The last 2 weeks, I have spent a lot of time between
Egypt's major ports on the red sea and also Aqaba port on the Jordanian side. I
was leading a study tour with
Smithsonian Journeys and the American National trust for Historic
Preservations.
The trip was very special with lots of time on the
red sea sailing between ports and beautiful islands, we also had the chance to
see Luxor by driving from the port of Safaga, just south of the city Hurgada (a
major tourist city on the red sea), we also took a day trip to Petra in Jordan
and mount Sinai where the beautifully isolated monastery of
St.Catherine sits.
For two weeks, we learnt so much, not only about
Egypt but about the entire region, with all the deferent cultures and religions
of the area. The trip was able to provide first hand information about the
great monuments of this part of
the world and its deep roots in human history and how all that relates to
modern day conflicts.
We enjoyed passing through the Suez Canal and traveling
from the Red Sea world to the Mediterranean world (the sea was rough up in the
Mediterranean with cool strong winds from Europe, unlike the warm air in the
Red Sea). During this great adventure, I learnt that on the Saudi Arabian side
of the Red Sea there are much better diving and snorkeling sites than any other
part in the Red Sea. Also, l learned another interesting fact, that in north
Arabia (the border between Saudi
and Jordan now) there is a much better preserved ancient city like Petra, and a
complete town in great condition that no one ever sees, visits or even knows
about.
We are trying to guarantee access to such remote and
isolated places, before going and exploring the site. I'm really looking
forward to seeing those forgotten sites in north Arabia, I think it will bring
new insights to our general understanding of the archaeology of the ancient near east.
Ahmed Ali
