We took a day trip from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea and Masada. We went on a small group tour, about 12 people, organized by Get Your Guide, a website that offers tours around the world. I went on one of their bus tours in Seville last January and was quite pleased with their services.
We departed about 9:30 in the morning and soon as we left Jerusalem, the landscape changed dramatically. The land was flat and arid and the only sign of greenery was the tall rows of date trees with their green leaves fanning out of the top of them. In the distance we could see the blue hue of the Dead Sea.
Masada is the site of the ancient fortification built by King Herod between 31BC and 37BC. Located 1400 feet on a plateau above the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea, I took the swift but scary funicular to the top with the guide and the rest of the group. (Vincent was too scared to go up, so he stayed at the base and researched the Dead Sea cosmetics at the gift shop).
The energetic and entertaining guide took us through the former rooms, which were now mostly piles of rocks. He explained the various functions of each one and there were partial remains of the earth toned wall mosaics dating from 37BC. Although the history was interesting, I was pleasantly distracted by the breathtaking vistas and kept veering off on my own to take it in and also breathe the incredibly clean air.
Coming back down to the base, I met back up with Vincent, whose cosmetic homework paid off, and I bought a jar of Ahava Age Control Even Tone Moisturizer.
We headed to the Dead Sea in our bathing suits, ready to float. The Dead Sea is at the lowest point on earth, 1401 feet below sea level and is 1,004 feet deep, also bordering Jordan. It is one of the saltiest bodies of water on earth with a 34% level of salt. You cannot actually swim in the Dead Sea because the salt keeps on bringing you to the top, so it is best just to lie back and float. We were strictly warned not to put our heads under the water, as the salt would harm our eyes and sting like crazy.
The mud at the Dead Sea has therapeutic qualities, so it was amusing to see people spread it all over their bodies and faces, including moi, as you can see in the top photo. It was so calming being covered in mud, just basking away in the warm water and the sun beaming on me.
We bought a jar of the Dead Sea mud as a souvenir of our memorable day.
Click here for link to Get Your Guide Dead Sea/Masada Tour
Jeez Louise, I thought I had a big belly!
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
Tours cost 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale
I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos. I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.
Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.
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