So before going to Syria, as is my personal tradition, I stopped by Amman, Jordan to take a skin-reviving bath in the Dead Sea. I frolicked in the miracle-laden mud and spread sea salt all over my body. The herbal benefits of this go back to ages of old. The story of the Tribe of Lot repeated itself in my mind as I looked out onto the vast expanse of destruction, a hell-infested pit of God’s wrath sent down on this Earth as punishment. This was a great living miracle to witness and I could not help but shiver at God’s power as it stared back at me with eyes longing in despair and humility.

Other than that, it was an insane feeling floating on water. I tried to drown myself. This time, it didn’t work. Get this: after this altered beast moment, I bathed in a fresh water stream with a half cut open pepsi 2-liter bottle and changed into a 3 piece suit to attend Nidal’s sister’s wedding. The day after: hitched a taxi ride across the border to Syria to witness at dawn the call to Eid prayer with family. What a way to go out and reunite with family. They must think I’m crazy.

The Dead Sea: another must visit if you have never been!