Blog

Sinai in the news

Several recent news items feature South Sinai and the Monastery of St Catherine. These reflect both its enduring appeal and a heartening interest in support for tourism in the region.

From our Own Correspondent on BBC Radio 4 delved into the archives at St Catherine; fast forward to 11 minutes 50 seconds to hear about the Ladder of Divine Ascent and a visit to the ossuary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bb3hp9

Another piece published by the BBC Online reports on very modern and muliti-disciplinary research to catalogue and preserve the monastery’s fragile ancient manuscripts, many of them palimpsests: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44144527#

Both were written by Fleur MacDonald, a freelance journalist, who joined a Wind Sand & Stars group earlier this year. Her interest in Sinai and St Catherine had been aroused when she wrote an article for The Economist 1843 magazine on the Swiss photographer Frederic Boissonas, whose images of Egypt and Sinai from the 1930s documented the country’s people, scenery and ancient treasures: https://www.1843magazine.com/culture/look-closer/the-swiss-photographer-who-rebranded-egypt

Stunning photographs of Sinai were also on BBC’s News in Pictures, following a hiking trail across the South Sinai peninsula: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-44846905

These articles shine a light on a unique, fascinating and complex geopolitical region. But above all, they convey the incredibly warm welcome that our friends and colleagues amongst the Bedouin and monks extend to visitors to their beautiful desert home.

06.08.2018

< Back to Blog

A unique experience and a privilege to share the Bedouin’s way of life, for a short time.

Guest, Sinai Summits, April 2019

It was the most wonderful trip, so glad I took up this opportunity. All beautifully organised – well done.

Icons of St Catherine’s Guest November 2022

Enthralling and beyond my hopes, it was a deeply spiritual experience at many levels. I am still raving about it all to anyone who crosses my path!

Icons of St Catherine’s Guest November 2022

“The whole trip was AMAZING – thank you so much.”

Francis Burkitt, St Catherine tailor made, August 2017

We got more out of our adventure than we had ever hoped for, thanks to a country of huge diversity and historical interest and to a very special guide.

Cunningham family, Jordan, April 2017

So many thoughts about our wonderful trip to St Catherine’s; the fantastic warmth of welcome from the Egyptians, Fathers Justin and Nilus, and the unique history which we felt privileged to be given access to. In my book, how could one not enjoy and be inspired!

Julia Palmer, St Catherine’s Retreat, February 2017

“Huge thanks to all at Wind, Sand & Stars for an amazing trip. John’s passion for Ethiopia fires his erudition and he gave us more insights into the country, past and present, than we could ever have gained from local guides.”

Christine Dunmow, Exploring Ethiopia’s Orthodox History with John Binns 2016

© Copyright 2024 Wind Sand & Stars. Company Reg. 0315 1618. VAT No: 709 3461 33