LOCALadk Magazine

35 Fall 2016 LOCALadk Magazine LOCALadk ft below sea level) that holds importance biblically and eco- nomically for its salt export and tourism base. The salty lake is shaped like an ear, with the entire bottom now sliced off from over export of salt mining. The lake is 10 times saltier than the northern Atlantic Ocean and can only house microbes and willing tourists who can float for no longer than 15 minutes at a time due to the high salinity. Signs warn "Swim on back" and "Stay close to shore" to avoid drowning. You literally can't dive down, and I was surprised at how I had small burning sen- sations all over my body in apparently tiny openings in my skin from recent cuts that I didn't even know I had! But it was well worth it once I got out and my skin from head to toe felt as though I had a top layer of silk for skin. I remember right down from where we accessed the Dead Sea, we passed a brand new huge domed resort. It was the country's first "family friendly" resort for Jordanians. It was for women and children. Wom- en could swim freely with swimsuits on, and not have to keep covered. It was an unusual vacation experience that was sure to be successful for wealthy open minded locals. Experiences like this quickly remind me of the many blessings at home. There is no question about how different day to day life is for Jordanians compared to Americans, but if the idealisms, cloth- ing, and borders are removed, inside they are exactly what each of us is. Curiously connected. Saudi Arabia together", with a promise I would love it there, I couldn't help but giggle at his serious offer. I think he realized the absurdity of it and appreciated my humor as he giggled back, responding with "Welcome to Jordan!" Having seen Petra by day in all its glory, I couldn't resist the option to visit by moonlight. Winding down the candle-lit path, you arrive eventually at the Treasury which is the most com- monly photographed place in the ancient city. There you sit Indian style with hundreds of candles connecting you and your sitting neighbors aside the Treasury. A brief public service announcement is voiced asking visitors to sit in silence and a local Bedouin is introduced who will be playing a flute. Cups of hot sweet tea were passed around as skinny little cats me- andered through the crowds of visitors hoping for handouts. I have to be honest, I was completely distracted by the cats. I was dismayed that I had travelled this distance and allowed myself to play with the cats rather than focus on the perfor- mance! The next couple days included a Turkish bath, where I was tossed around like a dead fish, a trip down Kings Way to a cru- sader castle of Kerak, and a visit to the prophet Moses' grave at Mt. Nebo. Continuing along the journey, a visit to Jerash, a Roman ruin more visibly intact than Rome itself. Finally, anoth- er highlight, the Dead Sea. The lowest point on Earth (1,388

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