The Dead Sea

"Swim in the Dead Sea" - another bucket item list crossed off.

Swim is not really the correct word.  You actually cover yourself in mud and then float around.  Just float. You can't actually swim because your arms and legs will not stay under the water. The ocean is about 3% salt.  Contrast that to the Dead Sea which is 33% salt.  I cannot describe what it feels like to just float.  

For people who are planning a trip, go to a real spa. We went via the tour from the hotel which included a stop at the Mineral Beach.  The facility was on the yucky side - not exactly third world yucky - but one notch below the bathrooms at JFK.  

Here is a picture of the beach. Notice the people in the background covering themselves in mud.

The trip to the Dead Sea includes a drive past the West Bank. Here is a picture of the famous wall