We are in a Bedouin camp in Dahab. We took it easy the last 4 days - relaxed, went to the beach to snorkel a few times; Willie had the car's exhaust welded; did our laundry; etc.
We all enjoyed staying put for a few days and it is especially nice because the group from England is still here, so the guys enjoyed hanging out with them.
A very strong wind blew for the last 4 days, but this morning is windstill and beautiful.
This is a popular or rather famous place for tourists, especially snorkelers and divers, to visit, because of the clear water and exceptional underwater beauty: corals and fish. The coast is lined with resorts, hotels, restaurants, stores, diving and snorkeling schools, and I can imagine the activity and masses of people during the high season. The sad thing right now is that it is almost deserted. Restaurant and store owners pull out the aces of sales techniques trying to lure you into their businesses. Typical cliches: "Where are you from?" "Aaagh, Bafana, Bafana - welcome, my friend!" "You are first customer - for you my friend, best price." Andrej and I went for a walk to check out all the little stores and he was barefeet. That attracted much attention: "My friend, I have shoes for you, good price." "Where your shoes? I will give you shoes." The slow business is directly related to the recent unrest and it is sad to see how hard-working people suffer as a result of this. Many of them had to let workers go, so the ripple effect continues down to affect many families. The price for change is often very expensive.
We plan to drive down to Mount Sinai and visit St Catherine's Monastery later today.
Sammie cannot believe what he saw as 3 Camels just ambled past the camp minding their own business!
We all enjoyed staying put for a few days and it is especially nice because the group from England is still here, so the guys enjoyed hanging out with them.
A very strong wind blew for the last 4 days, but this morning is windstill and beautiful.
This is a popular or rather famous place for tourists, especially snorkelers and divers, to visit, because of the clear water and exceptional underwater beauty: corals and fish. The coast is lined with resorts, hotels, restaurants, stores, diving and snorkeling schools, and I can imagine the activity and masses of people during the high season. The sad thing right now is that it is almost deserted. Restaurant and store owners pull out the aces of sales techniques trying to lure you into their businesses. Typical cliches: "Where are you from?" "Aaagh, Bafana, Bafana - welcome, my friend!" "You are first customer - for you my friend, best price." Andrej and I went for a walk to check out all the little stores and he was barefeet. That attracted much attention: "My friend, I have shoes for you, good price." "Where your shoes? I will give you shoes." The slow business is directly related to the recent unrest and it is sad to see how hard-working people suffer as a result of this. Many of them had to let workers go, so the ripple effect continues down to affect many families. The price for change is often very expensive.
We plan to drive down to Mount Sinai and visit St Catherine's Monastery later today.
Sammie cannot believe what he saw as 3 Camels just ambled past the camp minding their own business!