The Dead Sea
An hour’s drive from Ramallah and at 400 meters below sea level is the Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth. The Sea, which looks like the Mediterranean is 65 km long and 18 km wide. The hills of Jordan are clearly visible on the other side. The hills on the Palestinian/Israeli side are tinged pink and dotted with caves – a popular hangout for hermits and holy men for millennia. The surrounding country is rocky and arid with the occasional spectacular oasis of date palms. Whereas it may be snowing in Ramallah, you can get away with wearing a t-shirt at the Dead Sea, only 40 km or so away.
The Sea is 20 times more salty than everything; only 11 species of bacteria live in its waters and it tastes disgusting. In winter the water temperature is a very nice 24c ish. It is an interesting experience to float in the Sea as long as you don’t get any water in your eyes or have cuts on your body. Although you may think you have no cuts on your body floating in the Sea is a great way of finding out for sure.
An hour’s drive from Ramallah and at 400 meters below sea level is the Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth. The Sea, which looks like the Mediterranean is 65 km long and 18 km wide. The hills of Jordan are clearly visible on the other side. The hills on the Palestinian/Israeli side are tinged pink and dotted with caves – a popular hangout for hermits and holy men for millennia. The surrounding country is rocky and arid with the occasional spectacular oasis of date palms. Whereas it may be snowing in Ramallah, you can get away with wearing a t-shirt at the Dead Sea, only 40 km or so away.
The Sea is 20 times more salty than everything; only 11 species of bacteria live in its waters and it tastes disgusting. In winter the water temperature is a very nice 24c ish. It is an interesting experience to float in the Sea as long as you don’t get any water in your eyes or have cuts on your body. Although you may think you have no cuts on your body floating in the Sea is a great way of finding out for sure.
Propulsion is tricky. If you try swimming on your front your legs stick out of the water forcing you into an uncomfortable banana shape. Probably the best way of getting about is on your back, but it is possible just to sit and think about it.
Due to the amount of water extracted upstream from the Jordan River, the Dead Sea has shrunk by about 25 km in recent times.
Although about half of the Sea is in the Occupied Territories, many Palestinians can not visit the area due to restrictions placed on their travel. Similarly, many Palestinians live in view of the Mediterranean but will probably never swim in its waters.
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