Jordan 3

The Dead Sea. This is a view from right in front of our chairs.

In case you didn't know, the Dead Sea is about 400 meters below sea level. How often are you going to be at sea level and still have 18 kilometers to go to the sea?

A graphic picture of what I was just telling you.

This is a viewing platform on the top of Mt. Nebo. Between the two trees on the left is the Dead Sea. It is hard to see in this picture, but you can see the other side of the dead sea, which is Israel. Over my left shoulder and up is Jericho, which of course is in Palestine. This is the view that God gave Moses of the Holy Land.

Although the water looks a little rough, it still was really neat being here. This is the Jordan River. This is very close to where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Due to flooding and natural events, the place where he was baptized is now about 200 meters to the west. They are currently excavating it and they found the foundation of the old church where John the Baptist spread the word. I am of course in Jordan. The vegatation on the other side of the stream is Palestine. You have no idea how many checkpoints, military, and watchtowers they have in this area. Wow. Until 1996 this was a Military Zone, and no tourists were allowed in.

The Dead Sea has many properties. You are extremely buoyant. The water is 10-12 times more salty than the ocean. You float. No matter what you want to do, you float. Do not get water on your face or in your eyes (voice of experience talking). Nothing lives in the Dead Sea. The mud is supposed to have some type of healing qualities. So you rub it on yourself. Then you let it dry. Then you get in the dead sea and wash it off or take a shower. There are many showers right near the water. You need to wash off soon after getting out, if not you get dehydated very quickly. The picture of me with mud on is not really flattering, so here is someone else covered in mud!