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times since 17 July 2006.
17 July 2006
A window dressing from the ancient hunting lodge
On the way down from Jerusalem to Jericho, you descend 1,000 meters to the
lowest point on earth, 1,292 ft. or 394 meters below sea level. Half
way down, a sign indicates "Sea Level..." Camel rides are offered at
that site.
Entering into Jericho, the mountains of Jordan can be seen in the distance,
and the River Jordan this side of the mountains. It was incrediblly
hot (104 F)
There are some impressive ruins of an ancient hunting lodge with striking
architectural features. The museum had a cute drinking spout
Descending further from Jericho to the Dead Sea. One does not swim,
but rather floats. DO NOT GET IT IN YOUR EYES! It burns like
crazy, and (of course) you cannot wipe your eyes with your hands which are
soaked in the poisonous "water." Also--taste the water at your won
peril--it is incredibly bitter, with a potent horrible aftertaste...
Along the road leaving the Dead Sea, one sees lines 'etched into the sides
of the hills. These are from centuries of herding of sheep and goats
along the barren hillsides. Here is a young shepard boy on donkey back,
tending his flock.