July 3rd, 2014
Our hotel at Ein Gedi was a bit of a sprawling complex with
beautiful gardens sporting some strange yet beautiful trees, cacti and
bushes. We were surprised by a full
grown male ibex (a type of deer with large horns) grazing on the lush grass just
near our building. There were also many
cats freely roaming the property. I
guess this place is definitely an oasis in an otherwise barren landscape. Buffet dinner and breakfast were included and
we were both pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food.
The horny ibex:
A spiky tree:
Naomi petting the local felines:
Our oasis:
We drove about five kilometres to the Ein Gedi Sea of Spa
which was the nearest location to gain access to the Dead
Sea. The sea’s water level has
been retreating for quite a few years from 395 meters below sea level to
today’s 427. This is mostly due to
increased irrigation from the Jordan River which is the main water tributary. Additionally the minerals are used for
various health remedies and for potash (used in fertilizing) on the southern
part of the sea.
The complex had an outdoor pool, some food facilities and
off course the mandatory gift shop. We
hopped on the little train of covered cars pulled by a tractor for the kilometre
trip down to the water. Along the way
there were signs stating that it was dangerous to walk off of the road as there
could be sinkholes caused by the caustic water that once covered the area. A few signs said that no swimming was allowed
but that was pretty much a given as there was no water!
Arriving at the beach:
At the beach side there were a couple of rows of sun shelter
with plastic chairs underneath and also a lifeguard hut. Signs also explained that it wasn’t wise to
stick your face in the water nor attempt any type of swimming stroke as that
would likely splash the water in your eyes which would be rather unpleasant.
A salt encrusted pole of the sun shelter:
We didn’t waste much time before getting into the rather
warm, almost hot water. I had brought
along a cheeky Stella Artois beer which wasn’t getting any colder in the heat
so first priority was to enjoy my beer while floating in the invisible chaise
lounge provided by the salty water. I
have to say it’s a pretty awesome sensation and I recommend that you try it at
least once in your life. I found it
easier to propel myself around by flapping my hands under water and not trying
to use my feet. Many bathers were
elderly people as the natural chemicals in the water help with a variety of
ailments from arthritis to a myriad of skin issues.
Oh ya...
This is the life Stimpy!
The attractive mud pit:
Didn't stop Naomi from trying it out:
After about an hour of floating, Naomi smearing some mud on
her skin from a little pit by the water and a bit of hanging out under the
sunshade we hopped back on the tractor train and went to cool down in the
outdoor pool back at the complex.
A nice warm evening rounded off the day:
Bucket list item: Floating in the Dead Sea – check
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