Ras(ta) Shitan - Sinai

Ras(ta) Shitan

Ras Shitan, means 'Devil's head' in arabic. Not because it is an awful place, but quite simply because of its geographical design. It looks like, when you stand in the middle, like the head of a Devil - on either side of you there is a 'horn' like protrusion of land. It is located in Sinai, near Taba and not far from Sharm. 

To explain how I feel about Ras Shitan is quite simple:

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Mou & Cav & Mobs Love Ras 

It was absolutely gorgeous and a great get away from city life, and all the rest. A peaceful place where all you can do is relax, sit in the sun, swim and eat fantastic home-cooked Egyptian, Sudanese, Israeli and Lebanese food. What more could you want?  Below is Andy and very good friend Ahmed digging in to some delicious lunch - or was it breakfast?

In the evenings, you can be entertained by musicians who come from all over to chill and play their instruments - a lot of the time Bedouins join in on the fun, and whip out a simsimaya  (see pic below) and create a tune. However, beware of the Bedouin tax - in next post, as Bedouins are not so behind on technology and business as you think - see 'New Age Bedouin' post.

You live in a hut for your stay, which can vary between very minimalist (no electricity, just a mattress and mossy net) to well equipped huts (with electricity, bed type situations, mossy net, more space etc). The price will vary depending on what you pick. We paid maximum £7.50 a night and had a good hut, on the beach and it was just perfect! Although, a powerful shower is something to be desired in all the camps there ... but being a princess is not appropriate for this type of break. Embrace the utter freedom and serenity Ras has to offer but letting go of all that superficial stuff we deal with daily.

An example of a hut! :)

During the day you chill, swim and sun bath. Talk to friends and new people who are either in your camp or who have just stumbled across your circle and stay for a while. Winter time is best to come they say, however we went in June and it was beautiful! We avoided the sun from 1pm - 3pm as it could get ridiculously hot, however the temperature at night was lovely. Sometimes a jumper was necessary but mostly due to the mossies. When the wind was blowing from the mountains the breeze was so warm that only a t-shirt was necessary (an appropriate bottom-half clothing).

It feels so safe in Ras - you can leave your hut door open, your camera and wallet lying around - you will find it the next day in its place and all money remaining, which was a little difficult to get used to for a Londoner! The only thing not to leave lying around is that bottle of rum or whiskey you bought with you, now that's fair game ;) 

Even the security measures there are back were in full swing - 4 check points if you take a coach and 6 or 7 if you drive. 

However, Ras is most beautiful, I think, at night ... when the stars come out.

This is one of Andy's pictures - seeing that many stars, whilst lying on the beach was incredible! 

Whilst you watched the stars at night, you might as well stay awake and watch the sun rise ...

Mobs and I enjoying the sun rise 

In short:

Visit Ras Shitan if you can, I will go back soon!