Dahab, South Sinai, peaceful as ever…
Originally posted on January 14, 2014 Sunset over the Red Sea in Dahab — South Sinai is peaceful as ever…
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Windows in the sky – Sinai aerial photos
Originally posted on January 12, 2014 Flying to Sharm el Sheikh a couple of days ago over the Sinai, you couldn’t see the peninsula at all, it was covered with such a thick blanket of clouds. But as we got further south, just when we reached the edge of the Tih Plateau, small windows opened up in the clouds and luckily most of the main places of interest could be seen. Then further south and to the east above the Gulf of Aqaba the sky was totally clear, revealing the beautiful coastline. What a beautiful way to return to the Sinai!
El Tur – The remnants of old Arab traditions
Originally posted on February 9, 2014 In a little visited pocket of El Tur, the capital of South Sinai, you find the remnants of old traditions: beautifully built old houses, once home to a thriving community around a shipyard, and still a few of those craftsmen who build ships . The houses were made with rock from the sea, wood, palm trunks and earth as mortar. They are beautiful examples of the Arabic architecture that you find all along the East African coast, through Lamu and Zanzibar as far as Mozambique. Unfortunately time destroyed most of these structures here in El Tur, but a few still stand intact. Also, I’m happy to see that the old boat building tradition hasn’t died out completely yet. A tip for those who want to build wooden furniture themselves: here you can get beautifully shaped quality hard wood, ideal for tables, shelves and benches.