Here we are in pretty, laid-back Dahab with the hills of the Sinai desert surrounding us on 3 sides looking across a narrow bit of Red Sea to the coast of Saudi Arabia.
Meaning "gold" in arabic, which refers to the sandy coastline, Dahab also boasts Egypt's most spectacular diving and snorkelling. Ben's had a couple of dives and we've all snorkeled most days. The sea is teaming with a variety of stunning fish in crystal clear water.
The sheesha smoking, hippie mellowness of the place with it's banana pancakes (or chocolate if you prefer!), restaurants on the seashore with their lounging cushions and low tables to eat at (forget boring tables and chairs!) all give Dahab an attraction that is hard to tear oneself away from.
Our hotel, Jasmine Pensione, is a very quaint narrow 3-storey place with only a handful of pinewood-lined rooms. Our two little rooms are at the top with a cute little balcony each - perfect for quiet contemplation, while looking over the Red Sea and the pink hued sunsets. Just magic!
Though it's winter here the days are hot and sunny and the water is cool but not cold - perfect snorkelling conditions. The evenings get a bit windy and therefore quite cool - even cold - especially in the evenings.
Yesterday we rode camels into the hills and climbed a hill to watch the sunset and see all of Dahab lying at our feet. beautiful! After that we rode the camels (totally uncomfortable experience by the way.. our inner thighs are so sore today!) to a Bedouin house (very modern!! not a tent which was really disappointing) to have them cook us a meal. An interesting, tho' inauthentic experience. But the views and the experience of the camel ride was worth it.
Looking over that barren, hilly desert (got a really good view flying into Sharm el-Shiekh 3 days ago) it is interesting to think of the Children of Israel travelling through this for 40 years... real wilderness! And that manna would have been much needed... there's nothing green growing there.
We were too relaxed to contemplate climbing Mt Sinai! It would have taken about 8 - 10 hours out of a day (including the drive there) and so we canned the idea! We'll probably live to regret it but right now don't care! :o)
We have lounged, and snorkelled, and walked the length and breadth of the tourist bazaar, shopped and eaten (the restaurants, tho' pricey all have great food!) to our heart's content!
But all good things come to an end and it's time to leave this little paradise and get on a bus tomorrow morning that will take us to Jordan, crossing Israel at the Eilat border. Just found out that we can indeed exchange money at the border as we need shekels to pay the exit tax! Was a tad stressed about this as we were unable to find Israeli shekels anywhere in Egypt (the money changers and bank tellers look at you either blankly or smirk and say "no" with great pleasure!). Crossing there will be an interesting experience we think.
We are really looking forward to Petra!
No comments:
Post a Comment