St Catherine's monastery, Sinai and Mass in a Bedouin tent

The monastery and burning bush, Mass in the bedouin "tent", crossing the Red Sea to Aqaba.
The visit to the monastery was disappointing. Honestly we were so tired and it was so crowded that we could not appreciate it. The church seemed dingy but we did see the bush which is said to be the burning bush. There was a charge to see the best icons so we skipped that. Went back to the hotel for a shower -no time to swim in the large pool. To mass in a Bedouin "tent" - actually a tea place beside the road. Greta homily by Fr Brendan and the Bedouin kids were fascinated. To get the boat to delightful looking Aqaba and a very pleasant crossing of the Red Sea in our own boat then coach to Petra. Hotel would not change traveller's cheque or the room so I hit the roof. the room was 40 steps down, no view, phone not plugged in, faults in bathroom, no plug, no kettle (we could have brought our own). I was fed up and told Fr Brendan I did not wish to borrow any more cash. We had a nice dinner but were very tired.

Mount Sinai

Preparing to go, the sun rises and the wonderful mountains, a camel.
Saturday 8th November we rose at 1 a.m. and bear in mind we had travelled and been delayed. There was coffee and then a coach to St Catherine's monastery. A walk in the dark to get on a camel which appeared to go a different way to those on foot. After getting off the camel I fell over. Then 750 steps up rocks to the top and a Bedouin helped me. I paid him £10 but without him I would not have reached the top. The result was that I was separated from Liz who was told I had had help to go down! I saw the sunrise which was greeted by some Austrians singing "Fairest Lord Jesus" and much noise! A long walk down and was reunited with Liz. My guide proved to be a young man - I had thought he was older. He asked me for my flashlight but I said I needed it! I fell again on the loose shale and we picked our way down to the monastery. It was exhausting. I had thought this would be a spiritual experience but in fact it was a physical endurance test. After all I have never climbed a mountain. The camel ride was quite exciting under the stars if a little scary! It also goes to prove that the spirit may be willing but the flesh is weak and there are times when one must accept help!