Egypt Visa 1987 - Sinai Only - 3 Hours to Go 100 Feet / Silver Lining

            Stayed in Taba, at the southernmost tip of Israel, mainly because it was the "most convenient" entry point into the Sinai. In fact the "border" was about 100 feet from the hotel.

Arranged a day tour to Saint Catherine Monestary and waited in the lobby at the appointed time. Little did I know that the hotel was in a "disputed territory" administered by Israel but claimed by Egypt (the dispute centered on which survey was implied by a treaty). After an hour went to the desk and asked them to call the tour agent. 

The bus was stuck at the "temporary border post". It was only allowed to go directly to the "undisputed border" not the hotel. I could not walk directly the 100 feet to the "undisputed border" because Egypt would not recognize my presence in the "disputed territory". After almost another 2 hours an agreement was arrived at: the bus driver could borrow the Israeli border agent's car, drive to the hotel, pick me up, drive out of the disputed territory, and let me off to get on the bus. I got on the bus and before I could sit down we arrived at the "undisputed border" where it was announced "Take everything with you. You will never see this bus again." Easily crossed the "undisputed border" and after some quick paperwork went through another fence and got on an Egyptian bus. There was a sign by the second fence "Do not appear naked on the beach". The rest of the day was trouble free.

Due to the border delay, arrived at Saint Catherines Monestary, at the foot of Mount Sinai, shortly before closeing - got in to see the Biblical "Burning Bush". Outside small boys latched onto the tourists - mine asked for a pen - he ran away and came back with a pile of pens that he wanted to sell to me. Went into the small gift shop and noticed a large jar of coins including pre-1964 United States 90% silver ones. These were not exchangable and of no use as money to the owner but were worth more than 10 times face as silver. I "helped out" the owner by exchanging paper money for all the coins I could carry.

Aftermath 1: the International Tribunal ruled that the Treaty intended to reference the survey that had the tiny wedge of land in Egypt. It was then transferred and the "ambiguous" border crossings combined. Later there was a terrorist attack on the Hotel with several people killed.

Aftermath 2: the central part of the Visa stamp was very old and referred to "U. A. R." which had not existed for about 25 years. This caused a problem trying to enter France a few days later "What were you doing in UAE?". {UAR was misread as UAE, an existing country} After explaining, I was admitted to France (where I was promptly robbed)..

Taken in: مصر / جنوب سيناء / Taba (show map)

Taken on: June 20, 1987

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Sets appears in: • Egypt 1982 / 1983 / 1987 - Been There, Done That (and glad of it)

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