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.