Sun, Mar 10 - Mt Sinai, Red Sea, & Jordan

After only about 3 hours sleep, our next wake up call came at 12:30am.  Yes…you read that correctly.  By 1:00am we were on our way to be introduced to our camels who would take us about 2/3 the say up Mount Sinai.  It really was the most amazing night – quietness preluded a orchestra of stars against a black backdrop like none seen before!  We couldn’t help but be struck with a sense of worship at the greatness of our God and the majestic universe He spoke into being.  But that was just the beginning.  The last trek up the mountain required us to climb 750 steps to reach the top of Mount Sinai, where we wrapped ourselves in blankets while we watched and waited for the sun to rise over the eastern mountain-tops.  What an experience to see God paint the morning sky with golden shades of yellow & orange, in perfect contrast to the dark mountains blanketed in a soft mist.  We were a captive audience once again!  The 2-1/2 hour walk back down the mountain was also one we will never forget as we discovered stunning sights around every corner, until we finally reached the famous St. Catherine’s Monastery with its rich history and continued service.

All that…and the day was only getting started.  After breakfast, we were back on the bus and heading for Jordan.  It was a little sad to say good-bye to our Egyptian tour guides, who had become our friends after sharing their heart for Egypt and all its relevant history.  Thankfully we had no problems moving through the various border crossings and customs checks required between Egypt and Jordan, so by about 7pm we arrived at the beautiful Biet Zaman Hotel in Petra where we literally crashed for the night.  

Our Camel Caravan

Waiting for the Sunrise

St. Catherine's Monastery