The Last 24 hours in Israel

So with 24 hours left in Israel, we were packing our bags and cleaning the house. But at about 1 p.m., I had had it. No more packing or cleaning for me. My kids had yet to swim in the Dead Sea and we were less than an hour away. "Put on your suits kids." So we left our bags half packed and off we went. We accidentally passed the first Dead Sea Beach, and thank goodness, because another kilometer up the road was Qumran. 

The Home of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

We watched a short film about the Dead Sea scrolls and the Essenes. 

Then we stepped out into the 100+ degree weather to walk around Qumram. Wow it was so hot. I was suprised the kids lasted as long as they did.

It's hard to describe the bare hot land. This picture helps visualize what its like. 

You can see the Dead Sea in the back right of the picture. 

So very hot kids.

The board walk took you through the old city of Qumran. The kids were obsessed with the Cisterns and "hot tubs," (the baths). I am not sure I knew what a cistern was at their age, but I am glad they do. 

Me, overlooking the canyon.

Here are the three kids in front of the cave where a shepherd boy threw a rock and heard pot break. It was the discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls... An enormous religious and historical find in this century.

And after 30 minutes in the heat- Ice Cream. It melted so fast, no one had a chance to finish their cone before it melted. 

Then we made our way to the Dead Sea

It looks inviting. But it was salty. The girls came out crying- too salty. 

Sam floated around for a bit.

But the real fun was with the mud. The Dead Sea mud is supposed to be rich with minerals good for the skin. So everyone paints themselves with black mud. 

Including the whitest of them all- Jakers!

A little bum creese there!

 Els and Jayne getting painted.

Super boy! Sam getting painted by Ellie and JJ.

 Getting covered.

Almost done.

Jake reapplying.

And he is finished.

 Jayne covered in war paint.

Ellie, looking like a warrior.

Crazy girls.

 The kids painted themselves several times each. There were showers on the beach and after coating themselves sufficiently, they would wash off, and do it again. 

Who wouldn't be happy painting themselves in mud?

 Seth chillin' on the muddy shore.