From Petra, the minibus to Aqaba only leaves until full, then the Aqaba-to-border taxi is fixed at the extortionary price of 10JD for foreigners. After much deliberation, we arranged a private transfer 40JD ($56) for the 130km journey. We recommend our driver Talib (whatsapp 962778205710 - he goes all over Jordan). The drive was scenic.
Leaving Jordan was easy. We didn't even have to pay for a 10JD exit visa fee, since we flew into Jordan, supposedly. Entering Israel was a different matter. Without any preamble, the young immigration officer asked us - what were you doing in Lebanon? Then the questions went on - what other Arab countries have you been to? Do you have friends in Israel? Do you have friends in Lebanon? However, we didn't even get pulled into separate rooms, as other travellers had experienced.
The whole border crossing took us about 30 minutes. From the border, one could take a taxi into Eilat Bus Station and then get on a bus to the Dead Sea (BTW, the bus company Egged blocks access to their website from Jordan - Israelis fear cyber attacks from Jordonians!?). We opted for the more efficient route - walk 15 minutes to the main road and wait for the bus en route at a bus stop. That leaves the question of paying for the bus. After much research, I learned that the app moovit which we have been using for years and all over the world, is by an Israeli company. I can add my credit card and use it to pay for public transport in Israel. Much to our relief, it really worked!
I always thought floating in the Dead Sea is one of those things that had to be experienced rather than imagined, besides the Dead Sea is at -400masl. While I couldn't discern that I was breathing at -400masl, I could definitely tell the Dead Sea water is different. I indeed floated as expected, but I was surprised that I had to exert to keep my head up. On the other hand, my legs floated so much, I had a hard time coming to a standing position. So it took a little practice to find a comfortable position to remain floating. The water feels slick and oily to the skin, in the same way hard shower water leaves the skin feeling soapy. I am completely skeptical of the therapeutic nature of the water. With water from the Jordan River being diverted more and more for agriculture and not much rain get be counted on in the desert, it's a wonder that "taking" these waters hasn't started to make people sick. I certainly am not planning on a return visit to the Dead Sea, though the place is definitely set up for visitors. There are all manners of sea bathing infrastructure. John pointed out that was possible only because there is no tide.
On the way south to the Jordan-Israel border, our driver stopped so we could photograph the awesome view.
Rolling into Aqaba. Our car will turn right and take us to the curb of the Jordan border facility. Nice!
And 90 minutes later we have crossed the border and are on the bus cruising north towards the Dead Sea.
Just before we get to the Dead Sea we pass this Salt Works.
Oh my! Still on the bus, the Google Maps says we are near a famous pillar of salt.
View from our Hotel Room.
And soon we are floating in the Dead Sea.
We are staying ar an upscale resort area called Ein Bokek with excellent public beach infrastructure, not to mention the very good public transportation connections; for example, there are frequent buses to Masada and back.
In the evening we went out for a walk.
The next morning we got up for sunrise, ate a trendous hotel breakfast, floated in the Dead Sea again (video below OR click here), and then hopped on the bus to Jerusalem
1 comment:
What a great experience!!!
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