JORDAN
Floating on
the Dead Sea
hree full days in Jordan were meant to become three entirely different but extraordinary experiences. After traveling back in time in Petra and spending the night in Wadi Rum, it was time for something really unique.
It’s such a surreal feeling, it even felt surreal when I was living it
Our second to last day in Jordan had us driving from Wadi Rum over to the Dead Sea (and then back to our hotel in Amman). It’s the lowest point of Earth, with super high levels of saline which is why no life can form in it (hence the name Dead Sea). It’s also the reason why you can float without effort and why you can not drown, because the water and the salt always push you to the surface. Most public beaches are closed, and you will be offered the option to stay at a hotel for half a day to enjoy the Dead Sea. Its also worth point out that despite the name, its more of a lake than a sea. It’s not known when it was formed but it was even mentioned in the Bible, as the “Salt Sea” or the “Sea of Arabah,” and it’s closely linked with the cities Sodom and Gomorrah, which were believed to have been located along its shores
We found a free spot, down a hill, with no other people around, so we went for it. The lowest area is covered in salt, which makes walking barefoot difficult and / or painful, but the sight is fascinating. I had many ideas for a picture in the Dead Sea but once the water pushes you up, you just enjoy the way you float.
It’s such a surreal feeling, it even felt surreal when I was living it. After you get in the water you need to wash off the salt, so we brought bottled water for a quick shower. Keep in mind that if you go in the sea with open wounds, it will burn a lot, jewellery can wear off and the sand sinks easily. Watch your steps and don’t let a drop get in your eyes.
If the Dead Sea is in your bucket list too, you better book your trip soon because its waters drop about 1m every year and if you’re on a tight schedule or on a budget and don’t want to book a half-day at a resort, look out for open, free spots. You will surely find some, coming from Wadi Rum, like we did.
