Nugget & The Surreal Lakes

When you think of a lake, you might just think of a still mass of water, possibly laden with crocodiles and other unfriendly creatures but these lakes are so phenomenal. They're amazing for bathing, sightseeing, diving, playing or just to go to for a moment to appreciate the beauty of this world that we sometimes too often take for granted.

DEAD SEA, ISRAEL

Who ever thought the something called the Dead Sea could be so breathtakingly beautiful. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, but the most remarkable thing about it is that it is impossible to sink when floating because the salt density is so high, almost ten times saltier than the ocean. The water is also believed to have healing properties for skin issues. 

However, due to this hypersalination, no fish can survive in the water which removes the fear of creatures touching my toes while I'm in the water. Ironically, people have drowned in the Dead Sea because they disobey the one rule of floating there, only float on your back. So if you visit...please only float on your back.

Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/419749627760347656/

SALAR DE UYUNI, BOLIVIA

Another salty wonder; Salar De Uynni, a prehistoric salt lake. However, there's something very special about Salar De Uyuni. It is not only the largest salt flat in the world, but during the summer, it transforms into the world's largest mirror and is described as the place where heaven touches earth (that phrase seems so lovely). Its seemingly endless horizon has made it one of the most popular locations for photographers to depict optical illusions, playing with perspective views. With my little height, I'd enjoy the play on perspectives and try to look like a giant...or normal human size...

 Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/218917231866174702/

JELLY FISH LAKE, PALAU

There's something so hypnotic about the video of Jellyfish Lake, I couldn't stop watching it, the footage is so surreal. This aquatic wonder is found on the Eil Malk island in Palau. Where did the jellies come from? - it is speculated that  these golden and moon jellies were trapped in the lake over 12,000 years ago and feeding on the algae with no predators, they have completed packed the lake.
My first thought was no, I'm not going in this lake, I will not enjoy having that Friends moment when Joey had to pee on Monica after the jellyfish stung her. How is it safe to swim with the jellies? - Well, the jellies do have stings powerful enough to harm humans and it is believed that their isolation has caused them to de-evolve their stinging cells.

Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/528539706252724479/

FIVE FLOWER LAKE, JIUZHAIGOU VALLEY

Five Flower Lake is a beautiful multicoloured lake with some of the clearest water in the area, whose bed is decorated with ancient fallen tree trunks. Its water contains calcium carbonate and hydrophytes causing a multicoloured sight of azure blue, blackish green, light yellow and  turquoise, which gave the lake its name. This jewel is part of a protected nature reserve and local legend says that it is a Holy lake. The lake is caved by beautiful mountainous scenery which creates a beautiful contrast, making it popular location for photographers.

Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/419749627760347624/

CANO CRISTALES, COLOMBIA

I know this post is supposed to be dedicated to lakes, but I just really need to stick in this river because it is unbelievably beautiful. It is described as "the most beautiful river in the world" and "the river that ran away from paradise". Photoshop couldn't even make something so beautiful. The Cano Cristales is indistinguishable from any other river in the world. This beauty can only be seen for a brief season when the water's height allows the right amount of sunlight to reach the aquatic plant, macarenia clavigera, making it explode with vibrant colour.

Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/419749627760347731/
So, which is my favourite? Jellyfish lake...I can't imagine myself actually jumping in, but that video made me really really want to. Maybe the more possible one would be Salar De Uynni, I'd love to take pictures there and the Dead Sea to float in. Comment below and say which one you'd love to visit most.