Page 47 - Holyland Magazine - 2010 Edition

sites. These include Kasr al Yahud, the spot
where Christian tradition places the baptism
of Jesus by John the Baptist (see page 20
for more details) and Qumran, the ruins of
an ancient settlement in whose nearby
caves the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.
The writings in these scrolls share some
common ground with the teachings of Jesus
as related in the New Testament.
Other must-see attractions in the area
include Masada, Jericho, Ein Gedi, the
Roman fortresses and the monasteries in
the Judean Desert. And every tour can end
up with a refreshing dip in one of the many
freshwater springs found in the area.
The Dead Sea shore is dotted with well-
equipped bathing beaches that are close
to fascinating nature reserves. Fifteen hotels likely to see that the reservoir is full of
offer more than 4,000 rooms in various
classes, and excellent bed-and-breakfast
accommodations are available for country-
style vacations.
A wide choice of adventures awaits you in
the Dead Sea area, from desert hikes to
exciting tours in specially equipped off-road
vehicles and donkey carts – not to mention
Bedouin hospitality and camel rides.
GET ACQUAINTED WITH THE DESERT
This suggested itinerary covers a little more Secrets from Mama’s Kitchen restaurant,
than 35 miles of well-marked asphalt roads
and will take about four to six hours. The
best time of the year is from October
through May. For the sections that take
place in agricultural settlements, advance
coordination and accompaniment by
residents are required.
The trip begins as you travel south from
the Neveh Zohar junction. To the east are
the evaporation ponds of the Dead Sea
and to the west you will see the Judean
Hills and Mount Sodom. After about a
quarter of a mile, turn westward to the
clay reservoir and continue climbing.
During the winter and spring, visitors are
water and crowded with a large array of
colorful birds (binoculars will add immensely
to the experience).
Continue driving southward on Highway
90 and after about 2.5 miles, you will pass
a big pile of rocks. Keep driving for another
2.5 miles and you will arrive at the site
called Lot’s Wife, where you can get out
of the car and gaze upon the rock that
resembles the woman who turned to look
back at the destruction of Sodom and
Gomorrah. You can also pick up small
chunks of salt from the salt works to take
along as souvenirs.
After driving southward for just over a mile,
you will see on the right the Historic
Workers’ Camp at Sodom, which is
currently undergoing renovation and
preservation. You can stop and take a look
at the wooden pier that extends into the
water. Driving another 1.8 miles will bring
you to Nahal Perazim, a dry riverbed
with a wonderful display of colorful layers
of soil deposited by thousands of years of
erosion.
Then it’s time for a rest and a bite to eat
at Moshav Neot Hakikar, which boasts
art galleries, the Fata Morgana restaurant,
Pnina Toledano’s coffee shop, Yossi’s Place,
caravansary-style accommodations and
lovely bed-and-breakfasts.
Important note: Before leaving for your
trip, it’s worthwhile to stop by the
Information Center at Ein Bokek (Phone:
08-997-5010) or visit the website
www.deadsea.co.il
So far, we have told you about only a fraction
of the exciting possibilities for enjoyment,
relaxation, healing and hospitality that await
you in the Dead Sea region. This unique
array, which can be found only at the Dead
Sea, makes it a serious contender for the
title of New 7 Wonders of Nature. To cast
your vote for the Dead Sea, go to
www.new7wonders.com
Health from Nature
The tiny universe with its microclimate and minerals
that is called the Dead Sea is a world center for
natural health tourism. The Dead Sea is not only
the world’s largest natural spa, but also a world
center providing healing and relief to people
suffering from a wide range of illnesses. Each one
of the several large clinics operating in the area
specializes in a different area of expertise, and
medical supervision by recognized experts in a
range of specialties is available all year round. At
the Dead Sea Medical Center and at the various
clinics, research studies and scientific data are
evidence of the area’s natural virtues and
treatments. Medical supervision is always provided
before commencing treatment.
One of the unique advantages of the Dead Sea
is its lively medical tourism scene that takes place
in its many hotels and medical facilities. Alongside
the excellent outpatient care, patients are enveloped
in a festive international atmosphere and can fully
enjoy their treatments, as well as pleasurable
experiences at the area’s many historical sites and
natural wonders.