A SANCTUARY IN SINAI

Sinai, Egypt
October 2022

By Ross Belfer

The enigmatic Sinai was calling my name. Urban denizens and digital junkies like me live in a world of constant connection. The ability to neglect duties and shed responsibility to others is hard to come by. No matter how swanky a hotel, or how fun a guided tour — finding true peace of mind exists in only certain places that remain esoteric and deprived from touristic promotions. That’s exactly what I found in Egypt’s Sinai peninsula. When travel advisories were finally lifted, the idea of crossing the border into Egypt from Israel’s Negev Desert crossed my mind, and eventually became an obsession. What lies behind the once closed border, which in essence, is just an imaginary line. Tales of terrestrial bliss — as the mountainous desert spills onto the unspoiled beaches of the Red Sea — proved true beyond belief. As a solo traveler, I prepared for three days of quiet contemplation; I became a welcomed stranger returning home. The Sinai puts you into a whirlwind of life removed from materialism, construction or contemporary culture. Accommodations are sparse, and along the way from the border of Taba to the Aqua Sun camp, deserted complexes and abandoned hotels were the only edifices in plain sight. The Sinai aesthetic is absorbed facing East, to the Sea. Do not expect fancy restaurants, boutique shops or any signs of developers trying to build this place up. And that my friends, is the magic of Sinai.