After a week of dining in some of Israel’s finest restaurants, meeting a number of inspirational business women, visiting the Biblical Zoo and the Design Museum, and so much more besides, there is one highlight which stands out above all else: the desert.
The Judean Desert running along the edge of the Dead Sea is breath-taking. The heat is intense and the inhospitable conditions mean there is a calming silence and overwhelming sense of solitude.
Rescue workers who patrol the region drove us through the area by jeep. For all its stunning scenery, the desert is also presents considerable dangers to those wishing to explore it. As we said goodbye our driver he was alerted to an incident near the spot we had just visited where assistance was needed.
The intensity of the heat meant we could only spend a short time outside, but that time was spent sitting in a ravine, eating fresh watermelon being serenaded by a French singer who had joined our party. I can think of no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon, or any afternoon in fact.
From there we visited the Ein Gedi kibbutz and botanical garden before experiencing the Dead Sea, and it really is an experience. For some, the Dead Sea - the lowest place on earth - is a place to relax and, literally, float.
Or, if you’re like me, you’ll lose your footing on the salt sea bed, then lose a shoe, and manage to float for a couple of minutes, in less than elegant fashion, before struggling to stand and make your way to the shore.
The Dead Sea - the world’s largest natural spa – is an exceptional place yet it is one that is under treat; the sea is shrinking and could dry up completely in the next 50 years unless a solution is found. As a result the tourism department is keen for visitors to vote for the Dead Sea as one of seven wonders of the natural world.
It would be such a shame to see it disappear altogether. And also, as I bore anyone who will listen about my visit to the Dead Sea, repeatedly, no doubt for the next couple of years, I’d like them to know the place I’m talking about before they insist I stop going on about it.
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Wow, it looks so beautiful!
Posted by: Tania @ Larger Family Life | July 05, 2011 at 10:06 AM
It's an amazing place, isn't it? Frightening to think that we, as humans, can destroy this wonderful natural resource within the space of a generation!
My Israel experience was a love-hate relationship. From the dead sea I got the worst ever rash and uncontrollable itch ever... but still would not have missed out on the floating!
Posted by: Mumonthebrink | July 05, 2011 at 10:08 AM
I need a vacation. Enough said.
Posted by: susie@newdaynewlesson | July 05, 2011 at 10:22 AM
I'd highly recommend Israel! :-)
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | July 05, 2011 at 10:23 AM
How amazing. The pictures are breath taking and it sounds amazing. I did not know that about the Dead Sea, I'd happily listen and I hope to visit one day. Let's hope it never disappears.
Posted by: Susan Mann | July 05, 2011 at 10:31 AM
I would be like you in the water - I'm told I float like a brick.
Posted by: Trish @ Mum's Gone to | July 05, 2011 at 11:06 AM
Aaahhh... the desert....my soul. Beautifully put, Rosie... You need to get your top ten deserts sorted now.. ;)
Posted by: Jane Alexander | July 05, 2011 at 05:40 PM
That flat plain in the last photo used to be entirely covered in water. That's how serious the situation is. Your photos are wonderful - I'm so pleased you had such a great time. And you have a place to stay in Jerusalem if you ever come back. Rachelxx
Posted by: Midlife Singlemum | July 05, 2011 at 08:23 PM
I've been following your blog posts and updates about the trip, and it all sounds fascinating. I love your description of the desert, and I would have paid good money to see your stumble in the dead sea :-)
Posted by: notSupermum | July 05, 2011 at 09:47 PM
Rosie it looks so beautiful and alien. What an experience. x
Posted by: Jo Beaufoix | July 05, 2011 at 10:54 PM
Thank you so much for sharing this. Your description makes me want to go myself.
Posted by: jfb57 | July 05, 2011 at 11:32 PM
Sounds amazing. How did your hair stand up to all that heat?
Posted by: Kate Takes 5 | July 06, 2011 at 01:31 PM
Funny you should mention my hair Kate :) Here's my three-part answer: I used a heat defence shampoo and condition from the Aussie range, I avoided putting mud on my hair as it gets dried out and then becomes knows as Dead Sea hair, and I wore a hat! Important to maintain any sort of sleekness as I am sure you already know! :)
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | July 06, 2011 at 01:35 PM
I laughed out loud at your comment nSM. From now on I am charging £50 quid a time to anyone you wants to view footage of me stumbling in the Dead Sea. Obviously if demand if high I will up my price. #notdaft
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | July 06, 2011 at 01:36 PM