The Sinai is Bedouin country. One account I read stated that only about ten percent of Bedouins are fully nomadic any more because, as the world changes, life changes—for Bedouins and for all of us. Still, in Sinai, we glimpsed the people and the culture rendered so intriguing, mystic, and romantic through stories spun over the centuries for purposes political, social, wayfaring, or simply for entertainment. To four western women, as in us, Bedouins are physically attractive people: Fine featured, lean-limbed, “Arabic” in coloring, . . . except for the profusion of bad teeth—rather ruinous for an otherwise dazzling smile and blatant evidence of the lack of dental care. Traditional Bedouin renown includes “remarkable kindness and hospitality” to the stranger in their midst. Although we had no interaction with any women, the Bedouin men and boys we encountered fully embodied that reputation.
A visual of Bedouins in the mind’s eye easily accommodates the addition of a camel—or camels—and it should!
Outside the walls of St. Catherine’s Monastery, at the foot of Mt. Sinai, Bedouins with camels conducted a thriving rent-a-camel business with tourists who preferred not to make the two to three hour pilgrimage to the top of Mt. Sinai totally by foot. (The final 700 “steps” to the summit had to be climbed sans camels--foot traffic only.)
Tammy and Jennell did commission camels for the ascent, and Jennell graciously allowed me a bit of time to enjoy the camel experience on the journey. Mostly I hiked, though—right along with Colleen who did the entire trek by foot.
Jennell and Tammy are safely mounted and ready to begin the ascent.
Me commencing the trek up Mt. Sinai.
Colleen in the background, then me, then Sala (our Bedouin guide for the mountain trek), and Jennell on her camel. (Tammy took this photo from her camel; she was in the lead.)
Here is our "camel boy" for the ascent along with Jennell's hired camel.
My time on Jennell's hired camel.
Colleen and me at the top of Mt. Sinai.
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