We started in a group of ten, but the two Germans and a fit American ran away in front. I paired up with a nice Polish girl, and the rest fell behind. We started about 1.30 am, reached the top about 4.30 and then waited for about two hours to see the sun rise. It is cold on the top of a mountain, also in the Egyptian desert, rather freezing, but that only made the sun rise, if possible, even more fantastic.
On the way down I was in a hurry, so after the first rest I let the gravity and my weight do the job and was almost running down again. Why you might ask? Well I really wanted to see Saint Cathrine's monastery. Founded, in the 6th century, on the place where Moses spoke to the burning bush and probably the oldest building I have entered that still fulfills its original purpose. The burning bush is still there..... well I really don't buy that one, but still it seemed to touch both christians and muslims in a soft spot.
So 9 am I entered the chapel looking for this one icon that I know originated here, the Spiritual Ladder of Saint John of Sinai from the 12th century. I did not find it on the first try, so I went through again. Still no luck.... Then I realized there was a museum where they kept the real treasures. The church had no entrance fee, but the museum did -25 LE and it is worth every piaster. I did not have 25, I had a 200 and about 8.50 in change. The father collecting the fee could not change so he gave me a discount - a good man, but I would have paid a hundred to see the icon. While the chapel is packed by people the museum is not. They only let a few people in at the same time, so it is calm and quiet and the father takes his time to show you around and answering your every question, even helps taking pictures. So finally I could fin my icon! Well there was a lot of icons, really nice, I especially liked one called the Crucifixion and there was a lot of old scriptures, the oldest known versions of the four gospels, but I could not find the icon. So I turned to the father, who was taking pictures for a young couple, and asked where I could find it. It is in London! For two more months..... sadly. So I bought a post card! It gives me yet another reason to come back though!
I would recommend this trip to anyone doing the Sinai peninsula, but do it off season, it was already a bit crowded. Take your time, I did it in twelve hours and it is possible, but next time I will do in 36 hours or so. Most of all dress for cold weather! Bring a blanket and extra clothing, my t-shirt was dripping wet and it easy to catch a cold while waiting for the sun.
Most of my pictures was not that good, but I hope to get some from Elon, a dutchman, but I will put in two for now.
