Israeli Opera Festival at Masada The 2014 Israeli Opera Festival at Masada opened last week and record numbers of opera lovers ventured out of their air conditioned homes. The festival, which is taking place for the fourth consecutive year, filled hotels to capacity and was the impetus for a plethora of cultural events and activities that took place in the Dead Sea area. Many of the guests who came to hear the spectacular new production of La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi stayed in the area for another day or two to enjoy the desert landscape and its rich history. In honor of these special guests – people who don't tend to wake up at the crack of dawn to get a head start on a challenging trek – I decided to review a number of light, enjoyable activities in the Dead Sea. Ein Plutit One of the most beautiful places in the Dead Sea area that draws copious visitors is Ein Plutit, which is named after one of Lot's daughters. The spring is also known as the Spring of Love and many couples find their way there. The path leading to the spring is easily accessible and is located near Neot Hakikar and Ein Tamar. The clear, slightly salty spring water that flows beneath the palm trees is cool and refreshing – especially on hot summer days when the heat can drive us crazy. Ein Plutit is a great place to cool down in the water and rest under the palm trees. If you were just passing by on the road, you would have no idea that a secret world was hiding here behind the tall palm trees. These trees, which offer considerable shade, grew here naturally after seeds were thrown down and got planted in the soil that is nourished by the spring nearby. Visitors can take the enjoyable circular path, exploring the spring and the Sdom salt flats in the area. There you will discover an entire microcosm of animals and desert plants that don't exist anywhere outside of the Dead Sea region. To reach Ein Plutit, drive along Highway 2499 towards Neot Hakikar. Pass the entrance to the moshav and drive 5 km. more until you reach an area with lots of palm trees and the spring. Mushroom Path If you've never been down the Mushroom Path, you are in for a real treat. The Mushroom Path, located in Neot Hakikar, has recently become quite popular among families. It offers amazing activities for youngsters in the middle of the desert. The trail is appropriate for all ages, circular and a very easy walk. It's about 2.5 km. long and takes on average 90 minutes to traverse. There's even a fun place for kids to climb along the way. While you're walking along the path, you'll have breathtaking views of the mountains of Moab and Edom, Kikar Sdom, agricultural land, the Dead Sea Works, Mount Sdom and the Judean Desert. These views are nice, but the real treat is when you reach the Mushroom Rock – a natural wonder that was created as a result of weathering from the sun and rain over many, many years. At the foot of the rock lies another exciting attraction: A sand dune where adults and children alike can slide down the hill. Even the most hesitant of visitors are seduced by the warm, silky soft sand in the end. It's an opportunity to see people of all ages goofing around and having a great time. To reach the Mushroom Path, enter the front gate of Neot Kedumim, turn left immediately and continue until you see the swimming pool on your left. On your right you will see a sign for the Mushroom Path. Art in nature Remote desert areas have always attracted artists who are constantly searching for inspiration, peace and quiet. Therefore, it's only a matter of time until you pass by an art gallery or two where local artists are busy creating pieces you'd never find in the city. So it happened that on my most recent trip to the southern Dead Sea area, I came upon Jojo Gallery, a magical studio where Yosef “Jojo” Ohayon creates his art. Ohayon has been living and working in Ein Tamar for over a decade. He creates 3-D iron artworks and gets his inspiration from the quiet and secluded desert landscape. Jojo's intriguing story and the fascinating works of art he creates attract visitors from all over the country and around the world to his gallery. Jojo is an autodidact and has invented a number of innovative techniques, some of which include traditional elements he learned from his father in Casablanca. Jojo specializes in a unique style of psychedelic pop in which he paints on iron or stainless steel and succeeds in creating extremely unusual hues. To reach Jojo Gallery, follow signs within Ein Tamar. For details info, Tel: (08) 655- 1543. www.jojoart.com. ■ Translated by Hannah Hochner. Location: Dead Sea area. Type of outing: easy, appropriate for the whole family. Length: Half day. Season: All year. For more information: www.deadsea.co.il.
