Suez Canal

[Michele Monro]

Well we have just come out of the other side of the canal, there were 19 in the convoy all in all and I have to say the trip was amazing. I have finally got some footage but of course am having lots of trouble uploading it. The connection is so slow and it keeps going down as well so I am going to connect back on tonight when the traffic might be slower.

Although not as impressive as the Panama Canal (I've been told) I thought the transit was remarkable. There were so many different elements of this life connection between the east and the west. About half way through we laid anchor at the Great Bitter Lake to let the northbound traffic come through. The only shame was there is a cold front coming n for two days which made it rather cold. It was cloudy through the night so we didn't have this spectacular sunrise that was anticipated by the photographers.

We are on 'Black Out' mode tonight, which started at dusk and will carry through until 2nd February. I have to say I'll be quite grateful when we pass all these threats because it is rather disconcerting. Tomorrow we are in Aqaba and I am going on a tour called the Wadi Rum. We starting at the Aqaba Museum and Fort which holds collections of ceramics showing both Egyptian and Chinese influences. Then we off to the ruins of the old city of Ayla as well as mosques, churches and the city walls. Excitingly we are then traveling about an hour to this vast and timeless and hauntingly beautiful valley called Wadi Rum. It is the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes. The uniquely shaped massive mountains raise out of the rose-coloured desert sand. Geologists think that this protected nature reserve resulted from a great crack on the surface of the earth caused by an enormous upheaval. Some of the ridges are more than a thousand feet high and are topped with domes worn smooth by the desert winds. It was here that T E Lawrence lived and helped the Arabs and was the backdrop for the film 'Lawrence of Arabia'.

We are then journeying into a red landscape of soaring peaks and low valleys until we reach the Captain's Desert Camp for a traditional welcome from the locals and a lunch served in a huge Bedouin tent furnished with Bedouin carpets. So there you have it. If you read this and the links for the video are not here, then check back tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

I would so have loved to visit Petra but it is a five mile walk and they wouldn't let me go. Mind you at its highest it is going to be 7 degrees there and 10 at Wadi. We all assumed that we would be basking in desert heat. All I can do is thank God that I decided to bring my thick coat. I can still feel the cold but without it I would have been lost.

The Bloggie clip is attached. To view click on: http://www.facebook.com/michelemonro

Stay safe

[Marian]

Enjoying reading your blog and videos. I hope the pirates keep well await of your well Michele.

[paul jh]

I tried the facebook link and got to see the full video of Egypt and Suez Canal. Fascinating. Then I watched some of the sailaway before facebook kicked me out. I'll try again later.

Thanks for the videos and the detailed reports. I didn't know Petra required a 5 mile walk. Maybe one day I'll get there, but I guess it needs to be soon!

I can't wait to hear how your first presentation goes which I believe is this weekend.

[Christine Hampshire]

Loving hearing all your news Michele and seeing the videos, good luck with your
first presentation.
Chris

[Sandra]

This is certainly fascinating stuff-thanks Michele enjoying it all .

Also another appropriate song on Siren this week -The Long And Winding Road

[maureen & harry]

Your reports are so interesting and the videos are just great. It's really good to be able to keep up with you like this.

Good luck with the presentation on the 22nd and we are looking forward to reading all about it when you do your next report.

[karl]

You've got guts MIchele doing a cruise that is taking you through troubled waters and making blackouts necessary and for such a long time!

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Thanks Michele, Great seeing the video. Felt as though we were on board ourselves, but looking forward to the next update.