My first proper trip in Egypt with friends organized by Pakistan International School, Cairo. It was in the month of April, 2008. School planned a trip to Wadi e Degla and we all were really excited to see this new place. We all gathered at school around 9 in the morning, had a brunch at 10 and then three buses headed to the destination.
It was a nice sunny day. In an hour or 2, we were at the desired place. One of our teacher Mr. Mohammed, professional swimmer and trekker, full of skills and expertise was guiding us all the way.
It was my first time to explore such place, full of rocks and mountains, grand canyons of Egypt. We all went to have a little walk with Mr. Mohammed to find a suitable place, settled there and had some snacks.
He told us many things about this place, there are wild animals and reptiles. Also told us that long ago, River Nile flows from here too. It can be seen from top of the mountains, the path and cutting in such a way. Honestly, I was not paying attention in the talks instead my eyes were rolling over on the mountains, very attractive and second thought of reptiles, to be careful.
When the teachers got busy with kids, me and my friends got away to explore the place by ourselves. We decided to climb the rocky mountain. OMG! Not easy at all. For me, it was very difficult to balance and put the steps forward. However, we managed with the help of each other to reach on the top. What a nice view we had from there, unbelievable. Heavy wind was blowing and slapping on our faces. We had a lot of fun and dancing. Joking around here and there. I was the eldest of all and had the responsibility to guide and make sure nothing bad happen to anyone.
We all sat on the edge to relax a bit and enjoy the view. It was quite amazing.
One of us saw a cave and was eager to reach there. We cannot just let him go alone so, we all planned to be there but advised to be careful and do not run or hurry which could cause some damage. There was not much space to walk and we were not experts to handle any mishap if occurs so, plan was to keep movement slow and steady.
We all reached in the cave safe and sound. There was a cave inside a cave. Now, who will go inside that hole? Too much of talks. I decided to go first then three of my friends behind me. It was one of the most adventurous moment of my life. I laid down and put my legs inside the cave first then dragged the body inside the cave. It was so dark inside. Other one comes behind me the same way. We were just few feet inside suddenly, the one behind me starts screaming “LIZARD LIZARD”. It was terrible feeling. Somehow, we managed to get ourselves out in seconds. Dust and dirt all in the air. All of us hurriedly came out of the cave. We asked what you saw, what happened? He was terrified and said he saw a big lizard with eggs inside the cave where we were heading to land. I am still not sure if that was true or it was just his imagination. But we all knew that what we were doing was risky.
We waited outside the cave to have some fresh air, relaxed and then get back to the main spot. We told the whole story to the teacher who was very disappointed and annoyed that we went there all alone without him. Never mind he said and told us that he had emergency light and gloves with him for such places. After all, he was an expert and knows better but he was so busy that we could miss this fun if we have waited for him.
We had lunch in the bus and then, it was some fun time for kids. Arranged few games and competitions.
Sun was going to sleep so, we started packing up and decided to leave the place before sunsets.
I got so tired that slept in the van going back home.
The trip was successful and had a good time overall.
All pictures with date mentioned on it are from my still camera, rest of the pictures are from the camera of My friends.
