Most of the day was spent passing through the Qanat as Suways, the Suez Canal. It is about 100 miles long and provides a route for ships from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea.
This area was covered in fog as we entered, which is highly unusual at any time of year, and made the passage to Bitter Lake very challenging. The canal is a single lane until about half way which opens to Bitter Lake; it is here that we wait and allow the north bound ships to pass before continuing on. At times I could not even see the water by looking straight down from the balcony….intense.
After waiting at the lake, we were the first in line to continue, due to this being a passenger ship. The remainder of the canal is a single lane again until the Red Sea. The fog had burned off and we were able to see both sides of the canal. To the west it was lush with Palm trees and vegetation where the royalty of Egypt lived and to the east it was completely sand, arid and desolate. Military presence was considerable on the east side with guard houses about every quarter mile and a huge training camp doing drills. They waved their guns and whistled as the ship went past but I felt no threat at anytime.
It was quite an experience and I am looking forward to seeing Jordan tomorrow.
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