Today we woke up and rented a car to drive to the Dead Sea. The driving couldn’t have been easier – the roads are great and everything’s signed clearly in English (Hebrew and Arabic). The landscape is magnificent. We drove down to 1300 feet (400 meters) below sea level and visited Qumran (where they found the Dead Sea scrolls) on our way down to Ein Gedi.

Qumran National Park featured yet another multi-media presentation, available in a variety of languages…  It seems that basically every national park, monument, etc. all have them.  After the presentation (inside a nice, cool room with AC) you step out into the blasting heat of the desert and wander around paths with labeled excavated sites.  Very well organized, as usual.

Despite what the guide book says the public beach is awesome complete with excellent showers. Floating was an amazing experience.  The only bad thing about the whole experience was the idiot who had a snorkel mask and fins on and kept trying to dive…  TONS of splashing going everywhere… 

We’re staying at the youth hostel. It’s awesome. AC and a view of the Sea. Tomorrow we head south to Masada, and then Timna National Park and then we cross into Jordan and Aqaba.