5 Places to Visit in Israel (When It’s Safe to Go Back): Part Two
4. The Dead Sea
I’m not a beach person, so no one was more surprised than I was when I announced mid-way through my first visit to the Dead Sea: “I could move here.”
It sounds odd to describe the atmosphere at the literal lowest point on earth — a desert oasis most famous for a body of water so salty that nothing can live in it — as “refreshing.” Unless you’ve been there, that is.
The elements unique to the Dead Sea combine to make any visit both relaxing and invigorating.
The water in the Dead Sea is “warm, soothing, super salty – some ten times saltier than sea water, and rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, bromine and several other” minerals. (Bromine supposedly has a calming effect, and “is found in air around the Dead Sea in concentrations 20 times greater than anywhere else on earth.”)
You don’t swim in the Dead Sea, you float. Remember:
- DO NOT get any water in your mouth or eyes
- Any open cuts will sting. Ladies, don’t shave your legs the morning you visit.
- Don’t stay in the water more than 20 minutes at a time, and rinse off thoroughly after each dip
Because the area lies below sea level, the sun shines there through an extra atmospheric layer that acts as a natural “sunscreen.” This layer weakens harmful UV-B rays and lets you enjoy the sunshine longer, safely: ideal for soaking up massive doses of Vitamin D. Barometric pressure is high — meaning more oxygen in the air — and so is the average humidity.
Looks great, Kaff. Never been there but I have seen porky Russians in tiny Speedos or to use the Australian term ‘budgie-smugglers’. Not pretty.
My family and I visited Israel about 1 1/2 years ago. If not for the high cost of living, and our families are in North America, we would happily live there, probably near Tel Aviv. Love it.
Been there done that. Watch out for the Beduin around the Dead Sea and the road to Eilat. They’ll steal you blind. Pretty sure the folks who run the Dead Sea bath house get a cut of what the Arabs steal from the cars in the parking lot each day. ( there is pretty much zero Israeli police presence East of Jerusaem ) Don’t stray far from the tourist worn path either. The litter everywhere is kind of a bring down. As well as their dumps visible from the roadways with no fences or even trees to block the view. And don’t expect much help from the police if you get robbed. They could not care less and if your passport gets stolen you will rot in East Jerusalem for days before you can leave. The airport is fun too. Cattle prod airways.
It’s safe to go back, right now. No waiting necessary.
It was difficult last month but generally Israel is safer than most American cities. Welcome to Israel.
I have been there many times. It is absolutely safe. Never had any trouble with car thieves, whether Arab or Bedouin or Jewish – because I went by Egged bus! It’s a great country to visit – and if you know how, it is not necessarily expensive.