Oh that weightless feeling - even after so much good food!

You can't help but giggle when, after wading out into the palest green warm water, you simply sit and float. Of course it's the Dead Sea, just 25 miles south of Jerusalem. Part of the Negev Desert and at 1,400 feet below sea level, it is the lowest point in the world. Here the atmosphere is so dense, that you can float almost endlessly and not worry about sunburn. It's richer oxygen levels are reported to bring a sense of well being. Note however, that swimming is NOT allowed, to discourage water, with its 40% mineral content,  from getting into your eyes. You also might want to avoid shaving or going in with any scratches. Yowee!

Divided by a low levee between the larger northern portion, controlled by Jordan and the south, controlled by Israel, there is a high degree of cooperation for this sea, which is receding at a rate of 3 feet per year. Nothing actually "lives" in these waters, put the richness of  magneium, potassium, salt and silica makes mining minerals so valuable, that great attention is given to attempting to maintain its unique ecosystem. 

We simply enjoyed getting a day pass at one of the many hotels, enjoying the waters and then cooling off in the pool and therapeutic spas. Mineral rich mud is available for smearing and baking, which encourages many to come here for various cures. We were happy with a few simple hours of weightless relaxation.