Navigating the Nile: Party in Paradise: new years adventures in Siwa Pt3

And now for the party!

Until now my descriptions haven't reflected much of the title... only the fact that these adventures have been in Siwa. One of the highlights of the whole trip was New Year's Eve itself, when I got a chance to celebrate with Bedouin and foreign party-goers at a hot spring near town.

I happened upon this party by accident, really. I had become friends with Fahmy, the beautiful soul below, and chef/restaurant owner at the budget hotel where I stayed. I asked him for recommendations from the few bashes scattered around town and where he was planning to bring in the new year himself. He offered to take me to the gathering at Cleopatra's Bath, and I thought "Why not? It sure beats bringing in the new year alone!" So off we went on our bikes on a beautiful, (freezing!) headlamp-lit night. (For all the parents in the crowd I'll emphasize that I already knew Fahmy to be a trustworthy man from numerous conversations we'd had, and his interactions with other guests. I mean, look at him - doesn't his smile just scream integrity?)

(the man himself)

(Fahmy's restaurant... loved by humans and cats alike!
Watch out: he makes a mean chocolate pancake with banana and honey!)

Right, so, biking... Twenty minutes later we arrived at a gorgeous hot spring and lodge, illuminated by candles and firelight. Being a palm tree paradise, it was only fitting that music was playing from "the beach" soundtrack, an all-you-can-eat buffet would be served shortly, and hours of Bedouin singing and dancing were before us. In short it was beyond ridiculously perfect - better than anything I could have schemed. At midnight boys tried to light firework-confetti, but they stuck the wrong end in the sand (even after fifteen minutes of instruction), and so the tinsel ended up in their laps instead of in the air to my utter delight. It was an excellent way to bring in the new year - doubled over with laughter.

Throughout the evening I had meaningful conversations with Fahmy and some of the foreigners around us. Fahmy helped me to take stock of my life and see how rich and simple it is... it was truly a gift to learn with him.

At the party I also met a kind Spanish couple from the Canary Islands. They offered to share their car with me on their journey back to Cairo the following day so I didn't have to spend another full day on a bus. En route we saw a herd of camels (not wild though I wouldn't try befriending them) and stopped in Marsa Matroah to see the sun go down. It was a pleasant end to an incredible trip - Hopefully the first of many forays to the oasis!!