Traveling Solo In Sinai

I still can't believe that I finally made it to Nuweiba, in South Sinai. I was scared of taking this step as I've never been to any part of Sinai. As well as that, Safy repeatedly told me about the many security checkpoints there where they sometimes molest girls who travel solo. Thankfully, the trip went well. My ID was checked only once and I got it back immediately while other passengers' IDs went through more checks.
However, the return trip was totally different. After spending 16 days volunteering in Dar Jan in Nuweiba, I decided to go back to Cairo. Dar Jan's owner told me that Selim, one of the volunteers there, was going back to Cairo on the same day in his own car and at almost the same time. He suggested I join him and save the ticket price. Besides saving money, I thought it was a great idea especially as I already got to know Selim during my stay there. Instead of being on a bus with people I didn't know, it was good to have him as company.

Due to traveling with a guy and with my hair uncovered (in my ID photo, I have a hijab), at every single checkpoint, Selim was asked who the girl was, from where we were coming and to where we were heading, etc. Some asked whether I was his wife! This was a stupid question as it was written on my ID "Miss" which obviously meant unmarried.
Another officer asked if I smoked! I have no idea why he asked this question! Selim is from Cairo while I'm from Luxor, which both are distant from each other so some asked how we got to know each other. I believe that another reason that made them raise their eyebrows was that Upper Egypt, where I come from, is known for its people being conservative and strict so they were kind of surprised that I was with a man alone in his car without hijab.

I don't know if all these checkpoints and investigations happened, and are happening for others, because of being in Sinai which is full of tourist attractions and foreigners! Or is it because of being in a governorate close to international borders! But this didn't happen when I traveled to Matrouh and Siwa which are close to our borders with Libya! Maybe all of this was a consequence of politics and the Camp David treaty with Israel!! Dunno!

What I'm sure about is that I enjoyed being exposed to all of these experiences and situations. Getting to know different people coming from different places, backgrounds with different mindsets and characters was enlightening and enriching. Feeling the wind in my hair was an unforgettable experience. If I could have the time again, I would make the same choices. I hope from the bottom of my heart that my desire and capacity for explorations and adventures never runs out one day.