The Deadsea

A Story by Amro Hatamleh

The Dead Sea

As a native Jordanian, I have visited places that have spiritual and religious meanings that connect me with my country and its history. One of the places is the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea has always been a special place for me because it gives me peace of mind. The Dead Sea gives me a majestic feeling when looking at the water to the sand to the great emotional power that is so distinct to the senses.

When I am on my way to the Dead Sea, my eyes anxiously wait for the blue color of the water. I get to the hotel room and go to the balcony. The view from the balcony allows me to admire the beauty of the crystal blue water, reminding me of something pure. Heavenly. I notice a layer of salt on the edge of the rocks. White, hard pebbles that help the sea's color become so serene. I remember once I went into the water with a wound on my leg. From the moment I entered the water and it touched my wound, it stung. However, after a second or two, it felt amazing. It is as if the water has healing powers. The water felt amazing against my skin. I stayed in the warm water for a while and my body was floating on the surface under the rays of the warm sunlight. After I left the water, my wound felt better, but my body felt so heavy from all the salt. I kept walking out of the water until I felt the sensation of the hot texture of sand beneath my feet.

The feeling of the heat against the sand feels as if one is walking on hot coals. I finally find a spot to relax on the beach chairs. I hear the sound of the water. The waves moving back and forth create a soothing lullaby. The sound of the birds' wings flapping above me put me in an easy state of relaxation. I still smell the salt from the water, it reminds me how peaceful and pure life can be. I have a great view of the sand. I have never seen it up close, and the textures feel rough and smooth all at once. I lie back on the sand and close my eyes, taking in the atmosphere around me. Warm against my wet back, the textures sticking to me as if I am Velcro. Goosebumps appear on my skin. I take my hand, using it as a shovel, and scoop up sand. Examining the various colors that appear underneath the sunlight's gaze. I look up and see people rubbing themselves with dark clay. It dawns on me. There is an area that contains mud that is filled with minerals and other useful components for the body, so I covered my whole body with the mud. As I was washing it off, my skin felt so much softer and smooth and smoother. The waves and the wind tickling my skin made me want to stay there forever.

The cool winds gently touching my skin and my hair made a peaceful combination I wanted to treasure. The feeling of the strokes of the wind is as if I am being hugged by a greater element. I can smell the saltiness of the water as the wind brings in the tide. It ignites my senses and captures my happiness in that moment. There is a comforting nature about the wind at the Dead Sea.

The Dead Sea is my haven when I want to escape. There is nothing better than enjoying the peacefulness of water and its majesty. I feel like nothing can touch me or do anything to ruin my day. It is my sanctuary and makes me believe that I am safe. That majestic and glorious place is like home.