Egypt 2003 - Sinai Part 1
The "Sinai Desert Adventure" began early on April 6th with a drive from Cairo, under the Suez Canal. Then it was on to Serabit al Khadem for a climb, a search for turquoise and to spend the first night with the Bedouin, sleeping under the stars (us, not the Bedouin, who returned to the comfort of their houses, satellite TV, etc.). It rained!
The oasis of Ain Musa, one of the many places where Moses made water spring from a rock. The acacia tree in the background is supposed to date from that time. The barbed wire in the foreground may be a relic of a rather more recent visit by Israelites.
El Faurouz camp at Serabit al Khadem.
Setting off on the trek around Serabit al Khadem.
Temple of Hathor at Serabit al Khadem.
Mountain views at Serabit al Khadem.
Who is this handsome man? Could it be the infamous Sheikh el Iano?
Off to school from Serabit al Khadem. The man in the foreground is the real Sheikh Salim Barkat!
There followed a long diversion, mostly by surfaced road, to avoid an area where the Egyptian Army were undertaking maneouvres. Eventually we came to Wadi Feiran, paid a visit to the Monastery of the Nuns (the nuns had all gone to St Katherine's so we couldn't go in) and climed El Banat before carrying on to St Katherine itself.
Some of the group, and a Bedouin girl, listen to our guide, Ramy, explain what we are seeing.
Wadi Feiran from El Banat