The desert and the dead sea

One of the first things that we get to see around Israel is the dead sea. It is a fantastic geological formation. A sea being cut off by land. The water evaporate creating a viscous super saturated saline solution. It feels like a water mattress to lie on it. You cant sink of course so no danger for the non swimmers either. No waves unless it gets very windy. There are other ways of getting hurt there of course. Open cuts are going to feel like acid burns. A friend of mine had shaved that day, he learnt what pain is. Swallowing the water too gives you a tummy ache. Avoid these and its all fun. The mud on the shores are supposed to be really good for the skin. The salts extracted from the sea itself is used for a number of beauty products.

There are quite a few beaches on dead sea. The slightly large public one is Ein Gedi. The private ones are way better with sulpher baths and lesser crystallized salt on the beaches. It really is easier on bare feet. However they charge for the entry. Along the coast are also a factory for salt extraction and an outlet where the finished beauty products from the salts are available at a discounted price.

West of the dead sea is mostly desert, however somewhere in between is the city of Mitzpe Ramon. which stands at the edge of the large crater(Makhtesh Ramon). This is formed due to geological phenomenon over the years and not due to meteoroids as I initially thought. There are 2 other craters though this is the biggest one. It contains a multitude of hiking trails and a possibility of rappelling on the edge as well. Recommended during spring as it does have an active flora and fauna hiding there. The different colored sands and the camel hill make for a very scenic viewing.

Close to Ein Gedi is also Masada. The ruins of an ancient Jewish city sacked by the Romans. The entire population of that committed suicide to avoid capture and slavery by the Romans. It stands atop a huge hill which explains why it was able to hold out in the siege for some time. Getting to the top are through 2 options, a crane which gets you up nice and easy while giving a great view or climbing up the snake path which is pure oven during the hot months. While coming down the snake path was comfortable as it was still winter but it is about a km or so and tiring if you have luggage.