill sides of Jordon and Saudi Arabia. Worth every penny I saved by not taking a plane.

Once I arrived at the border crossing I was searched for about 3 hours-not necessarily "physically" searched but my bag and passport were given the full interrogation and I was asked about 50 questions regarding my plans in Israel. Certainly understandable on Israeli terms however I just was a bit concerned because I missed the last bus that would take me to Tel Aviv- 5 hours away. But my luck was changing dramatically and within minutes I found a kind tour bus that had an extra seat. The bus was reserved for 6 Colombian tourists but I was welcomed for only 15 bucks. It was a great ride that was spent laughing, practicing my Spanish speaking skills and getting great traveling tips from the driver. When I finally arrived it was late but the air was sticky warm and I could feel that Tel Aviv was just coming to life! I sat myself down on a bench and within a minute I was in a traveler's conversation with 2 locals- Amittai and Tami. They offered me a local beer and companionship for the walk to my hostel (yes, it is legal to drink on the streets in Israel!). After a quick check-in to my less than appealing room, I set off with my new friends to the local watering holes and a late night stroll along the Mediterranean Sea. The night ended that morning but sleep is overrated right??

The next day I was again spoiled with a personal tour of the city. My new friend, Amittai, spent the entire day giving me the inside edition to the culture and historical sites of the city. The local beach front was covered with cyclists, runners and walkers and the streets lined with funky boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Sound familiar Belmont Shorians? The main difference being the truly authentic Mediterranean food and men- both delicious! The day came to an end but not a moment too soon-my exhaustion had begun to settle and a restful night was desperately needed.

The next 2 days were spent wandering the streets with my camera. Rosh Hashanah was closing in and the holiday spirit was in the air. I enjoyed strolling the streets and local markets; watching the people purchasing fresh meats, vegetable, fruits and flowers for their families. I admit I was feeling a bit melancholy-feeling like a true outsider without friends and family to share the holiday. I actually contemplated returning home early. I was certainly having a wonderful time but was thinking that Hawaii might be calling me to set up a new home. But that feeling was short lived as I received two wonderful invitations that very day. The first being from my friend Boaz who was leaving for China the next day-we met up for dinner. Great to see him and nice to have an enjoyable conversation with a friend. Truly needed to pick up my spirits!The next surprise came from Amittai who invited me to join him and some friends for a camping trip to the Dead Sea. Without hesitation I accepted and was off for a completely unexpected journey! Stay tuned, the adventures are just beginning.