A Field Excursion to Siwa

Departure: 7 AM, Tuesday, 8 February 2005
Return: 9PM, Friday, 11 February 2005

Day One

Our trip began at the early hour of 7 AM when our bus departed from the Green Valley school. Aboard were a total of twelve students, one teacher, and a group of leaders from the Wadi Environmental Science Centre (WESC).

After a long journey and a few stops (including lunch), the group arrived at the environmentally friendly beaux site hotel where we paused to unpack and rest. Then later, as the sun set, we headed out into the desert for a night discovery walk. When we returned, we gathered around a bonfire and listened to stories told by Ali, a local Bedouin. Ali spoke of the heritage and history of Siwa.

Day Two

Following a nourishing breakfast the next morning, the students were divided into two groups. Each would travel separately, and later in the day would trade places so that everyone got to experience everything.

Group One headed off to the Mountain of the Dead to view a presentation, prepared by a WESC leader, on the significance of Siwa throughout history. This history was then experienced firsthand during a vist to tombs dating from the Pharaonic to the Greek periods to view the mummies. Later still, the group were afforded an opportunity to sketch the spectacular panoramic view of Siwa and the Siwa Lakes.

Meanwhile, Group Two, accompanied by Lynn Frieji, founder and director of WESC, went into the old city of Shali. There they observed the marvelous labyrinth of ancient homes constructed out of mud, animal bones, clay, fruit pips, and whatever other material was available at the time: an early example of recycling.

After lunch, the two groups traded places, each carrying out the activities previous experience by the other. That evening the students made sand bottles and sat around a fire watching Siwa folk dancing.

Day Three

Day Three began with a visit to the salt lake, where the students were again divided into groups. Group One used binoculars and Siwa bird lists to identify different local birds on and around the lake, while Group Two investigated the different medicinal plants present in the area.

After trading places again, the whole group hopped into jeeps and set out in a convoy for the "Great Sand Sea". Once there, the students studied the massive sand dunes, the coral reefs, and the clam and starfish fossils. Some rolled around and played in the sand.

On the evening of the third day, the students returned to the hotel where they made hand cream, soap, and plant presses with what they had gathered throughout the day. The day ended with a debriefing and a sharing of experiences.

The Return

The group left for Cairo at 8 AM on the morning of the fourth day. Twelve hours later, the bus arrived back at the Cairo meeting point, where parents awaited the return of their loved ones, eager to hear their stories of the adventure in the desert and the things they learned there.