About:
Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate is M.S. General
Surgeon (Gold Medalist) by qualification with an experience of 30,000+
operations and is based at Rajkot, Gujarat. He is an avid reader and a
passionate writer. In this blog, he shares his travel experiences and creative
writings.
Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBhateRajkot
Blog:
Egypt - Day 7
Egypt has two sea shore destinations namely 'Hurghada' and 'Sharm El Sheikh' which are popular tourist attractions.
Which is better? This is a difficult question.
#Hurghada however has an upper hand due to 'QUAD BIKE' Safari in addition to a well developed beach at Paradise Island.
We had already been to the beach and had done snorkeling yesterday. Now today we were going to take Quad #Safari.
Desert means sand, stones and dunes everywhere. Hot weather and no water means desert. Traveling on camel in sand with no internet or GPS means desert. No people or houses for miles is a desert. If you are lost, there is no way to know where you are. At such a place, you can not go alone without guide.
#Egypt has part of the vast Sahara desert. I remember in seventh standard examination, I had answered a short note about Sahara Desert. Today I had a major examination to be faced at the same desert. I was supposed to drive a bike having a different technique of driving with no practice and that too on a rough and uneven terrain at the speed of 65-70 km for 35 km to go and same distance to come back. My wife had declared her 'walk out' at the outset and also was not ready to sit behind me. Our guide Mr. Mohamud was ready to take her on the back seat of his Quad Bike. I had strong desire to drive and so I joined with the group of 9 bikes. A large group of 17 was divided into two groups having individual team leaders. All were from European countries and well prepared. Two were old ladies but very much confident. I was the senior most of all with no experience.
There are few mandatory requirements before you drive. You need helmet, scarf to cover your head and face, the snugly fitting goggles to protect your eyes from sand and comfortable clothes.
We all drove the quad bikes together in a group keeping little distance between two bikes. However, I was very slow and was falling behind our group. This is not permitted in desert. After about 3 km drive, I also surrendered. I was then transferred on back seat and one expert had taken charge of my bike.
It is also not easy to sit behind when bike jumps almost every minute. You have to maintain balance by keeping your foot fixed and holding the side bars firmly. Even though you are balanced, your buttocks get bump with every jump. If jump is larger, the bump is also hard one. Within next 25 minutes, I understood what is the meaning of 'third degree' treatment with criminals. But there was no way out. Moreover, this was a voluntary paid punishment.
We had two small intervals before we reached our destination. Everyone was happy and joyful. Myself and my wife had nothing to say and thus we keep mum.
Our destination was at a group of small huts with sitting arrangement. We were served drinking water and black tea. In one hut, we were shown how a lady prepares a large size 'Roti' like food item. Many medicines in bottles and balm like things prepared by villagers was sold here. We had a short camel ride here which was a new experience for foreigners. We relaxed for some time and started our return journey of 35 km.
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One professional photographer was always taking video and photos of every one. At the end, he gave us one copy of instant printout.
I am planning to put our individual photos and certificates hanging in our bedroom as immortal memory.
This was a terrific experience for senior citizens like us. I recommend all my friends to do it in early age. I assure you that you will definitely enjoy it.
JAI HO......