compulsivetraveler.tv [BETA]

The ultimate travel video site

Egypt Travel Video

St. Catherine's Monastery

This video clip is from St. Catherine's Monastery in Egypt. To get there, we took a taxi from Elat, Israel to the Egyptian border crossing at Taba. After paying the usual departure taxes and customs screenings, we walked into Egypt. The Egyptian customs officials pulled us into a side office and grilled us for fifteen minutes. They wanted to know about our video camera. Egypt understands that Hollywood can pump millions of dollars into a local economy. Customs officials are on the lookout for film crews and make sure that you are paying for permits. Of course, we have a tiny budget and no permits. When they figured this out, they let us go.

Taba is a dusty border town. The most lively thing going is the taxi stand. Tourists make their way across the border en route to Egypt’s classy coastal resorts. They also take passengers to Mt. Sinai. After negotiaiting a rate for the three-hour drive to Mt. Sinai and back, we climbed into a ragged old station wagon with our driver, Suleiman, and two Israeli tourists. The shared taxi system is common in Taba.

Soon we were whipping south along the coast road headed for Nuweiba, a resort town, where we dropped off our two Israeli friends. The young men were going on a hiking adventure in the desert.

One of them spoke English. Suleiman, our driver did not. So, from that point on, we had limited communication. The Sinai Desert is amazing. The rugged mountains are ablaze with rich color. Every ten or fifteen kilometers you pass a Bedouin village consisting of a few shacks, some camels, an SUV and a satellite dish. You can count the number of towns in the southern Sinai on one hand. It was a desert when Moses came through. It is a desert now.

We reached Mt. Sinai just before noon - not a good time to be out in the desert sun. Fortunately, the weather was fairly
cool, around 85 degrees. Located at the base of Mt. Sinai is St. Katherine’s Monastery. Christian Emperor Justinian built the monastery here in the 6th Century to honor an early Christian martyr, St. Katharine. Christians believed then, as they do today, that this is the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. St. Katharine’s is a big tourist trap in the middle of a huge desert. You can’t walk five feet without someone trying to give you the hustle.

Still, the old walled monetary is impressive. It looks like some place out of an adventure story. Our plan had been to spend the night at St. Katharine’s, then climb the mountain early the next morning. Unfortunately, Suleiman and the local hotels would only take cash. I didn’t have enough to cover both, so we just took some video footage of the mountain and St. Katharine’s, then headed back to Eilat.
www.frakesproductions.com

filmmaker: Tim Frakes Productions

country: Egypt

channel: arts & culture

rating: PRO

views: 5352

comments: 1

Add to Favorites Add a comment Plan-it!

Read comments… (1)

Leave your comment!


(we will not share this)

(hint: you are human)

See all videos from Egypt...

Sheraton Montazah, Alexandria Egypt

Sheraton Montazah, Alexandria Egypt

Pro by: Compulsiv… | views: 8120 | 01:48

The Hotel faces its own private beach on the Mediterranean Sea right next to Ki…moreThe Hotel faces its own private beach on the Mediterranean Sea right next to King Farouk's Palace and Gardens. Right on the Corniche and very accessible to the City Center.Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great is an important industrial port with the Suez pipeline ending here. It is also a major tourist resort with Cleopatra's palace buried and still visible in its harbour, major Roman ruins and is home to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the modern library of Alexandria, and a modern architectural wonder. less

Alexandria's past is always under your feet

Alexandria's past is always under your feet

Pro by: Compulsiv… | views: 5224 | 04:35

Modern Alexandria is a bustling metropolis on the Mediterranean.It has been bus…moreModern Alexandria is a bustling metropolis on the Mediterranean.It has been bustling for over 2 millennia. Built by Alexander the Great in 331 BC it was second to Rome in size and influence. Its ancient Lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the Alexandrian Library built in the 3rd Century BC was the largest repository of knowledge of its time. Clepatra ruled and trysted with Marc Anthony here. Her palace is still visible in the Bay under 20 feet of water (together with the Lighthouse stones). The worn but beautiful Art Deco buildings lining the Corniche show Alexandria has been trying to live it up in modern times. less

The Mena House Oberoi, Cairo Egypt

The Mena House Oberoi, Cairo Egypt

Pro by: Compulsiv… | views: 8721 | 03:26

Located on 40 acres of gardens right under the Pyramids the Mena House began as…moreLocated on 40 acres of gardens right under the Pyramids the Mena House began as a hunting lodge for Vice King Kedive Ismail. In 1869 he expanded the lodge on the occasion of the opening of the Suez Canal in order to impress visiting Empress Eugenie with the best views of the Pyramids. the Mena House Oberoi has played host to kings and Emperors,Heads of State and celebrities and not only boasts the best views of the Pyramids but also the only golf course right under them. less

Cruising the Nile on the Oberoi Philae part 1

Cruising the Nile on the Oberoi Philae part 1

Pro by: Compulsiv… | views: 5913 | 05:34

A nile cruise is a magical way to experience the 7000 year history of Egypt bec…moreA nile cruise is a magical way to experience the 7000 year history of Egypt because the largest concentration of temples lies along the river Nile between Luxor and Aswan. This 7 day cruise starts in Luxor, which has been called the greatest open air museum and is probably the oldest tourist destination in history. The ship is the Oberoi Philae, a vessel built in 1996 with 50 luxurious cabins and all amenities. A true floating luxury Hotel. The ship sails north to Quina . The wonderfully preserved temple of Dendera is a rare sight to behold. The main temple dedicated to the Goddess Hathor, goddess or pleasure and of love, usually represented as a cow, or a woman with a cow’s head. Its hypostyle hall has towering columns inscribed with hieroglyphs. The massive stone roof is rich with painted reliefs. Under the temple are dark chambers and underground passages. The courtyard has a rare statue of the god Bes the patron of childbirth. After Dendera the ship sails back to Luxor. A beautiful sphinx way leads to the entrance of the temple of Luxor. Built by Ramses the Great it was dedicated to the god Amun. A couple of miles north is the spectacular Temple of Karnak. Built over more than a thousand years by generations of Pharaohs Karnak is the largest religious complex in the world. The great “Hypostyle Hall” is an incredible forest of giant pillars, covering an area larger than the whole of Notre Dame Cathedral. The West Bank is a quick boat ride across the Nile, Here a baloon ride gives an overview of the immense funerary valleys below. The Valley of the Kings, is a vast City of the Dead where magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks, decorated richly, and filled with treasures for the . In the next valley rising out of the desert plain as if carved out of the limestone cliffs, is the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut ,Ancient Egypt’s only female Pharaoh. On the way back to the river Nile, the road passes by the famed Colossi of Memnon, the only survivors of a once imposing temple. The ship sails south to Essna. The Oberoi Philae ranked 3rd in BEST SMALL SHIPS OF THE WORLD awarded by Conde' Nast Traveller, USA in 2009 http://www.oberoihotels.com/oberoi_philae less

Cruising the Nile on the Oberoi Philae part 2

Cruising the Nile on the Oberoi Philae part 2

Pro by: Compulsiv… | views: 5585 | 04:00

From Essna the cruise on the Oberoi Philae heads south. Navigating the Esna l…moreFrom Essna the cruise on the Oberoi Philae heads south. Navigating the Esna locks takes a couple of hours though local salesmen conduct a brisk business throwing their ware up to the decks…. The ship sails to Edfu. It is the second largest temple in Egypt after Karnak and one of the best preserved. The temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, was built in the between 237 and 57 BCE. The temple of Edfu is the largest temple dedicated to Horus and Hathor of Dendera. Kom Ombo stands on a promontory at a bend in the Nile and is one of the most spectacular settings of any of Egypt's river temples. The temple was located in the ancient city of Pa-Sebek, "the Domain of Sobek", who was the crocodile god. The Nile flows among amber deserts and granite mountains to Aswan , a beautiful African city in a great setting. A short ride from Aswan is the beautiful Philae Temple on the island of Agilika, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The Oberoi Philae ranked 3rd in BEST SMALL SHIPS OF THE WORLD awarded by Conde' Nast Traveller, USA in 2009 http://www.oberoihotels.com/oberoi_philae less

Le Meridien Hotel, Heliopolis

Le Meridien Hotel, Heliopolis

Pro by: Compulsiv… | views: 5054 | 03:14

A luxury Hotel situated in the exclusive residential area of Heliopolis close t…moreA luxury Hotel situated in the exclusive residential area of Heliopolis close to the Presidential Palace. At the turn of the 19th Century a Belgian Industrialist created Heliopolis as a"city of luxury and leasure" with impressive recreational amenities and innovative architecture, 10 Kilometers from Cairo. With the expansion of Cairo Heliopolis is now well inside the city. It is home to the wealthiest class of egyptian society, with neighbouring churches, mosques and synagogues reflecting Cairo's multiculturalism and religious tolerance . less

See all videos of arts & culture...

Mumbai Public Laundry Part 1

Mumbai Public Laundry Part 1

Pro by: Marcel Mo… | views: 5044 | 05:05

largest public laundry of the world

Luxury Wine Tour of Umbria

Luxury Wine Tour of Umbria

Pro by: cherryfrog | views: 7308 | 11:00

Umbria , untouched by mass tourism , has preserved the magic of its past and th…moreUmbria , untouched by mass tourism , has preserved the magic of its past and the richness of its tradition. Etruscans and Romans made wine here 2,500 years ago. Today on this magical Luxury wine tour you’ll meet the great winemakers continuing the great tradition, its great chefs and the great artists of its past. Your trip start in the middle of stunning vineyards outside Perugia at the luxurious Borgo Brufa resort Set in a highly panoramic position . The Goretti estate has its wine tastings in an imposing 14th Century tower , symbol of the winery. Outstanding wines are the L’Arringatore and their awarded Sagrantino grown in Montefalco. Taste the wines with a lunch al fresco with great views of Perugia. Starting from its central square with the cathedral, the Palace of the notaries and Fontana maggiore Perugia will stun you with its perfect Renaissance architecture. At the Hotel 3 Vaselle owned by the lungarotti family Multi-award Chef Domenico D’Imperio holds his Umbrian Cooking Lessons.here he show show to make classic Frascarelli with tomato sauce and basil, You’ll visit the Lungarotti winery, a pioneer in winemaking in Umbria. The winery founded in the 60’s by Giorgio Lungarotti is run today by 3 Lungarotti sisters. taste its excellent , Rubesco Riserva , The Wine museum run by the Lungarotti Foundation is a history lesson on the making and drinking of wine with a world class collection of art works ranging from ancient books to ceramics. The Sportoletti brothers own 40 acres on the hills of Spello and Assisi Taste their great Assisi rosso and taste the food prepared by mrs sportoletti or the Villa Fidelia Bianco Assisi is a dazzling city that will draw you into an enchanted time warp experience. It has managed to preserved most of its medieval buildings andUnesco declared it a World Heritage site. Frescoes by Giottos adorn the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi. you’ll stay at the Roccafiore Luxury Resort Right across from beautiful todi This is a rich and comfortable rural farm house with its own winery where youll taste their Rosso Sangiovese.and a cuisine thats a blend of home made and sophistication. Cantina Peppucci is is a small family business housed in the 13th Century St Antimo Abbey in a spectacular settino and considered one of the most fascinating architectural jewels of Medieval Umbria Taste their excellent Petroro Red, Montorsolo Grechetto di Todi, Alter Ego Red. Visit Mr Todini’s winery and Taste the superb Nero della Cervara then have lunch at his resort with great views of Colli Martani. Todi is another medieval jewel. The Captain’s palace and the Prior’s Palace face the sloping main square, one of the most picturesque in Italy. Todi is regularly used as a film set. Taste the simple foods of Umbria whose ingredients and preparation have remained traditional and flavours are brought out singing with their wines to in perfect harmony. Orvieto’s wine history runs thu history from the Etruscan in 7th century bc. To the magnificent medieval cathedral from the 12th century with carvings of vines on its front Inside enjoy great frescoes by fra angelico and signorelli You’ll be staying at Locanda Palazzone, a 13th century palazzo turned luxury resort surrounded by vynyards with great views of Orvieto.. It is owned by Giovanni and Ludovico Dubini who also own the attached winery . They are the only producers who age Orvieto Taste their great food and wines like Terre Vineate, campo del Guardiano. Owned by enologist brothers Enzo and Riccardo Cotarella the Falesco estate is home to great experimentation with old vinesTop wines are. Vitiano and Ferentano. Wine was grown on the Decugnano Hills since the 13th century. Decugnano dei Barbi makes a unique sparkling wine for which they are famous and ages it in cellars exavated in the lava rock. Taste the brut Decugnano Pinot Nero and have lunch al fresco around the pool. Castello della sala owned by the antinoris is a 1000 acres estate centered on a restored Medieval Castle built in the 14th Century, The castle’s tasting room feels like Henry the VIII could come in any time. Among their top wine is Cervaro della Sala.Tasting: Cervaro della Sala, , Muffato della Sala, e Pinot Nero Sagrantino is exclusively grown in the Montefalco and Bevagna area by no more than 20 growers. Marco Capri is one of the architects of its success . In the 1970’s Caprai took an ancient dessert wine and experimenting with the vine created the first Sagrantino red. Top wine is its a warded Sagrantino Collepiano. Wines: Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG, Sagrantino di Montefalco Collepiano DOCG, Montefalco Rosso DOC, Grecante Grechetto Colli Martini DOC In the midst of Montefalco’s main square the enoteca Alchimista is true to its name concoting inimagined flavours out of classic umbrian recipes. In Montefalco visit the St. Francis Church and its remarkable frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli. Paolo Bea’s family roots in Montefalco go back to the 1500’s.The small, still artisanal production focuses on organic farming barring chemicals in the vinyard. Wines tasting: Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG, Montefalco Rosso Riserva DOC St Chiara, Rosso de Veo, , Montefalco DOC Rosso. Meet Salvatore Denaro,a chef who grows all of his own food, does not have a menu and parties every night with his patrons. A true fellinian character and an unforgettable experience. Copyright Christina Tours, LLC less

Ny Harbor History

Ny Harbor History

Pro by: Kevin and… | views: 2451 | 05:37

Kevin and Sue McCarthy take you on a tour of New York City Harbor and give you …moreKevin and Sue McCarthy take you on a tour of New York City Harbor and give you an entertaining history of the "Big Apple" and how it got it's name less

See all videos by Tim Frakes Productions...

Independence Day, Santiago, Chile

Independence Day, Santiago, Chile

Pro by: Tim Frake… | views: 4166 | 01:23

Thursday, September 18, 2003 Feeling at home back in Santiago, I threw the cam…moreThursday, September 18, 2003 Feeling at home back in Santiago, I threw the camera and tripod into my backpack and headed for the Metro light rail system. Santiago’s Metro is world class. The stations are clean, large and well lit. The trains run on a tight schedule. Television monitors on the platform tell you when the next train is due. It was independence day, and the streets were quiet. Most shops had closed for the holiday. I returned to the Plaza de Armas to record independence day celebrations. The plaza was mostly cordoned off by police. It is a Chilean Independence Day tradition for the President, the military elite, and other high government officials to attend church at the Metropolitan Cathedral on the plaza square. The appearance of the president comes with much fanfare. Two regiments of Chilean soldiers marched and paraded around the square. One of the regiments dressed in grey ceremonial uniforms with black boots. Their shiny grey helmets eerily resembled those worn by the Wermacht soldiers of Germany in World War II. While the band played patriotic music, I perched myself on a monument and had a perfect view of the plaza. Sure enough, President Ricardo Lagos arrived in an open-air limo. Lagos stood in the back seat of the convertible wearing a grey suit with a broad, red, white and blue ribbon, waving to the crowd. As the motorcade turned the corner it passed just a few feet from my camera. www.frakesproductions.com less

Hidden Lake Forest Preserve

Hidden Lake Forest Preserve

Pro by: Tim Frake… | views: 4425 | 01:17

A cold December morning at Hidden Lake Forest Preserve, DuPage, County, Illinois

Caesarea Maritima

Caesarea Maritima

Pro by: Tim Frake… | views: 4619 | 01:21

The ruins of ancient Caesarea are located on the Mediterranean coast, half way …moreThe ruins of ancient Caesarea are located on the Mediterranean coast, half way between Tel Aviv and Haifa, Israel. Herod the Great built Caesarea Maritima to honor his patron, Caesar Augustus about 25–13 BC. I visited in July, 2007 while recording footage for an upcoming documentary on the life of Apostle Peter. The book of Acts records that in Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort. Peter met Cornelius and converted him to Christianity. Caesarea harbor is one of the most significant engineering feats of the ancient world, Herod’s engineers filled barges with sand, floated them into position and then sank them in a circle, thus forming the harbor. Once Roman ships had a safe place to dock, Caesarea became a major seaport. Eventually, time and the sea washed the sand footings away. www.frakesproductions.com less