Egypt - May 2015

Day 1: After missing my flight to Cape Town 2 months ago, I made sure that I was first in the queue to board the aeroplane.  On my way through, the security guys noticed something suspicious and discovered a scissor in my bag.  I was unaware that it was in my first aid kit but since it was blunt, I was allowed to keep it. But then the security guy spotted the cable tie that was supposed to keep my mascot Fluff tied to my bag.  I was told that it could be used against me and was solemnly confiscated.

I asked for a seat next to the exit, but the lady clearly misunderstood me or maybe she’s never seen the inside of an aeroplane before. I found myself in a seat that could not recline in front of the toilet. Luckily the aeroplane was not full and I moved the second the safety belt sign went off.  I now found myself behind a guy who occupied the 4 seats in front of me.  He was clearly an ADD sufferer – and on a scale from 1 to 10 – I would definitely rate him as at least an 8.  He did not sit still for a second – and every now and again I had to duck and dive as his arms would come flying to the back, missing my face by inches. 

The guy occupying the 4 seats behind me had a broken leg and every time (which was way more than the average person would) he got up to get something from his bag – he would bump my seat.  I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Most of the passengers claimed 4 seats and I was definitely not going back to the seat that could not recline. 

I have just found a position to avoid being hit in the face and kicked in the back when I was served my vegetarian meal.  I do not consider myself a vegetarian.  I just don’t eat meat.  Announcing that you are a vegetarian, they will serve you mushrooms, onions, garlic the works, which I do not eat.  But I have forgotten about this – and lo and behold – there was my meal and mushrooms were the main ingredient.

At 4:00 we were woken and breakfast was served. Since I asked for a vegetarian meal, I got 2 dry buns and fruit salad.  The rest of the passengers got a fresh croissant and fruit salad. 

Day 2: I knew about airports and being harassed – but I have done some googling and was adamant to take a taxi (No more than EP100) to the bus depot where I would wait for 6 hours before getting on the only bus going daily to St Catherine’s which would take eight hours.  I was going to see the sun rise on Egypt’s highest peak, Jebel Katerina and nothing was going to stop me.

Whilst waiting patiently for my luggage, I was approached by a guy who worked for the tourism board. He said he could get me a taxi for EP300 which will include a trip to the pyramids before the depot drop off. He also said that I was misinformed and that there were regular busses to St Catherin’s. I was going to pay EG100 for the taxi plus spend 6 hours waiting for a bus so it seemed reasonable to pay EG200 extra for some serious site seeing.  

It was all legal – I got a receipt and was introduced to Safat, my driver.  I stopped in a shop at the airport to buy some water, but it turned out that the owner did not have change, so Safat paid for it.  A full EP20. Just before we left, Carlos, his friend jumped in the car.  It turned out that Safat could not speak one word of English and needed a translator. 

The first question asked was:  How old are you?
Second one:  Where is your husband?

Carlos fell head over heels in love with me for some bizarre reason. 

Unexpected visit to the pyramids
I was utterly surprised to see so many different modes of transport.  Cyclist, donkey carts, horses, busses, motor bikes, camels and the local white kombi taxis driving with the engine open. And at least 70% of the drivers were smoking whilst driving on all the modes of transport. I have been warned about the traffic in Cairo, but it was not that bad – until I realised it was only 07:00.  

Once at the pyramids, I was told that it would cost EP150 for a horse cart.  I objected, saying that I was under the impression that the EP300 included everything. The price came down to EP80. The gates only opened at 08:00 and I was taken to a balcony to admire the view. By now, Carlos has told me that I was very cute and that he can’t believe I am not married. 

Finally the gates opened.  I paid the EP 80 to the guy who organised the horse cart discount and although I am not a big fan of history, it was a nice trip in the horse buggy driving around the pyramids.  At one stage, we stopped and the driver said he will take a picture but I must put my arm in a certain position.  It came out brilliantly – and seemed as if I was holding the pyramid in my hand.  I was then asked by an elderly gentleman if I wanted my picture taken on a camel with some local clothes on – it was after all for free.  I did not fall for that one – although in hind sight – maybe I should have had one taken. But then maybe not. 

After 30 minutes, we were back at the gates and the horse guy asked for his EP80.  I sort of exploded and said I was under the impression that was what I was paying for at the gate. 
He left a bit grumpy and Carlos and myself walked around the place a bit.  By now, I was starting to feel really uncomfortable.  He was looking at me as if I was an apparition telling me that I was so cute and that he would like to get married to me and do whatever I wanted him to do.  It could have been my imagination but he looked quite sad when I declined his offer.  He tried one last time by asking me what it was exactly that I was looking for in a husband.

Outside, my taxi driver was having a small argument with a shop owner who wanted him to pay EP20 for parking in front of his store.  After getting some water from a shop, the fun started.  I discovered that the taxi driver had no clue where the bus station I was supposed to get the bus to St Catherina, was.

He drove around smoking all the time for what seemed like hours stopping at places asking for directions. I was getting quite agitated.  How could he not know where the place was? The clock was ticking and luckily I did not fall for Mr Tourism guy’s story that there was a bus to St Catherin’s every hour.  I did not consider myself a tourist, see historical places and buy souvenirs. I wanted to get to the mountains.    

We finally got there 20 minutes before the bus left. When the taxi driver asked for EP20, I just about exploded.  A lack of sleep, the knowledge that I was not ‘your normal tourist and that I was most probably being ripped off”, I do suffer from this fear of having a full bladder whilst having to drive for hours.  I knew this trip would take 8 hours.  The bus driver confirmed my fear.  No toilet on board. 

By the time the bus arrived, I have been up and down the stairs 3 times to visit the loo. On my 3rd visit, I was accosted by a very hostile looking ‘toilet’ attendant. I hurriedly explained my irrational fear to her in Afrikaans and gave her a hefty tip. 

Just before the bus turned the corner I looked back and there she was standing at the exit – a perplexed but not unhappy expression on her face. 

The Bedouin Camp
Sitting in a bus I now noticed that there was not one scratch free car on the road.  8 Hours later, after a brief stop for lunch, we arrived in St Katherina’s. I had no clue what awaited but followed a fellow travelers advice.  I got in a taxi – and was dropped a full 50 m further at the Bedouin camp! 

At first I thought it was crazy to keep extra blankets in a room but it did turn chilly.  

Day 3: Group of extremely loud volunteers + they arrived at midnight + they left at 04:00 slamming doors + gravel = maximum of 2 hours sleep for me. Since the kitchen was still closed, I settled for a breakfast I won’t recommend:  Muesli in cold water.  I do, however lose my appetite when it is so hot so it was not a problem. I was an eager beaver and went exploring – and discovered after taking my 4th picture that I left my camera’s sim card at home but luckily I was able to buy one. Note to myself: Get more organised! 

Things moved at a slow pace but I was finally informed that I would start my hike to Egypt’s highest peak – St Katherins at midnight – which will enable me to see the sun rise on an African Peak.  The camp is not the quietest of places.  The lounge was a popular place and people kept on dropping by – unfortunately, it was very close to my room. But I drifted in and out of sleep.  I just love hiking at night and was eagerly waiting outside the camp for my guide (Farham).  Salah, the owner of the camp who seemed to never sleep, was also sitting outside the gate and told me to make a wish before I start the hike. I made two: I wanted to stop the anger inside me after being emotionally abused two years ago and I wanted to start trusting people again. 

My guide on Jebel Katherina
Day 4: Our hike officially started at 00:30.  My guide, Farham smoked and coughed non-stop and I must admit, I got quite a fright when I saw his yellow teeth.  The 6 hour hike turned into a 4 hour hike so it was still dark when we arrived on top. My guide lit a candle in the hut on top and whilst I waited for the sun to rise, he took a nap. It was freezing on top, but when he started to make a fire inside the hut whilst smoking non-stop, I decided to wait outside the hut.  It was not long before I was offered 2 cups of tea and a cup of very welcome coffee.

I expected the hike down through a valley with no distinct path to be a walk in the park but it turned out to be a huge park.  Except for scree, the first stretch was easy. Then came the huge boulders.  It took me 30 minutes to get over the fear of falling down whilst just walking down most of the boulders and my hiking sticks remained in my backpack. After an hour, I was convinced that I was going to lose a toe-nail or two. I also got over confident – jumped to the next boulder and excruciating pain followed my landing.  

The next stretch was through a river bed and every time I had to bend my left knee, I was in agony.  Trying not to put strain on my left knee left me with an aching bum muscle after 20 minutes and trying to be positive, I reminded myself that at least I am not just going to focus on my aching knee.  I started to count to 3 – one two three and imagined myself dancing.  It helped a bit.

When Farham asked me if I was okay – I pointed to my knee before giving him the thumbs up. According to him, the next stretch to the village would take about an hour. It turned out to be stairs and a nightmare but I made it.  When we passed his house, he ran inside and came out with some anti-inflammatory for my knee.  I was also invited to his house for supper.

After a siesta, my knee felt a lot better.  I was planning to see the sunrise on Mt Sinai the following morning, which meant I would have to start hiking at 01:00 – but common sense told me to take a break.  I had, after all still a lot of mountains to climb. At 18:00, I went to Farham’s place where I met his family and had some very sweet tea.  I declined supper and on my way back, I bumped into Salah, who said we can go and watch the stars at 22:00.  I dozed off and when my alarm went off, I got up reluctantly.  I did get a bit worried when he told me that the road changed a lot and we missed a turnoff or two, but we did get to the eco-lodge eventually. 

Day 5: I got a lift to the monastery and felt really special not to be treated like a tourist. I have a problem with too many choices so choosing which crystals to buy turned into a
The crystal shop
nightmare but I was more than happy to get a lift on a camel back to the camp. 

At 13:30, I started hiking to Mt Mousa with Fahar.  I have a terrible sense of direction and when he told me at the basin to hike up on my own, I got a bit pissed off but I found the steps eventually and started to cry almost immediately. This was the holiest of all the holy mountains yet it was covered with litter.  I was mesmerized by her and very emotional.  I was unsure of where I was supposed to go with my life and when I asked God what I was supposed to do – I got the answer:  You don’t have to do anything.  

A shop on Mt Sinai
I did not want to leave, but I was scared of getting lost in the dark and after a while, I reluctantly followed two tourists going down to the basin. There are shops along the stairs to the top but because of a decline in tourists, most of the shops were closed. We went down the easy way via the monastery and I could not help but laugh when I saw some tourists wearing masks, going up to the top on camels.  I did not think the camel I was given a lift on the morning was smelly at all.  Fahar was supposed to arrange a lift back, but I guess all the smoking got to him.  Luckily someone took pity on us and we got a lift back to the camp, where I declined his supper invitation.


Mt Sinai

The view from the top of Mt Sinai
Sunset on Mt Sinai


Day 6:  I was waiting patiently for the bus when I discovered I still had the key to my room.  I ran back and a guy passing me asked me what I was waiting for?  When I said the bus – he grabbed my bag and we ran to the “real” bus depot and I made it just in time. Watching the sun set on top of Mt Mousa, I considered staying – but here I was, sitting on a bus I almost missed, on my way back to crazy Cairo. I felt blessed and happy after deciding to follow Salah’s advice to live with my heart.

I was not even aware of any conflict in Egypt until I got to Mt Sinai and on our way back to Cairo, there were army guys all along the road – some sitting in canons but I did not ask any questions.  The bus driver dropped me just before the station after I explained that I was going to a hotel close to the airport.  I then showed a taxi driver the address of the hotel.  Driving in Cairo is past crazy but as soon as I looked worried, the driver would shake my hand and say ‘Fish Kabal’ and laugh.  He did not even stop when he bumped into a car in front of us.  When we stopped in front of the airport, I showed him once again the address of the “Helioppis” hotel.  He looked shocked, said ‘Fish kabal’ and off we sped – to the wrong hotel.  I was tired and stranded with only 17 EP on me.  Luckily the receptionist took pity on me and explained to Mohammed, another taxi driver that I only had 15 EP on me and that he must take me to the Helioppis hotel.  It was yet again another misunderstanding and he only calmed down after I told him he could take me to the airport early the next morning and that I would have enough money on me. Since my flight was at 5:15, he would pick me up in front of the hotel at 2:30 to take me to the airport.  Before he screeched off – he shouted that I must be in front of the hotel by 2:30.

Day 7: I discovered that I had to be at to the airport earlier and because I did not have my slightly aggressive taxi driver’s phone number, I took another taxi to terminal 3 at the airport.  He did not know a lot of English words and kept on saying: " No worry, Your’re welcome and I love you, I’m sorry"

The airport, however was humongous and after driving around for 20 minutes, he said “I’m sorry, don’t know the place.  I love you.  At one stage I said I love you too.  He stopped, turned around and said I love you 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7!!!!

I got there in time.  The guy in front of me refused to take his shoes off before going through the x-ray machine but his friends persuaded him after 15 very long minutes.  At the check in counter they said there was a problem with my ticket but 20 minutes, everything was cleared by the manager.  And then they discovered that my Morrocan visa has expired before I even left South Africa.  It was 2:30 and I was devastated.  I got a taxi back and at the hotel, a fuming Mohammed was waiting.  I explained to him about the change in my flight time and it was only after the door man explained to him that he cooled down. 

I explained to him that I had to be at the bus shelter at 11:00 and that he can pick me up at 10:00.  I had no choice; the universe has decided that I was going back to Sinai.  By now, I could not sleep for more than two hours.  I was up at 5:00 and started looking for a sim card.  Cairo was no walk in the park and traffic was hectic so I walked alongside an elderly couple whilst crossing the road, praying that I won’t be hit by a car.  I was waiting anxiously outside the hotel but when Mohammed was not there by 10:10, I jumped into another taxi – and I could just imagine Mohammed swearing when he arrived finally. But it turned out to be a good decision. The traffic was crazy as usual and I got to the bus station just in time.  This time, I was greeted very friendly by the loo lady and the bus crew.

Back at the camp, I was welcomed like a lost daughter and I was told that they knew I would be back. It is what it is and I slept for 8 hours straight.

Day 8: Around 11:00 I was off to Abbas Bashe with a new guide.  After stopping for a very long tea-break, we got to the magnificent top.  Coming down my new guide helped me to pick up litter and back at the camp, another hike was arranged. I was then told that tourist
My guide picking up litter
stopped coming to Egypt and instead of the guides working one a week, it was only once a month now.

Omar, a friend I met there, bought me a very nice falafel. Pickled onions, feta, gherkins – but I soon discovered that it was not the best meal to have before a hike.

I was flabbergasted when one of the teenage boys asked me to tell him about sex.  I tried to hide my discomfort and googled ‘how to make love’ and almost had a heart attack when I got onto what must have been, a porno site.  I then googled ‘how to kiss’ – and got more or less the same video.  I was in shock and felt sorry for the poor boy, which surely must have been traumatised.  I was obviously not the best sex educator and gave up.

I only brought one book to read with me – and after reading it for the second time, I was ecstatic to find another English one and started reading – only to discover that 100 pages were missing – which was better than reading my book for the 3rd time I guess.

Day 9: Normally I have muesli in my coffee for breakfast. But the kitchen was closed so I used game mixed with cold water instead and it turned out to be the worst breakfast I have had in my entire life.  But Africa is not for sissies and I needed the energy.

My 3rd guide on this trip arrived, he had the worst teeth I have seen on a human and snorted the whole time.  But he smiled a lot, sang a couple of songs and once on top, he shared his bread and eggs with me.


The breathtaking view
Going down, he saw me pick up a tin.  The next moment he grabbed a bag and started picking up litter.  I could sense his love of the mountains.  Once the bag was full, he would make a fire to burn the rubbish before we started hiking.

Back at the camp, I decided that I have had enough of provitas, laughing cow & nuts and ordered an omelette – which turned out to be fantastic and made up for the horrible breakfast I had.

With the Minister of Environmental Affairs arranging the cleanup
Day 10: After another lovely omelette for breakfast, I walked to the monastery and after my sleeping pattern of only sleeping for two hours at a time, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself napping from 9:00 till14:00.  I then set of to buy some fruit and I was greeted by the surprised shopkeepers who saw me leaving a couple of days before. I was restless and started to talk about a clean-up of Jebel Moesah. The rest of the day I sat around chatting to Omar and Higase.

Day 11: It was just another ‘normal’ evening where I would sleep for two hours, read my book with the 100 missing pages and sleep another 2 hours. By 7:00 we were on our way to another peak.  Our driver turned out to be the teenager I still felt guilty about corrupting but he could not wait to show me what he has googled about sex on his phone.  I just shouted “NOOOOOOO!” before setting off at an incredible pace to the top of the mountain.  At one stage, I stopped along a field of lovely flowers and when I asked if I can take a picture, I was told no – and only realised later that it was a poppy field. I can understand that people don’t feel rushed and after not seeing their friends for days – or even months, they would like to stop and chat.  But at every ‘stop’ – and there were many – I was basically forced to drink very sweet tea (and I normally don’t drink sugar in my coffee). I got a bit impatient and finally saw the pick-up car 30m away but no – there was one long last visit – and yes, I felt obliged to drink the very, very sweet tea.

Omar and myself went for supper and since I am on the extreme fussy side when it comes to food – I ordered eggs, bread and tomatoes – which was not actually on the menu.  The eggs turned out to be raw, but at least I had bread and tomatoes. 

Day 12: I spend the day in the camp and started chatting to a Norwegian lady called Hilda.  She was in St Katherins to see a doctor. 5 Minutes after meeting her, I was stunned when she told me that what I though was anger inside me – was pain.  I accompanied her to the traditional healer and afterwards, I was taken to the Parksboard, where I arranged a clean-up of Mt Moussa. I was given 9 big bags and donkeys would be send up the next day to collect the rubbish and drop off more bags.

Day 13: My guide and myself started hiking at 5.  There were tons of litter along the way and
It's impossible to stay clean when you pick up litter
6 hours later, I was dead tired and dying of thirst.  We got to Elija’s basin where I was forced to have terrible noodles and whilst my guide slept, I cleaned the camp.  Then I was off to the summit, and bumped into a dog who followed me all the way.  Two boys joined me picking up litter and I had quite a fall when I tried to take a picture of them. They went down with two bags – but I have run out of litter bags. When I asked a shopkeeper whose dog it was, he just said “Free dog”.  Free, who looked a bit sick to me, became my shadow and after getting some warm clothes at the camp,
Free, the mountain dog
we headed back to spend more time admiring the majestical mountain.  Elija’s basin is a ‘shelter’ surrounded by a 2 meter wall and although my guide forgot to get a key, we were able to get inside by climbing over several ‘obstacles’. Once back at the camp, I ‘stole’ some of my food the guide tried to force me to eat and gave it to Free.  One moment he was there and the next he was running up a cliff like a wolf.  It was getting dark and he watched me from the top – all I could see was his silhouette and his eyes.

My guide was visiting his friends and I was more than happy on my own.  Just before I fell asleep, I suddenly saw Free lying in front of me, staring at me.  I gave him more bread and started to worry that he might attack my guide when he climbs over the wall and how I was going to get him over the wall.

Day 14: When I got up at 4 – Free was gone.  He was, however waiting with a smaller dog where the steps started.  I was so glad to see him.  I walked up and once down, he stayed.  I noticed that there were no bags and decided to go down the mountain to get him some medicine.  I felt terrible.  When he followed me down the steps, I had to throw a stone at him
Going down the 3000 steps of repentance
= but I was not sure what the other dogs in the village would do to him.  When I told Salah about it – he said I should not worry about him – he would come down if he needed help and that he’s done it before.  I decided to hike back and find him

Day 15:  I did not sleep a lot and we set off at 04:00.  After hiking for an hour, I started to feel dizzy.  The previous year, I had a couple of episodes and the doctors first said it was mini strokes, then epileptic fits, anxiety attacks and finally – no one could tell me what caused the episodes.  I could not speak properly and even walking 1 meter turned out to be a battle.  I was totally disorientated.  Mohammed, my guide phoned sheik Mousa – first of all to inform the army that we would be coming down so we won’t get shot and secondly to come and assist me getting down the mountain.

Salah finally arrived and together with Mohamed they assisted me down the mountain. They all thought it was because I did not eat properly, did not sleep enough and climbed too many peaks.  Salah said we would go and fetch the dog later.

After sleeping for ten hours, I was forced to have some veggie soup.  I then told Salah I wanted to go and see the doctor – but he drove past the one I wanted to go to.  When I mentioned it – he said he was a quack. He took me to another wise man who told Salah that I see too far and that I never stop thinking.  I was given thick yellow medicine to squirt up my nose.  Salah then took me to the monastery and we found Free.  He was very reluctant to get on the bakkie, but I managed to pick him up.  We bribed him with chicken feet to get him inside the compound.  Then he was treated on a nice chicken meal

Day 16: Free was still in front of my door – but when I left, I had to lock him in the bathroom.  I believed he escaped as soon as someone opened the door.  He is a mountain dog after all. This time, I was a seasoned bus traveller and really made myself comfortable on the bus.

As soon as we arrived in Cairo, I took a taxi to the airport.  Once again, it was a ride out of hell.  I arrived at the airport 8 hours before my flight.  I immediately bonded with a lady from Tunisia and we spend 6 hours trying to spend E400 drinking coffee. I was told that I could not exchange the money.  Luckily, my gal bladder survived the ordeal. 

Once through the departure gate, I was basically forced to buy E400’s Tobblerone! What a difficult decision. 

I never expected the magic of the mountains, or the kindness of the people.  This trip really changed my life and from the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank the kind souls I met who
  • told me to make a wish before climbing St Katherins
  • told me that the past is gone and to look to the future
  • took me to see the stars and told me fascinating stories
  • cooked and always smiled
  • told me 15 minutes after meeting me that it is not anger I felt, but pain
  • and that I should go to the mountain and cry
  • helped to clean the holy mountain
  • helped me and carried me down the mountain
  • told me that the reason I got sick was because my mind never stops 



I would also like to thank the Moroccan embassy who stuffed up my visa and to the crazy drivers in Cairo – they showed me that getting lost is not the end of the world.  As long as you have a sense of humour. 

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