Suposedly, Dead Sea mud is good for anything that ails you, so when we visited the Dead Sea the other day, naturally I had to slather up! Floating in the Dead Sea is another experience all together. Located at the lowest elevation on our planet, and just opposite Palestine (you can see it in the distance), the climate is typically hot. The air is filled with a fine mist from the evaporating sea that leaves a slightly salty, tangy taste on the tongue. You don't want to open your eyes or put your face in the water, though, as Mustafa found out much to his chagrin! And if you happen to have a cut or have just shaved, watch out! Ouch, it stings! Since the sea is so salty, you bob like a cork.
Swimming in it is a bit like trying to swim with a life vest on. It's also quite warm, so most people don't feel much like swimming in it. All sorts of visitors come to the Dead Sea for its healing water, minerals, and mud bathes. I collected some interesting "stones", which weren't stones at all, but actually chunks of salt deposited due to the supersaturated nature of the sea. I'm on the left in this picture in about 10 feet of water. Becky, on the right, is struggling to balance with her feet pointing down. She's not standing on anything, yet her shoulders are almost fully out of the water. Wild! That evening, after a long afternoon spent at the Dead Sea, we enjoyed the sunset as we headed for home. I was becoming sick at this point, which we were all expecting to happen some time during our stay. I'm just grateful it hasn't lasted too long. At the rate I've been devouring local cuisine, it's just as well that I've had a day or two without food! I awoke the following morning early, truly miserable, but determined not to miss out on 
of the days events. Pepto bismol is your friend! Anyway, I ended up spending a great deal of time on the bus sleeping in the back, unfortunately. We were visiting the University of Jordan, a beautiful and older university in cental Amman. Several of my Jordanian collegues are graduates of this school and proudly helped show us around. The museum housed on campus is lovely, with a park-like courtyard with centruries old antiquities on display. Although I made it through the morning's program, I decided to stay at the bus that afternoon. The assitant director of publicity for the school was escor
ting us around, and when he discovered I was ill, was deeply concerned. He fist offered to take me to a clinic, but I assured him it was just traveler's malaise and all I needed was rest. Then he offered to drive me back himself to King's Academy in his own car! A nearly hour drive one way! I am continually stunned at the generosity and kindness of the Jordanian people, and I was deeply touched at his concern. When we were due to leave at around 2pm, he brought me a bag with cold water and juice. So very kind! After lunch (I opted out!), we visited Ambassador Karim Kawar. I was perking up by then, and a little Turkish coffee set me to rights. We had a delightful chat with him, focusing on how to spread what we have accomplished so far to a wider audience. With the advent of UTube and other forms of instant media, the task is much simplified. Our discussion really led all of us to think further about ways to turn the ripple effect into waves (the Ambassador's analogy, which I liked very much!). What we're doing and experiencing has the potential to change lives in a very positive way. Now we need to ensure that this happens, and knowing this group, it certainly will!
Swimming in it is a bit like trying to swim with a life vest on. It's also quite warm, so most people don't feel much like swimming in it. All sorts of visitors come to the Dead Sea for its healing water, minerals, and mud bathes. I collected some interesting "stones", which weren't stones at all, but actually chunks of salt deposited due to the supersaturated nature of the sea. I'm on the left in this picture in about 10 feet of water. Becky, on the right, is struggling to balance with her feet pointing down. She's not standing on anything, yet her shoulders are almost fully out of the water. Wild! That evening, after a long afternoon spent at the Dead Sea, we enjoyed the sunset as we headed for home. I was becoming sick at this point, which we were all expecting to happen some time during our stay. I'm just grateful it hasn't lasted too long. At the rate I've been devouring local cuisine, it's just as well that I've had a day or two without food! I awoke the following morning early, truly miserable, but determined not to miss out on 
of the days events. Pepto bismol is your friend! Anyway, I ended up spending a great deal of time on the bus sleeping in the back, unfortunately. We were visiting the University of Jordan, a beautiful and older university in cental Amman. Several of my Jordanian collegues are graduates of this school and proudly helped show us around. The museum housed on campus is lovely, with a park-like courtyard with centruries old antiquities on display. Although I made it through the morning's program, I decided to stay at the bus that afternoon. The assitant director of publicity for the school was escor
ting us around, and when he discovered I was ill, was deeply concerned. He fist offered to take me to a clinic, but I assured him it was just traveler's malaise and all I needed was rest. Then he offered to drive me back himself to King's Academy in his own car! A nearly hour drive one way! I am continually stunned at the generosity and kindness of the Jordanian people, and I was deeply touched at his concern. When we were due to leave at around 2pm, he brought me a bag with cold water and juice. So very kind! After lunch (I opted out!), we visited Ambassador Karim Kawar. I was perking up by then, and a little Turkish coffee set me to rights. We had a delightful chat with him, focusing on how to spread what we have accomplished so far to a wider audience. With the advent of UTube and other forms of instant media, the task is much simplified. Our discussion really led all of us to think further about ways to turn the ripple effect into waves (the Ambassador's analogy, which I liked very much!). What we're doing and experiencing has the potential to change lives in a very positive way. Now we need to ensure that this happens, and knowing this group, it certainly will!
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