Suez Canal, Egypt

Tuesday, April 24, a fascinating day transiting the extraordinary Suez Canal.  The canal in Egypt is man-made and connects the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

Work began in 1858 and construction concluded approximately ten years later.  The “Highway to India” as it is sometimes called is a little over 120 miles long, 79 feet deep and 673 feet wide.  Three transits of ships are made through the canal each day, one northbound and two southbound, going only one-way at a time.  The cost for each ship averages $250,000 and approximately 50 ships a day transit the canal or over 17,000 ships each year.

Throughout this passage through the Suez Canal we observed large amounts of military and ongoing construction of what is generally referred to as River Crossing emplacements.  Pontoons and bridge equipment were everywhere.  Also, military guards were located throughout the canal, especially around crossing points.  We did observe large convoys moving tanks and armored vehicles to the East.  Of particular note were the surface to air missiles shown in a photo here above a bunker and the large amount of anti-aircraft guns.

There were large areas of lush farm land on the West side of the canal.  Fresh water to irrigate these farms was brought there through a series of smaller canals.

The Canal was closed between the two Arab-Israel wars of 1967 and 1973.  The channel was blocked by mines, trapped ships, and artillery fire.  Henry Kissinger and the United States worked out a truce that cleared and re-opened the Canal.

The Suez Canal continues to be one of the busiest shipping routes on the globe, and a marvel of modern engineering.

Tomorrow we arrive in the port of Alexandria, Egypt.

Safaga, Egypt

On April 22, the Pacific Princess travelled up the Red Sea and arrived at the tiny port of Safaga, Egypt at around 7:00am.  Safaga is the gateway to Luxor, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings, location of some of the most spectacular temples and tombs of Egypt.  These landmarks are about a 3 1/2-hour drive from Safaga.  This is the port where we were to disembark for a 4-day Egypt overland excursion.  However, due to Cindy’s broken foot and her inability to walk on the cast, we will plan on returning here to see these historic locations. 

Safaga is mainly an industrial port and isn’t really something for travelers to visit.  No shopping at the industrial port where we docked and minimum at the nearby city.  It is however a haven for snorkelers, divers, and water sport enthusiasts.  The water is blue and very clear.  Several ship passengers visited a local Red Sea resort and spent the day enjoying the beautiful beaches. 

Here are some photos that show some of the town.

We departed Safaga sometime around midnight and will be at sea tomorrow.  Then next day we will transit the Suez Canal.

Water Point

Local Meat Market

Another Meat Market

Bread Delivery Man

Drying Bread On The Street

Drying Bread

Safaga, Egypt

Homes along beach near Safaga, Egypt

Aquaba, Jordan

Saturday, April 21, we arrived in Aqaba, Jordan and our first visit to this country.  This area of Jordon borders Israel and we are able to see Elat, Israel from the ship.  Aqaba is a beautiful area with white sandy beaches, beautiful clear waters and a fascinating coral reef.  We had travelled a few days through the Red Sea which is, of course, astonishingly BLUE!

The main attraction of Jordan is the ancient city of Petra; two hours north of Aqaba, one of the absolute must see sights.  Most of the passengers choose to travel to Petra and returned with rave reviews.  For those who decided to do something else, or had seen Petra, there is an adventurous trip to Wadi Rum, the stomping grounds of the Bedouin people and included desert 4 wheeling.  But just staying in Aqaba provided many interesting sites to see from mosques, museums, and beaches to shopping.  A fun day was had by everyone.

Sail away was at 6PM as we headed back towards the Red Sea and our next stop, Safaga, Egypt.    

Israel from the ship across the harbor

Another view of Israel from the Jordanian side of the harbor

Aquaba, Jordan

Call to prayers

Tea Vendor

Salalah, Oman

Arrival in Salalah, Oman, Monday, April 16, located in the southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula on the Gulf of Aden.    While traveling through the Gulf of Aden we saw plenty of warships protecting the ships.  Salalah is the capital of the southern Omani province of Dhofar.  The population is approximately 200,000 and it is the second largest city of Oman.

Salalah is known as the “perfume capital of Arabia”.  Southern Oman has a near monopoly on the production of frankincense.  Trees of the Boswellia family flourish here and produce the aromatic resin that is the basis of incense.  The trees refuse to grow in most places; therefore merchants in this area grew very wealthy on the production of frankincense.  You can purchase your own aromatic frankincense at the souk.

Salalah is also known for its holy site pilgrimage by many to visit Job’s Tomb, where the legendary prophet is believed to have been laid to rest.

Many passengers decided to hire a taxi to take them to town, 6 miles away from the port.  Very quickly many minds were changed as the “special taxis” were charging $40 for a one-way trip!

Cindy made her first trip down the gangway on her crutches today and visited a vendor table.  She quickly discovered it takes a lot of energy since she hasn’t been out of the wheelchair for 4 weeks.

Sail away at 5pm.  We will have 4 sea days before arriving Aqaba, Jordan.