It’s true!

Dead Sea float

You really do float! This incredible buoyancy results from the high salt concentration in the Dead Sea – (actually a salt lake) – with levels fluctuating around 31.5%, it is 8.6 times saltier than the ocean. “Novelty’ factor aside - I must admit that it also feels great.  Apparently I couldn’t get enough – after my swim earlier in the day, I ended up having a dead sea mud wrap later that evening.

But I digress…part deux of Where in the World is Andy.

After leaving Galilee, I headed off to the Golan Heights and a tasting at Chateau Golan. Interestingly enough, Uri,  the winemaker, used to work at the Joseph Phelps winery in  Napa Valley, California before arriving here in 2001.

After a great visit at the winery, I continued along the Israel/Syrian border on some great cycling roads. After crossing the river Jordan to the Sea of Galillee, I stopped for lunch in Tiberias for some more delicious hummus [another thing I can't seem to get enough of].  This ancient city on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee was named after the emperor Tiberius, and historically, has been known for its hot springs, which are believed to cure skin and other ailments. Alas, I didn’t have a chance to check out the hot springs or test the validity of this legend, as I was off to Masada through the wild west bank and Jerricho.

The addictive hummus

Masada is an interesting place, as it is a remnant of the ancient palaces and fortifications located on top of an isolated rock plateau on the eastern edge of the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea. The cliffs and surrounding area are quite a fascinating site and sight.

Then it was on to the Dead Sea…where, as you have already learned, I went for a swim…or rather, a float.

Another day, and yet, another adventure as I left the Dead Sea on my way to the Negeve region. It is here where they grow many vegetables, dates, and so on. I was fascinated to discover such an elaborate and extensive network of greenhouses! Lunch was at one of these private garden/greenhouses where everything on the table was hand picked that day and organically grown. I can’t articulate how fresh and tasty everything was - quite remarkable and truly something to be experienced.

organic farm salad

We drove through the wadi lands (which look just like Utah…rock desert, big canyons, etc) to the town of Mitzpe Ramon, which is situated on a ridge 880 meters above the desert and the Ramon crater. I was lucky enough to be able to preview the construction (underway now) of a brand new 5 star hotel that sits atop these cliffs. All I can say is that come next year…this hotel will be absolutely gorgeous!

My next day was truly a unique experience. Forget about Henderson in Africa, as I became the new rain king of the Negeve desert! Apparently, in a place where it rains an average of 5 days per year, it poured…endlessly. They think I am “blessed”, I think I am just unlucky! Floods in the desert aren’t much fun…it’s not that pleasant to be cold with wet feet and dirty. However, a generous Bedouin family opened their tent to us for a visit and a respite from the rain. I can’t tell you how wonderful it felt to be inside, sipping tea on their dry floor.

One of the Judean Hills wineries

After we bid our gracious hosts goodbye, we set out on a drive along the old spice route. For centuries, Bedouins on camels would bring spices from Yemin through Petra and Negeve to the Gaza port where they would be shipped to Europe. We stopped in the ancient village of Avdat, the most important historic city on the Incense Route as a station along the Petra-Gaza road. It is also an early wine production region, as the ancient inhabitants adopted agriculture (most notably wine production) as a means of subsistence. We visited a few of the wineries (which are very interesting…but still rather “primitive”) and had a delicious lunch at the Noat goat cheese farm.

After that tasty lunch (and incredible goat cheese), we headed into the Judean hills for some more wine tasting. The winemakers here are truly uber passsionate about their craft, and it shows. I visited Sternbach and Agur, both are boutique wineries in the area whose wine makers are producing some really nice Cabernet and Merlot wines. The Judean hills, themselves, are gorgeous and alive with thousands of poppies abloom.

The Wailing Wall

My Sunday night was spent in an amazing luxury suite at the Mount Zion hotel with an amazing view of Mount Zion. What an ending to a great day in Jerusalem! By day I walked the city which is filled with a mix of all types of people. First was a private tour of the old city, where we walked on rooftops, without a tourist in sight. Next was a visit to the Wall.

What an ethereal experience! As I stood at the wall and took in the incredible scene that played out in front of me, I felt a very deep connection. Here I stood transfixed amidst a fascinating cast of characters- some listening, others swaying, many praying and singing – a seemingly transcendental experience. Jerusalem is the center of it all – where all things exist in harmony – the Wall, the Mosque and the Catholic church. Such a incredible experience – and a must to visit. And I must confess, the history in this part of the world is overwhelming…all I do is learn!

Red Sox & Yankees yarmulkes

Btw…had an amazing dinner at Colony, a hip restaurant in Jerusalem. And realized that harmony even exists between the Red Sox and Yankees in Jerusalem – as  two team yarmulkes sat side by side.

Visit to the Wall

I’ll be spending the night on the cliffs overlooking the Dead Sea…and then off to Jordan…

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• Where in the World is Andy? (duvine.com)

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