We spent our first full day in Dahab snorkeling the famous Blue Hole, located in the Red Sea. The Blue Hole boasts some of the best sea life and corral in the world and is stunning and rich in diversity. Swimming through schools of brightly colored fish, I enjoyed watching divers plunge into the 435-foot deep abyss, until only bubbles remained.
After dinner and a quick power-nap, I joined a few other sleepy but enthusiastic friends on a midnight climb up Mount Sinai! Standing nearly 7,500 feet tall, the Bible states that Moses received the 10 Commandments on this mountain.
The hike was difficult with over 3,750 steps. Using only flashlights and head lamps, along with the glow of the star-filled sky, we dodged camels and stumbled up the rocky switchbacks and steps. We stopped at rest stops along the way, dimly lit and offering hot chocolate and tea, cold water and candy bars to refuel. Exhausted, we reached the summit shortly after 4am. We pulled out our rented cushions, wrapped ourselves tightly in wool blankets and shivered in and out of sleep.
We woke to faint light in the distant sky, finally able to survey the brown, rugged cliffs and mountains that we had climbed only hours earlier. The haze was thick and the glowing pink sun struggled to fight through the clouds. Bright shades of orange and pink finally broke through the skies lighting up the terrain below. An amazing hike and a stunning view!
Evenings in Dahab were lovely! Brightly-colored restaurants line the waterfront, jetting into the sea. As we sat on colorful cushions and couches, decorative lamps sat high above and fish bounced out of the water next to us. Meals were fantastic and include fresh-squeezed juice, pita with a full selection of dips and salads, main courses, either traditional Egyptian or Western cuisine, waterpipes to share, and fresh fruit or cake for dessert! After dinner, the girls usually slipped out to peruse the shops for jewelry and trinkets.
