We left the camp early morning 2 days ago, grabbed our backpacks from the hostel and jumped in a cab with two tourists who were also headed to Aqaba. We went to the Egyptian consulate to get our Visas, which was a dirty cinderblock room with a corrugated metal roof and ancient wooden seats. Took about an hour and then we hopped into another cab and went to the Israeli border, where we walked across. I felt like I was on a conveyor belt, getting this stamp and that one, checking of the passports over an over by many guards, emptying my backpack. Finally, we were in Israel, about 100 meters later and 30 minutes later. Met up with some Austrians and shared a cab towards Taba, at the Egyptian border. We stopped for 2 hours at some fancy Aquarium along the way, but Bailey and I could not afford to go in. Israel is pricey like Europe and it has the feel of Fort Lauderdale down there in Eilat along the Red Sea. So we waited for the Austrians and just people watched. It's so strange to be so close to Jordan and yet feel like you're in a completely different country. The people are of a different race, they speak a different language, and are much more well off economically than in Jordan. Anyway, we then made our way to the Egyptian border 2km away and walked across like at the other border. More stamps and checks. This time, as soon as we stepped outside onto Egyptian soil, we were harrassed by dozens of taxi and van drivers. Again, the people looked totally different and the wealth changed dramatically. Bailey and I made our way in the heat to the decrepit bus station and had to haggle the driver for the correct price. So different from Jordan and Israel. Everything here must be bargained. Even the hostel room.
The hostel is fantastic. It's actually a camp along the beach of palm tree huts and lounging areas along the shore. The food is amazing and we do nothing except read, sleep and eat. Our friend, Jessica, who we met in Wadi Rum, is with us for this Egypt trip, so we've had some nice fresh conversation as well.
I'd love to write more, but some people just came in to use the computer. I will have photos when we return to Wadi Rum in 2 weeks. Tomorrow morning, we leave at 9 AM for Cairo. I'm getting really excited!
Cheers
About Me
- Stephanie
- I'm a mother, potter, traveler, dreamer, Meniere's survivor, tree hugger, wannabe fisherwoman and sometimes a hermit. I don't like mashed potatoes or coconut, so I'm not into Pina Coladas.
1 comment:
Oh, wow. I sooo envy your adventurous spirit, Sweet Capricorn! It always impresses me how you work to fold yourself into the climate and culture changes, letting the strong-in-those-conditions sides of you full control of the wheel. Well, OK, the other sides of you do surface and create struggle sometimes, of course. But you have this amazing way of appreciating and finding joy in the very spot you happen to be standing. I find this very inspiring about you.
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