Much a do about Nothing

28/08/11

Rain, rain go away, maybe it should be, Hurricane, hurricane, go away. Checked the internet reports this morning and noo- all Broadway shows cancelled for the weekend, hop on hop off cancelled and public transport from 12pm – yikes.

It was a day in the hostel for us – luckily we had free wi-fi and phase 10 to keep us occupied. The wind and rain picked up throughout the afternoon and we copped it a few times in between trips to the grocers to grab some supplies for breaky, lunch and dinner. We ate out at a tavern on Amsterdam and it poured for a while – as usual when we venture outside it rains. I kept my food down today so it was much better. I was so lucky up the Empire State Building yesterday.

Sunday- Hurricane Irene was meant to hit today but it had been downgraded to a category 1so we were ok, only a little bit of rain and wind. Again we hung out in the hostel but ventured out for a walk along Central Park as it was actually closed. Quite a few fallen branches and puddles of water. On the way back I noticed a church and decided to stay for mass. It was very beautiful inside with stain glass windows. The American Priest was super fast and it was over in 40 minutes.

Whilst on the net we checked out some TV show diners and if they were real. Whilst we were doing nothing we found out that a show about nothing’s featured diner was only  9 blocks away from us, so we headed to Tom’s restaurant from Seinfeld. It was a bit of excitement after two days of disappointment as we missed out Broadway shows.

24/08/11

Europe to the USA

Travel, delay, travel, delay and arrival in the USA.

I was up before the sun in Madrid to pack – again and head to the airport – hopefully for under 30 euro. I had a decent  driver this time  that only charged me 18 euro but he dropped me off at the wrong gate so I worked up quite a ‘glow’ finding the next one with all my gear!

My first flight was delayed and the second one too with technical difficulties (I later found out it was struck by lightning) which made my arrival later and later. I finally touched down in the big apple around 5.30 and met up with Angela and Emma around 7.30. We headed straight into Times Square to check out the sites and grab some dinner. It was very glitzy and reminded me of Vegas with the lights and razzle and dazzle. After orientating ourselves and working out how to get tickets we headed home. Excited to be in the Big Apple and getting to explore New York.

round and round the boroughs

26/08/11

A nice sleep in this morning, actually slept more soundly, was followed by a trip back to our favourite haunt – 42^nd station – Times Square to locate the hop on and hop off ticket sellers. We couldn’t find the guy from yesterday, when you don’t want them hanging around and offering you something they are everywhere and when you actually want to find them you can’t! We grabbed a 3 day all loops pass and hopped on the down town loop. The cloudy weather chand to searing heat once we got a seat up top. We passed the flat iron building, some churches, Empire State Building, World Trade Centre complex – with some towers completed and some under construction. The plan is to build a tower 1776 feet high to represent Independence Day. We stopped off at the Statue of Liberty stop and grabbed some Star bucks for lunch. We followed signs to Statten Island Ferry and went straight on. Had some great views of the Statue of liberty and then I realised we weren’t actually going to the island  but past it – woops. We got off the ferry, had a 5 minute walk around Statten Island and headed back to get the right ferry. This time we checked the signs to the Statue of Liberty and grabbed a ferry that said ‘Liberty Island Ferries.’

We should have noticed something was up with the bag checks and so many people with David Matthew Band gear on. We ended up this time at Governor’s Island and walking to the concert – concert, what concert. Utterly confused we retraced our way back to the ferry and were told we better hurry to catch the last ferry back 15 minutes away. We attempted to run but my leg wasn’t interested and we made it back easily enough anyway.

Disillusioned with our efforts to get to the Statue we decided to get back on the hop on and off and headed to Central Park for a carriage or bike ride. We decided to go for the bike tour for 45 minutes. We saw some famous parts of the parks from movies, the ice skating area, the Bolto statue, 5 diamonds and the fountain from friends. As well as Strawberry Field, the John Lennon memorial area and apartment where he was shot and where Jackie Kennedy lived and passed away. After giving our tour guide quite the exercise workout carrying all three of us we headed back down town for dinner at a diner.

After some homely lamb chops caught the night hop on hop off. From the Empire State we headed into Brooklyn and back. Along the way we saw many  

Sites from movies and TV shows, especially from Carrie and the girls although I didn’t know what he was talking about. Had great views as we crossed over on the Brooklyn Bridge of Manhattan and the Statue at night . Heard the story of George Washington against the British Army on the hill before heading back to Times Square.

From Times Square we journeyed towards The Empire State Building – luckily for us open till 2am as it was now around midnight. We decided to pay the extra money to jump the queue and see the Imax simulator ride over New York. Then straight up to the 86^th floor and observatory. The views at night were breathtaking on all sides and our cameras all decided to die as well. Thankfully I had my i-phone handy to get some pics. After being on top of Manhattan we decided to call it a day, well technically morning and headed home. We have heard mixed reports about Hurricane Irene, I just hope it doesn’t cause to much damage or downgrades over time and doesn’t wreck all our plans for the weekend

New York New York!

25/08/11

Excitement, Yankees, Broadway tickets to Memphis, Wicked and the Lion King! A fabulous day!

A rather sleepness night on a very creaky bed and we headed down to Times Square to check out tickets for the Yankees and broadway. We walked past a ticket vendor and grabbed some tickets for the Yankees at lunchtime – I was so excited to be fortunate enough to be in town when the Yankees were playing. I had by baseball tickets so I didn’t mind what Broadway shows the girls wanted to see as I hadn’t seen any of them.

We split up to increase our chances of tickets. Emma and I went to the Lion King and Ange went to Memphis. We tried to get tickets for under $115 and the Lion King was the most expensive. We were lucky enough to get the Sunday Matinee for $99 – woohoo and then we headed to the next street to see Angela at Memphis. We were able to get tickets for the evening up in the front row of the balcony! Since we were on a roll we also tried for Wicked and were again in luck for Saturday night! Three Broadways under $250.

We were o a bit of a high for a while – the adrenalin rush and headed off to the Yankees game but it started to pour down. Absolutely soaked we headed home from Times Square for a quick change and rain gear before heading uptown. The game was scheduled for 1.10pm and we arrived just on time, however we wre in luck, there was a delayed start because of the rain so I did some Yankee souvenir shopping: got a Derek Jeter shirt, cap and magnet!

The game started at 2.30 and all the hype and lights were just what I imagined, although the game was very slow, so much wasted time in between pitches – no wonder Tofty tries to speed us up in softball but we’d get

Through 3 or 4 games in the time it takes for one baseball match.  Oakland Athletics started off well and scored in the first and second dig and 5 runs in the 3^rd to take a 7 lead. I was a little disappointed thinking that the Yankees would get flogged. In a classic come back movies are made of and with a record breaking 3 grand slam home runs – the first time ever in a major league game the Yankees took the lead in the 6^th inning. After the 7^thand 4 hours it was 13-7 and we had to get going to see Memphis, the 2010 best Broadway musical. We arrived just in a nick of time and were treated to a great musical, with good acting, singing, dancing and some humour. To top it off it wasn’t even a happy happy ending ; ). A fantastic day and I look forward to what tomorrow has to offer.

Madrid to the Big Apple

24/08/11

Europe to the USA

Travel, delay, travel, delay and arrival in the USA.

I was up before the sun in Madrid to pack – again and head to the airport – hopefully for under 30 euro. I had a decent  driver this time  that only charged me 18 euro but he dropped me off at the wrong gate so I worked up quite a ‘glow’ finding the next one with all my gear!

My first flight was delayed and the second one too with technical difficulties (I later found out it was struck by lightning) which made my arrival later and later. I finally touched down in the big apple around 5.30 and met up with Angela and Emma around 7.30. We headed straight into Times Square to check out the sites and grab some dinner. It was very glitzy and reminded me of Vegas with the lights and razzle and dazzle. After orientating ourselves and working out how to get tickets we headed home. Excited to be in the Big Apple and getting to explore New York.

I'm a tourist not a pilgrim ; )

23/08/11

Wind down, the cathedral and ‘real’ royal palace of Madrid.

Sunday night was the farewell and thank you soccer match between Spain and The World. The Spanish certainly know how to entertain the crowd. We were up dancing and the mc was encouraging the Mexican wave. They also showed the crowd and I finally got on the big screen – we were waving the Aussie flag and I was wearing my Australia shirt and waving the Spanish flag ; ). Spain scored first and the pace wasn’t too fast with the golden oldies. The World evened up the score and were predominantly attacking all second half and took the lead with ten minutes to go. The crowd went wild and we were up on our feet. Go the world!

Monday-we were finally tourist and not pilgrims! So we went to see the sites. The cathedral was very impressive, even the ceiling was decorated and the side chapel was very beautifully decorated with mosaic images of white and gold depicting some Gospel stories.

After some snaps and quiet time I ran into Chrissy and some of the girls in the line up for the royal ‘real’ Palace. Luckily she told me I needed my Wyd pass to get in for free and some other Queenslanders were walking past at the time. It was very extravagant. The ceiling frescos were breathtaking – especially the 3-D effects. The rooms were very opulent and each one in a different colour scheme and theme. One was even completed decorated with porcelain ornaments. The King’s dressing room was bigger than his bedroom and the throne room was very regal. Would hate to have to dust and clean the place though. We also looked at the armoury which had the armour of 2 kings over their lifespan on mannequins displaying it – they were very tiny, smaller than myself and very slightly built.

The pharmacy was also open for viewing and the shelves were stacked high with draws of chemicals and herbs.

We grabbed some ‘spanish’ churros with dipping chocolate – nice but no cinnamon. Did some more souvenir shopping before heading back and attending to my leg dressings. Teresa was great and patched it up for me and then we headed out for dinner to celebrate our last night of the pilgrimage and being in Madrid. We found this really nice part of the city, a square and authentic Spanish restaurant. The amazing thing is one of the other Queensland groups found it too. Ordered a roast lamb for dinner – although it looked more like a turkey hindquarter and a chocolate mousse dessert. There was a film crew filming the restaurant for an American documentary so we may see ourselves on TV some time. The musicians even played the chorus of Waltzing Matilda for us.

After finally packing and squeezing as much as I could into my bags I headed to the airport with the group and grabbed a taxi to my accommodation – only problem he ripped me off – the meter said 16 euro and he made me pay 29 – go figure!

Madness and mayhem in Madrid

21/08/11

An easy morning souvenir shopping followed by the big pilgrimage hike to Cuartro Ventis, madness, mayhem, poor organisation, rain, police blocks, an itchy pussy leg and finally the Papal mass.

Wanted to see some site seeing this morning before heading out for the sleep out so we Teresa and I aimed for the palace and cathedral. On the way their we got caught inbetween a huge police escort of at least 60 police officers – we should have worked out something big was going on. When we got the palace it was closed and at the cathedral there were thousands of people outside and on the opposite hill as Pope Benny was celebrating mass there. On the way back we stopped for some souvenir shopping – I bought some posties, a Enjoy Madrid shirt like coca cola, an apron and bandana maybe, some maracas, a Madrid bag and magnets of course.  

We set off for the pilgrim hike of 8-12 km just after 2. I was debating training it as my ankle is tender but I really wanted to do the hike so I strapped up my ankle. It was hot, some bus stop thermometres flashed 43 degrees – yikes. We cooled down in some garden sprinklers and some Madrid locals had their hoses out in high rises to cool us down too. Had a great chat with Archie along the way – not many 75 year old Archbishops made the trek with their flock. The Irish were most impressed with his efforts. John and I made up a limerick for the Irish form Limerick after they sang us the theme songs from Neighbours and home and Away and Waltling Matilda.

There was an Irish group in Spain,

who thought the long trek was a pain.

The sat under a tree

And met some Aussies

And decided to catch the train.

We were near the head of the Qld contingent and out fatal mistake was trying to go in the back way through gate 3 instead of 1 or 2,, I should have gone with my instinct. We entered the back section and followed the signs to gate 3 but were being held back by police on horseback. No one knew anything or could tell us anything but apparently it was already full even though we had assigned areas! After hours of wandering round aimlessly we ran into some Brisbane crew and then some of our Holy Land crew and settled down with them in the boom docks at the back.

Next set back – the lightning and rain came down – twice but not too heavily like Easterfest. Thousands started leaving and many seemed to get into gate three so around midnight we packed up and headed back up the hill to just be cut off again by police in vans this time. This was enough for some – they headed home to a warm bed and air conditioned comfort. 10 of us decided to stick it out and we regained a better position near a screen. We did some international souvenir trading and I finally got a Spanish flag. The ground was hard, we were in the back, very disappointed with Spanish organisation skills and ha to remind ourselves many a time; ‘we are pilgrims not tourists.’

The screens came on at 5am – sheesh and announcement started a

The screens came on at 5am – sheesh and announcement started at 7am even though the sun was yet to rise. Bertie complained of an itch – he found he had slept on 2 bull ant nests and suddenly I felt itchy on my leg. I checked my leg and was horrified. Where my strapping tape was it ws leaking with fluid, my whole bottom leg had huge rash welts all over it and it was painful. I used a baby wipe to clean it and put some paw paw cream on it. Doc Bertie and Nurse Teresa came with me to find the first aid tent. First 2 areas a bust until they told us to go to the chapel and finally some help. It stung lots when the nurse cleaned it, they asked me if I had had such a reaction before and gave my a huge antibiotic injection in my thigh! By the time we were done it was time for the culminating mass. Couldn’t  understand much in Italian but we had most of the English translation before the announcement of Rio De Janero for the next World Youth Day in 2013. The last battle – attempting to get back home- a huge line up but not to pushy or stuffy only took about 3 hours to get back! Hmm character building and memory making I say.   

Down town Madrid

19/0/11

A sleep in, arriving for public transport seconds late, the Prado Museum, locating a lost back pack, defending our square metre in the Cibeles Square and tapas.

I decided to sleep in and tag along with whoever was still around in the morning. I found Scottie, Keith and Michael and we kept just missing things- the bus and train and arrived at Goya quite late – luckily we just got in. Afterwards I met up with Emyr and Bertie to check out the Prado Museum and nearby church. One slight problem though – they didn’t have back packs and I did and the museum doesn’t allow back packs in!  I decided to risk it and hide my bag in the bushes and hope it was still there when I returned. We went in and weren’t allowed in most of the rooms without a special ticket. We found a floor we could go through and it had many 1500s pictures of Christ’s life. The only downside of visiting the Holy Land is now I now where things occurred and what it looks like when I see some of these images, I think – wrong, it isn’t like that, it was a t shaped cross, they look to European etc

 I preferred the statues especially some Greek and Roman ones 2000 years old. I was having trouble looking up as my neck is starting to give me trouble so we tried to bend back from the hips – we must have looked quite funny. Lucky we went when we did as when we came out there was a huge line up and I couldn’t go back to my back pack bush. When I walked around – my back pack wasn’t where I left it and I started to get a little anxious. I looked all over the side of the hill I placed it to no avail and then thought I will have to check all the ones on the other side. Thankfully someone had moved it to the other side and I just caught the end of the ‘Australia’ I wrote on the back pack. We quickly checked out the church before heading down to the Plaza Cibeles to attempt to get a spot for stations of the cross. We accidently stumbled write into the main area and found a spot. I tried to mark our territory with my Italian sheet, it was very hot but as it wasn’t too crowded I was coping and we survived. When Pope Benny finally arrived I went on Emyr’s shoulders to try and get a better pic but the waving flags in front of me and his little umbrella pretty much thwarted my attempts.

To avoid a jam packed train station we had dinner at a local pub and enjoyed some really tasty tapas, a Spanish omelette that was in a cup and egg plant fries that were really tasty.

I can’t believe how fast this week is going and tomorrow is the sleep out!

plaza de cibeles

18/08/11

Plaza Cibeles after the big event, Spanish dancing, a siesta – finally, awesome trading and adoration.

Went to the big catechesis session this morning however the fatigue was really setting in and several times I nearly nodded off. Afterwards I decided it was time to head back and have a siesta. Only problem was in our open the window air con it was too hot to sleep. After a rest I headed down to see what my fellow pilgrim’s plans were for the evening of the Pope’s arrival.  

After the crush experience of opening mass most decided to stay in air con comfort and watch it on TV. I asked if anyone was keen to watch it at a park or something on the big screen and Teresa, my pilgrim pal volunteered to come with me. So Teresa, Bertie and I headed off to Principe Pio. On the way we decided to grab some more Aussie flags to wear and trade (after 3 people had offered to trade for a flag – US, Brazilian and Italians). After the shop owner finally worked out the difference between Aussie and Kiwi flags we headed left and found the Spanish quarters and the park the Michael must have gone to last night instead of the one we were at. Did some great trading – pin for a Brazilian shirt and they wanted lots of photos with us. On our way up to the next park had some intense trading with Italians – got a hat, flag and flower, Teresa made their day giving them a flag, she was so excited! Then we followed the music and had a dance and congo line with to the fast paced music. Headed back to the station to grab more flags as we had traded them already and had dinner whilst watching the Pope arrive.  

Not ready to turn in yet we headed down town to the Plaza Cibeles where thousands had packed in for the Papal arrival earlier, all that was left now was a big mess of rubbish and plastic bottles – great opportunity to take some pics of the sites though. We found a church for adoration, was nice to spend some quiet time with room chatting to God and on our way out we even got snapped by an official press photographer! Maybe we will turn up in some random country’s paper like Mozambique or Argentina or something. On the way home some South Americans were singing some fun banana song and the train station platform is always loud and fun as hundreds of pilgrims wait to board. Today was a great mix of fun, dancing, trading, friends and faith

squished in the crowds at WYD Madrid

17/08/11

Catechesis in an overflowing church, waiting in the bumper crowd, again squished to see Christopher West and a flamenco depicting the Gospel story – the fatigue continues!

This morning we attempted to go to St Teresa’s for a catechesis session. When we arrived it was already overflowing and people were already sitting in all the spare ground space. We had our ticket in – the Archbishop with us! Although it was very tight – a little spot between the wall and pews. It was far too hot though and it was a struggle to hear and concentrate. The main message the Bishop gave was about names – how once we know someone’s name we can start to build relationship with them, you can also gain control of someone/thing (e.g. your pet, once you give it a name). God didn’t give us his name until Jesus, so now we can have a personal relationship with him.

We had a nice lunch in the park and then went to the Christopher West presentation. We arrived at around 3 pm for a 4 pm start and there was a little line, very spacious. We started chatting with some Canadians who had loved Wyd Sydney. Over the next hour the line became more and more busy and many people started pushing in from all directions. Then the sardining occurred. We were literally squashed in from all sides attempting to hang onto our group which became a long line with our heads pointed up for air most of the time. Somehow I ended up at the front of the line and after an  hour and a half got in – but only by myself, the others kept getting held back. Thankfully Maddie made it in and we got an end seat together down the front just in time for the start of Christopher West. As usual his talk was inspiring, whenever I listen to his talks I feel like I’m burning inside, it is always so profound and relevant. Some of his analogies today concerned choosing between  the starvation gospel – if it’s bad don’t think about it and supress it, the greasy chicken nuggets gospel – you know it’s not that good for you but it’s better than starving and it has quick reward or the banquet gospel – eating at the table of our Lord. He also had a guest sand artist that created the gospel story with sand images – was really impressive.

Later in the evening it was Spanish flamenco time – illustrating the gospel story. Craig, Abraham, Maddie and I set out to find it and did in the park with a rock backdrop. We even held pretty seated viewing positions. Unfortunately when it actually began we couldn’t  see over the taller people sitting in front so we retreated to the back and stood –much better view especially behind some short nuns. The flamenco was good but as we couldn’t really follow the Spanish we got lost a little in the story, and the tapping wasn’t as fast as flamenco in Barcelona. We spent half the night messaging Michael as we couldn’t spot him and he us even though we stood right under a lamp post. We eventually worked out that he was at a different flamenco.

Egypt to Madrid

16/08/11

Monday – up way to early, 4.30am to get our luggage out after trying to squash as much as we could in the main bag, have a slightly stale boxed cake breakfast then off to airport, through security and on our way to Spain. The last part of the flight was quite the extreme adventure – my gut went up many times as we seemed to duck and weave constantly. On landing Jenny ran to the toilet and some others were quite queasy and were suffering from travel sickness.  

Our accommodation is pretty good, a bed and shower is always good, WYD Sydney was just the floor in a hall. We went for a stroll down the street but pretty much everything was closed as it was a public holiday.

Tuesday – Australian pride, squished and hot and bothered in the streets attempting to get a seat for mass.

Worked out some of the Madrid train and bus network getting into town to the ‘Jesus palace’ where we held the Australian WYD gathering. Around 3000 Aussies- the atmosphere was electric and the New South Blues were really loud and in the spirit.

Afterwards we attempted to get in as close as possible to the opening mass – the streets, sidewalks and even traffic light posts were jam packed like a tin of sardines. Imagine that – no room for a mass ; ) among the thousands or hundreds or thousands. After 15 minutes of not hearing a thing and only just being able to see the big screen we decided to head back. We found a little café so we had a drink, chips and peanuts (on the house) and watched it in Spanish in comfortable surroundings.

We headed back to the Jesus palace for a concert and sang some old favourites with actions – trading my sorrows and others.

going back over 4000 years in Egypt - I'm loving it!

14/08/11

Up early with anticipation for our day exploring Egypt. Outside our balcony  watching the rising sun we could see the tips of the pyramids – yippee. We first went to the great Pyramids of Giza and learned about them- when they were constricted, the old Kingdom, over 25 years for the wet season every year, with over 10 000 stones of on average 3 tonnes each in weight. The latest theory is that they build mud ramps up each side of the pyramid, progressively becoming higher.

Took another Queensland Group photo, did some classic poses and some of the group took a camel ride too. Next we took the bus around the other pyramids and then too the pyramid that we were actually going to go into. We were very keen to go in and the first direction was very steeply down a wooden passage. We then came to another room with two directions – another steep descent down into the tomb and a room with cut out caves – maybe storage for the supplies for the next world. The other room had v, almost roof shaped stones that Craig and I were keen to climb through the narrow passage. After satisfying our daredevil antics we proceeded outside the pyramid for some photo time outside as were not allowed to take pictures inside.

To complete the Egypt ancient sites we went around to see the Sphinx. I was taken aback at the size of te Sphinx, for some reason I always thought it was larger – but for one piece of rock it is extremely impressive. Over 4000 years old and only missing the nose – supposedly blown off by Napoleon’s men and the beard – attributed to the British. The other tour guide gave a very detailed description of mummification and embalming before we were hounded with the souvenir sellers.

After seeing these ridiculously old monument we set out for the pilgrimage sites – Ben Ezra synagogue thought to be built over the site where Moses’ cradle was found. Next we went to the Abu Serga Church where it is though the holy family took refuge in the crypt. The roof was also designed like the ark – above the naïve of the church.

Onto our last church which had many relics of saints and an image of Mary where her eyes follow you wherever you are.

We then had to exit the church quite quickly as the tourist police wanted to go home so we had to leave whilst it was still safe and a spot of shopping at a reputable Egyptian antiquities shop. I bought a cartoush with the unc on it and my name in hieroglyphics. Earlier in the day we stopped off at a papyrus shop to see how it was made. I bought a family tree, the judgement day, an unc and the image of Jesus, Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt.

journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step of faith, mile by mile it's a trial, inch by inch it's a sinch

13/08/11

An allergic reaction, hours of walking, 700+ steps from half wayish, lots of camels and ‘want a camel,’ a fantastic sunrise and some famous stops along Moses Exodus journey.

I woke up feeling itchy and immediately thought – ah no bed bugs, will I be able to go up the mountain. I got up and put some paw paw cream on and checked the time – 12.46am. It was an oh no moment – I thought I’d slept through the wake up call and missed out. About to scream ‘nnoooooo’ I remembered my phone hadn’t changed over to Egypt time and was still on Israeli time – an hour ahead, phew. I took an allergy tablet, we wearily got dressed and met at reception for a big journey.

We reached the starting point just around 1am. Those that were ‘cheating’ lined up for the camel to take them 60% of the way whilst us true adventurers, including the 75 year old Archie were determined to trek the whole way. Armed with my cape flag, backpack, 4 bottles of water and headlamp we slowly made our way through the dust, dirt and attempting to miss the camels and their dung. I am glad we had numerous stops up every section and my breaky of smarties, a twix and later a museli bar from one of the boys helped sustain me.

We eventually caught up with those that took the camel and joined with them on the most taxing part of the ascent – the 700 irregular steps.  Archie continued with a cracking pace and some of the young ones had trouble keeping up with him. The trail twisted and winded however we had little idea of what exactly was surrounding us in the dark, despite the being fortunate enough to make our trek during the full moon. Thankfully we made it to the summit around 4.40am and it was a free for all to grab the best viewing spot for the sunrise. I had a spot on a rock and held position as we patiently waited for the break of dawn in this holy place where Moses received the 10 Commandments.

After 5am the red spot started to appear, I remember calling it out and we excitedly watched the red sun rise over the mountains far away. Then it was time for many happy snaps with the flag, staff and Queensland group before we reflected and worshipped our Lord. Unfortunately whatever comes up must go down and we had to start the journey back down our 700 steps. I actually found this more difficult – the sharp and steep steps impact on my knees, joints and balls of my feet. Also trying to do this with the pilgrim Aussie flag in one hand and my trusty camera in the other as we could finally take pictures of our red rocky mountain surroundings. After a few slips and I off-loaded the flag. It was nice to now see what we had been walking through – the switchback trails of mainly rounded red rock. The Bedouins on the way up were offering camels and a helping hand, on the way back down the same as well as egg rocks, cut pieces of rock, books and of course: coke, chocolate, tea and coffee.

It was a deep sense of satisfaction to have conqueored the second highest point in Egypt, a holy place totally by foot.

It was a race back to our hotel, breaky and a re-pack before we headed off on our ‘reverse’ Exodus journey. First stop was the monastery of St Catherine’s, fortress originally built around the 6^th century and containing the holiest place in Egypt – the still living burning bush. We also visited the museum here I was pleasantly  and surprised. It had books, manuscripts and images from the 8^th -17^th century, the oldest to date manuscript around 1100 years old, a 700 year old copy of Homer’s Iliad and other parchments – all created before the invention of the printing press. The only disappointing thing was there were no photos allowed. On the way out we had a short stop off at the site of the golden calf and took pictures of the  calf etched into the stone.

Unfortunately we were extremely weary and I don’t think we were as present and  got out of it as much as we could or maybe if we had started in Egypt it would have been a little different too – going in chronological order from the Old to New Testament. We stopped off at some significant and memorable places – where the Israelites received the mana from heaven, and Rafadim- the battlefield between the Hebrews and the Amellecti. There is still the remains of an altar, said to be built by Moses who lifted his hands up to the sky in surrender to God and as a symbol of victory. So a few of us who reminded ourselves that we are ‘pilgrims and not tourists’ exited out of the bus to take pictures doing the same.

At the Suez we had a little history lesson from Osmond about the importance of the Suez Canal and how 30% of the world’s economy travels through it and how when it is closed it usually signifies war. There was also a well, traditionally where Moses turned the water sweet and where Moses made camp following the parting of the Red ‘Reed’ Sea.

Had an amazing sunset, made all the more unique as we had watched the sun rise over 14 hours ago, slowing descending and slicing through the clouds. Arrived at the Grand Pyramids hotel and fairly plush hotel rooms.

Tomorrow is another day that I have looked forward to for so long, seeing the pride of Egypt- the ancient pyramids and sphinx. Another day I hope that time seems to almost stand still so that I can soak up every single moment of it.

to float or swim?

12/08/11

Swimming in the Red Sea and riding a camel along the Red Sea shores in Egypt – ah, this is the life!

A sweltering day – closing in on 50 degrees – the only place to take refuge was in the sea. Went for a refreshing swim before packing and deciding to go for a camel ride along  the beach for 2 euro and $1 US ; ) they were charging 5 euro. Got Scotty and Teresa to take some great pics of me with the sea and the moutains in the background – an amazing backdrop! Even did my pose. The only slightly anxious moments were when the camel awkwardly rises and descends – hold on tight – now I can do the whole Mt Sinai trek tomorrow.

After lunch and picking which food were edible and which were last nights leftovers we packed up and headed to Sinai.

Arrived at our accommodation in the middle of nowhere. Teresa was nurse for Fonz’s foot – had like 17 spurs in it – had aquite the audience watching the whole operation too. During our free time I went exploring to a few mounds got some pics with the view. Just after mass I received a call from Mike and Craig – at first I was really worried that something had gone wrong as they had gone for a climb up one of the peaks but they were fine and wanted us to take photos of us. They could just make me out waving the flag but I had trouble spotting them. I finally did (or what I thought was them) and grabbed Jenny and others to take some pics of them. Everyone was looking for them and we didn’t get complete confirmation of where they were until Michael flashed his torch repeatedly to the amazed crowd below.

Michael and Craig climbed up the 'V' peak

Am really looking forward to our midnight ascension (maybe 1 am) of Mt Sinai for our 3-4 hour trek to the summit in the tradition of Moses where he encountered God and received the 10 commandments.

into Egypt

11/08/11

The oldest city –Jericho, the Roman rock fortress at the famous Masada and sitting in water.

This morning we left Jerusalem and headed to, according to the video, the oldest city on earth – Jericho. We revisited the story of Joshua and his army that circled the city for 7 days before the priests blew their trumpets and the walls fell down. There are some 23 layers of different rock and life.  

Back on the bus and a surprise stop off – for me anyway – the Roman fortress of Masada. The Romans originally held this as a defence point – high rock in the middle of the desert next to the Dead Sea – using their ingenious arhctecture and use of aquaducts for running water. The Jews took it 73 AD n ary of 10000 Romans came for a siege, it took between 4 and 9 weeks. They brought a battering ram tp break through the wall after building a ramp to gain access to the wall. When the rebels were about to be defeated the story goes that the Rebel leader spoke to them about dying as free people and not allowing th Romans to kill, torture or enslave them. The soldiers killed their own families and they drew lots to see who were the last to fall on their swords. Only a handful were still alive when the Romans finally stormed inside the next morning. Some say it was an act of bravery and courage. I think I’d rather fight to the end (although I did just watch Braveheart a few weeks ago).

Another highlight at our lunch stop – swimming, well no, actually floating in the dead sea. Extremely salty, careful with your face, mouth, eyes and any cuts or sores on your body. It was a bizarre sensation to be able to float without any effort, just sit in the water and if you actually tried t oswim you would be flipped over and not actually get anywhere. The only stroke I had some mild success with was side stroke as I kept floating further and further out and didn’t know how to get back in. I picked a few rocks up to skim and to my surprise they were salt rocks. Some skimmed well, the others disintegrated.

We reached the border crossing where we  could see Jordan, Israel and Syria all at once. We said our goodbye to the bus driver Nermi and Deeb, Deeb thanked us for a great trip, he was even a little teary and I gave them a pin each, Nermi chose a flag and Deeb the Toowoomba violet.  Again I got held up at customs – maybe because I tave so many stamps in my passport? I was questioned about my name, middle name and religion. I just got through to the security hall when they closed it off to have some food for the day as it is Ramadan. Lucky for me as some of the others had to wait outside in the 40+ degree heat whilst we were in air conditioned comfort. Country number 15 for my trip ; ).

Finally we headed south to the top of the Red Sea and our accommodation for the night. On the bus we were given the run down of what to do and not to do in Egypt – no water, fresh fruit with soft skins, juice, cordials or toilet paper – lucky we have our own. If he says it is good – it is bad, very good – very bad, excellent – it is safe or they aren’t ripping us off. Be careful with water in the shower – don’t drink it at all- yikes!


 

Looking forward to a relaxing morning and sleep in tomorrow.