Reda, our guide, told us interesting facts about Egypt in modern and biblical times. The christians are persecuted in Egypt, they are discriminated in getting jobs and education. Most muslims and christians want to live peacefully, having a job and raising families.
At the Suez Canal, which we crossed in a tunnel, we stopped for a break. We left Africa behind us and entered Asia. We followed the coast of the Gulf of Suez toward what is believed Mt. Sinai is, the mountain where God gave the Ten Commandments to his people. Along the way we stopped at Marah and at Elim (where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, Ex.15). The springs must have dried up, although there were still palm trees.
We then continued in the 'desert of Sin' and stopped at Rephidim, where some of the men of Israel fought the Amalekites and were winning as long as Moses held up his hands to heaven.
Around 2 o'clock we arrived at the hotel, 'Morgenland'. We quickly got ready to climb 'Mt. Moses'(as they called it). 20 of the group of 29 attempted the climb. Many started off on a camel, but Herman and I were among the group that planned to walk up.
After a two hour climb on a mountain path, the 750 steps started, which is the final stretch to reach the highest peak. It was a tiring but amazing walk! Half way up the mountain, I really could not keep up the pace, neither could Ralph, so the others went ahead and we followed at a slower pace.
We met a group from Austria on the way, who were hiking five days in the desert and sleeping 'under the stars'. Here are some of them climbing the 750 steps. I should have had some walking sticks... or a camel...
At the top of the mountain, watching the sunset and meditating on God's words and works.
The way down was easier and beautiful. It was dark, but not completely, as it was full moon. It is amazing how the sound carries in the desert mountains. We could hear the Bedouin guides shouting at each other. It was a tired but exhilarated bunch getting back to the hotel.
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