Swimming in the Dead Sea

In 1997, I had the chance to visit and wade in  the Dead Sea in Israel. It was not part of the tour, but our tour guide took us on a side trip. I had heard that people cannot help but float in the Dead Sea because of its high salt and mineral content. I wanted to experience it for myself!

Photo courtesy of Tuelekz & freedigitalphotos.net

We only had 15 minutes there as there was another appointment awaiting us. I had so wanted to feel how it was to float on this famous body of water. It was now or never. However, I was with my tight-lipped and overly protective mom. I looked at her, looked at the tour group composed of conservative middle-aged Asians and looked at the inviting waters. The Dead Sea beckoned and I, throwing all caution to the wind, decided to plunge in–without a set of clothes to wear for the next appointment and without thinking what kind of scolding I would be getting from my mother. As I was enjoying the swim, a 60-plus-year-old man stripped down to his underwear and dove. A few others followed. I had the time of my life. Pursuing your dream empowers other people to pursue theirs, too. It was an experience I will never forget. And oh, my mom never did scold me as everyone in the tour had a good laugh at the 60-year-old man. And the wet clothes dried up very easily under the summer sun–just in time to take me to the next tour attraction.