DAHAB

An unexpected stop in this small sea side town ended up trapping me due to its unique natural beauty and unbelievably affordable prices. Laying on along the Red Sea on the eastern shores of the Sinai Peninsula, surrounded by deserts and mountains, this town is a backpacker haven. It offers everything from the best snorkeling to camel treks and four wheeling to windsurfing. Dahab has something for everyone, with a picturesque rocky shoreline adjacent to the jagged Saudi Arabian coast.

Having had no intention to even visit the Red Sea, I ended up putting my scuba license to use upon recommendation from other travelers. A decision I would not regret. After my first dive into the clear blue waters of the Red Sea I was captivated by the flourishing and vibrant coral reef. Minutes after my first dive I was enrolled in an Advanced Open Water Certification program with each dive binding me closer to the aquatic treasures of the Red Sea. This included the "most deadly dive site in the world" into the blue hole, whose beauty and depth have drawn nearly 80 divers to their deaths.

St. Katherine's Monastery

This 5^th century Orthodox monastery sits at the base of Mount Sinai. Named after Catherine of Alexandria, this monastery remains one of the oldest functioning Christian monasteries in the world. It is said she was sentenced to death on the wheel but survived and was beheaded. Angels then brought her remains to Mt. Sinai, and being the site where the infamous chapel of the burning bush was enclosed by Justinian I this monastery remains an infamous site of pilgrimage today.

MOUNT SINAI

A once isolated place where Moses is said to have received the ten commandments is now a heavily touristed location. Pilgrims from around the world come to watch the epic sunrise over the desert mountains. At 2,285 meters this mountain is surrounded by higher peaks but still offers an amazing view of the surrounding landscapes.

In the dark of night 100's of visitors make the early morning climb in the icy cold air to see the sun come up over this holy site. A mosque and a church sit perched atop the mountain in a most peaceful setting. The numbing pain of the icy air is quickly expelled by the rising sun making for a most memorable morning.