Why We Hide Eggs on Easter

Just outside the old city of Jerusalem is the place that all Pilgrims to Jerusalem must visit. It is the supposed site where Jesus was buried and resurrected. A small garden leads to a hole in the wall which enters into the tomb that historians and religious scholars have come to believe is the place in which the roughly 2,300,000,000 Christians in the world base their faith.

JERUSALEM

Jerusalem is a dynamic city that has served as a religious center of the world for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. The old city surrounded by it's ancient walls has been one of the most desired places in the world and is still being fought over today. The city is divided into sections which is evident by the division of it's residents. Innumerable people come to visit the city for religious purposes, however it seems that many of it's residents have forgotten their religion and don't practice the things they claim to believe so strongly in.

Beyond the political turmoil of the region the city maintains historic significance and charm. From it's ancient city gates to it's gold domed mosques and from it's cathedrals and synagogues to fortress towers everything is packed together with busy narrow cobble stoned streets winding in every direction. From a distance the city has the appearance of solidarity and from within, although segregated, it is a true melting pot of cultures.

PETRA

A world trip is not complete without the 'Indiana Jones Experience' in the stunning lost city of Petra. Carved into the deep canyon walls in eastern Jordan are impressive structures made with great skill and details that have been preserved well over time. The city served as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom in 600 BCE before it became part of the Roman Empire where it continued to flourish. In 1189 AD the city was abandoned and forgotten until it was rediscovered in 1812.

Today it attracts 1000's of tourists each day that come to marvel at this ancient wonder. Although the major sights are packed with people the city is extensive and it is quite easy to find your way off the beaten path and lost in a lost city. It makes for an unforgettable experience and is enough to invoke a sense of adventure into any who get a glimpse of it.

 

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.