An early transit of the Suez canal - a lifelong ambition
Tuesday 21st January
At sea all day, heading towards the Suez Canal. Should arrive by late afternoon and anchor prior to our passage through to Jordan on the Red Sea.
Up early and walked, partly sunny but with the odd shower, which always reduces the walkers on deck, a good thing. Cuts down on congestion as we skittle our away around on deck seven. Where informed that we are heading into possible pirate areas, so lights will be extinguished and decks will be closed between dusk and dawn for the next eight days.
Quite a lot of talks today, five in all, so we have to rush from one theatre to another. All talks were superb, exceedingly enlightening covering Jerusalem, the heart of the biblical world, the Suez Canal history, Southwest Arabia and the trade routes. Finishing with a talk on The canal of Kings, the five canals built by the Pharos in 1850 BC.
Formal evening so we headed into the restaurant and managed to get a table with the excellent waiters. First time we have managed to be on their station since joining the ship in Southampton. As always, had a brilliant time with them.
Then into the lounge to read before having an early night.
Wednesday 22nd January
Up at 5.45 and headed up on deck to see the transit of the Suez Canal. I have always longed to head through the Suez, and now my wish came to fruition. Although it was disappointing that l didn’t get to see Port Said, as we headed into the canal early, at 3am. But as the sun came up, you could see the green and occupied West Bank of Egypt on the Africa continent, whilst just barren desert on the Asian continent. It was freezing, although the sky looked as if it was going to be clear later in the day. Fishermen were out with their nets, bobbing about in the canal from the wake of the ships as they past. The QM2 was number three in line, as we past through the channel, which took about eleven hours before we eventually enter the Red Sea.
Spent most of the day walking around the deck, watching the various villages as we past by. Larger town with their own ferry crossings. At one point we went under what is called the peace bridge, paid for by the Japanese. But due to terrorism it had been closed for all but military traffic. Everyone else had to use the ferries.
Only two talks today, late in he afternoon. Presumably to allow us to watch the transit. Fittest was on the history of the lost city of Petra and the second, the Exodus of Egypt. Both fascinating and informative.
Early dinner in the Kings Court and then to bed, as we were up early for our Jordanian tour to Petra.
At sea all day, heading towards the Suez Canal. Should arrive by late afternoon and anchor prior to our passage through to Jordan on the Red Sea.
Up early and walked, partly sunny but with the odd shower, which always reduces the walkers on deck, a good thing. Cuts down on congestion as we skittle our away around on deck seven. Where informed that we are heading into possible pirate areas, so lights will be extinguished and decks will be closed between dusk and dawn for the next eight days.
Quite a lot of talks today, five in all, so we have to rush from one theatre to another. All talks were superb, exceedingly enlightening covering Jerusalem, the heart of the biblical world, the Suez Canal history, Southwest Arabia and the trade routes. Finishing with a talk on The canal of Kings, the five canals built by the Pharos in 1850 BC.
Formal evening so we headed into the restaurant and managed to get a table with the excellent waiters. First time we have managed to be on their station since joining the ship in Southampton. As always, had a brilliant time with them.
Then into the lounge to read before having an early night.
Wednesday 22nd January
Up at 5.45 and headed up on deck to see the transit of the Suez Canal. I have always longed to head through the Suez, and now my wish came to fruition. Although it was disappointing that l didn’t get to see Port Said, as we headed into the canal early, at 3am. But as the sun came up, you could see the green and occupied West Bank of Egypt on the Africa continent, whilst just barren desert on the Asian continent. It was freezing, although the sky looked as if it was going to be clear later in the day. Fishermen were out with their nets, bobbing about in the canal from the wake of the ships as they past. The QM2 was number three in line, as we past through the channel, which took about eleven hours before we eventually enter the Red Sea.
Spent most of the day walking around the deck, watching the various villages as we past by. Larger town with their own ferry crossings. At one point we went under what is called the peace bridge, paid for by the Japanese. But due to terrorism it had been closed for all but military traffic. Everyone else had to use the ferries.
Only two talks today, late in he afternoon. Presumably to allow us to watch the transit. Fittest was on the history of the lost city of Petra and the second, the Exodus of Egypt. Both fascinating and informative.
Early dinner in the Kings Court and then to bed, as we were up early for our Jordanian tour to Petra.
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