Still in Egypt

Hello all,

I know it has been a while since I last posted on my blog. It has been hard to find internet in Egypt. Plus I have just been out in the desert in Sinai. No toilets let alone internet!

Since my last post, I have joined the Explore tour for Egypt and am enjoying every moment! We spent a day in Cairo and saw the Giza Pyramids. They were incredible! I went into the chamber in the Khafre Pyramid. It was a tunnel that went to the middle of the pyramid, only 1 meter high! Once I got inside, it was unbelievable: it was hot and muggy and was completely dark. It was empty (as most pyramids have been robbed years ago) yet it felt full! It was an incredible feeling to stand under a pyramid and marvel at the unbelievable skill and knowledge the ancient Egyptians had to build such impressive monuments to honour their kings and queens.

We also visited the Egyptian Museum. I only spent a few hours and it could take weeks to see all the items within the museum. Everywhere you look are artefacts, relics and items from years past. I most likely will go back on my last day in Cairo.

The tour then departed for Sinai, the only section of Egypt that is a part of Asia. It is a truly magical place. The few days spent in Sinai were so peaceful and beautiful. We went to St Katherines where we visited the Monastery. It is a truly beautiful place, despite looking like a fortress. I went to the museum which contains ancient manuscripts and art from centuries ago. There were no photos allowed but the monk managing the front desk took a picture for me. It was unbelievable and I feel honoured that I was given that privilege (but I do have to keep it on the down-low!). We climbed Mount Sinai the following afternoon. It took about 3 hours to climb and we arrived at the top in time to see the sunset. The climb was difficult for me as my anemia has been a problem. But I do not regret seeing the magnificent views of the mountains of Sinai.

Of course the following few days have been difficult as I have no energy and do not feel myself. But the tour leader Mohamed has been wonderful as have all the other people on the tour. For two days, the group travelled through Sinai in 4x4 Jeeps and we toured the desert. It was a lot of fun (although it is hard on the butt!). We walked through a canyon (and in some parts climbed - I move like a spider!) and ended up camping in a Bedouin tent on a beach in Ras Mohammed National Park. The bedouin guides sang songs for us and we lived like bedouins (it was incredible!). In the morning, I sat on the beach, wrapped in a bedouin blanket (I think it is made of camel hair) and watched the sunrise. I have never felt more at peace. Sitting alone with the water lapping on the beach and the warm breeze blowing on my face was an incredible experience that I will never forget.

We went snorkelling along the coral reefs which are some of the best in the world. It was lovely and I think I should have been a fish! We left Sinai by coach as we had to drive back to Cairo to catch a flight to Hurghada (the ferry was cancelled). It was an extremely long day and I did not feel human at the end of it. But I had a restful sleep, a shower (warm water is lovely) and am now sitting in an Internet cafe in a side street of Hurghada. Mohamed did warn me to be careful walking alone in Hurghada as the men can be very forth-coming but I have not had any problems. I think I prepared myself enough and am aware of the things I should avoid doing in a Muslim country. I already have learned that I should remain covered even when on a beach! In Dahab, I spent the afternoon on the beach soaking up the sun in my bathing suit when I looked up and was surrounded by camels with boys sitting on top rambling on about something! I did manage to get them to leave and Mohamed later joked they probably wanted to kidnap me (it's okay Mom, Mohamed would have come after me - I hope!). So I have learned my lesson and am more cautious (although it does get hot wearing long sleeve shirts and trousers).

I guess I should mention the food - UNBELIEVABLE! The flavours are so powerful and they set my tastebuds on fire! I have tried a lot of Egyptian food - koshari, fuul, falafels, hummus, baba ganouj (oh my god Jeff, you would die! - Mohamed told me how to make it so I will pass it on). I have enjoyed all of it. I even had grilled fish in Dahab, and ate the fish eye (it was interesting to say the least). The bedouin meals were so great! But despite all the food I am eating, I have been losing weight (my trousers are falling down - it's quite embarassing!). But I have tried so many new things and have enjoyed them all.

Anyways, I am having a wonderful time in Egypt and looking forward to the next phase of the tour - the Nile Cruise.

My Family - I miss you a lot but I want you to know that I am thoroughly enjoying myself. I have had a lot of time to myself (I guess that's what happens when you travel alone!) but really feel like I am growing as a person and am learning things about myself. It has been difficult but I welcome the challenge. Mom, please take it easy and I hope you are recovering well - I love you so much and miss my best friend in the whole world. Dad, I love you and am thinking of you a lot as I think you would have enjoyed seeing and doing the things I have done (it is a photographer's paradise!). Bryan, Kristen and Jeff - I am working on living life to the fullest and having fun. Please take care of Mom and Dad and make sure they do not worry about me! I can handle myself (I haven't been married off yet... or not that I know of:) )

I will make a separate post with some pictures as this one is pretty long! I will try to post again soon!

Love, Lisa