Backpackers Shangri La

Anybody in need of a beach haven? Well then look no further than Dahab, Egypt.  Located on the pristine coast of the Red Sea on the Sinai peninsula, Dahab is easily one of the best places on earth.  I do not say that lightly either.  We arrived to Dahab tired and worn from the Eilat/Taba border crossing, and Dahab greeted us with open arms.  Many of the hotels say, "welcome home" when you arrive.  Home sweet home indeed.

We stayed at Auski Camp the first night, which was nice enough and only cost $9 TOTAL for a 3 bed room. But we decided to splurge a little more and move to Penguin Hotel which cost $27 a night for the last three nights (this included a back porch overlooking the sea).  Now what makes Dahab remarkable you ask? Lets start with the diving.  The Red Sea has some of the clearest underwater visibility that I have ever seen (and I've dived all over the world).  I did a day trip to Sharm el' Sheikh to dive the British Thisslegorm, which is a WWII Cargo ship that was bombed by the Germans in 1941. The ship was 1 year old and carrying lots of motorcycles, cars, and trucks when it sunk.  The wreck dive is claimed to be the best in the world and undoubtingly it was in my mind. Plus seeing old school motorcycles in the deep abyss was pretty rad.

Honestly, Dahab sucks you in and people are known to stay for weeks at a time.

Second, Dahab is 2 hours from Mt. Sinai.  We left Dahab at midnight on one of the nights and climbed Mt.Sinai around 2 am.  We went when the monastary was closed so there were no people.  The hike up was tiring but worth it for the incredible sunrise.  I honestly felt the spiritual connection.  The moonlight was gorgeous and made using flashlights unnecessary.  There is definitely magic up there, and I understand why Moses was drawn by it.  Hi climbed the mountain and found the tablets of the Ten Commandments, making it one of the most treasured and holy places in the world.

Finally, Dahab has a vibe that says, "sit back, relax, and enjoy the good life my friends." Or at least something like that.  The restaurants have large pillows and ample sitting space that make it completely acceptable to take a cat nap after every meal.  The town is so small that you don't need phones because you see your friends everywhere.  Some of my best moments were just chilling with people, eating and smoking free hookah.  When we drew up the energy we would play backgammon or get Egyptian massages (in seaside bungalows).  The milkshakes were delicious and there is even a going out scene on the weekends.  Honestly, Dahab sucks you in and people are known to stay for weeks at a time.  We were there for five days, but I could have done much more.

I could go on forever, but I have to eat breakfast and explore Cairo more.  See you all soon.