People Getting on Each Others Nerves

     Today we had a late start because Michael needed batteries and tried to bargain with the salesman in the gas station store by our hostel. While driving through the dessert we stopped in a couple places, one where I paid five shekels to get my picture taken on a camel. We drove to AHAVA where we were able to shop for beauty products made from the salt, water, mud, and plants of the Dead Sea. Afterwards, we visited Masada. We took the cable car up to King Herod's Palace and walked around the remains that have been excavated.

     Afterwards, we went to get lunch (hot dogs) at a cabana type place by the water. We tried swimming in the Dead Sea (below sea level, in fact, it is the lowest point on earth) but it is very difficult to swim because of the obnoxious amount of salt. Once I started floating I couldn't get back up on my feet because of the buoyancy. I picked-up handfuls of salt off the ground. The salt was at least six inches deep where I was standing.

     We tried going to Qumran today, but got their right as they were letting the last group of people in before closing. So we headed back to the hostel early. Their were some arguments within our group today, especially among the more outspoken and sassy people. Certain individuals within our group are starting to get on everyone's nerves and people are starting to drink to coupe with it. I'm really hoping things settle down among our group soon and that everybody has a better attitude for the rest of this trip.