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 :)