Exploration E013 Umm Yasser, Sinai's first female Bedouin guide, part 2

Summary

In this episode, viewers are taken on a hike through Wadi Sahw with Om Yasser, the first female Bedouin guide in Sinai. Om Yasser shares her experiences, including the significance of Bedouin traditions, her pride in being a guide, and the challenges she has faced as a Bedouin woman in a male-dominated field. The group admires ancient rock carvings and enjoys Bedouin hospitality while reflecting on the unique cultural heritage of the area. The episode concludes with a look ahead at upcoming adventures and a call for viewer suggestions.

Takeaways

• 🌄 The episode takes viewers on a hike in Wadi Sahu with Om Yasser, the first female Bedouin guide in Sinai.
• 🏆 Om Yasser gained publicity for being recognized by the Ministry of Tourism for her role as a trailblazing guide.
• 🐐 Om Yasser’s passion for guiding started with her love for the landscapes she saw while tending goats, wanting to share these views with tourists.
• 👩‍👧 Viewers ask if Om Yasser would teach her daughter to follow in her footsteps and become a guide.
• 🎨 The team observes ancient petroglyphs, interpreting them differently, with Om Yasser providing rich cultural insight.
• 🌍 The conversation highlights the unique experience of having a Bedouin woman guide, emphasizing her openness and the cultural exchange.
• 🗣️ Om Yasser talks about Cairo, sharing her experience of visiting for a week and enjoying the life there as a visitor.
• 🎶 Om Yasser often sings while trekking, sharing a cultural practice of Bedouin women singing to pass time while tending animals.
• 🐪 The team encourages viewers to share what they’d like to see in future episodes, mentioning they’ll explore street art and diving in Dahab next.
• 💬 The episode ends with an open invitation for viewer feedback and suggestions for future content, with Om Yasser’s camel, Sheila, also getting a mention.

Q & A

Who is Yasser, and what is significant about her role?

Yasser is a female guide from the Hamada tribe in Wadi Sahu, and she is the first female Bedouin guide in the Sinai. She received an award from the Ministry of Tourism for her groundbreaking work.

What activity does the group undertake in the episode?

In this episode, the group goes on a hike with Yasser, where they explore the Wadi Sahu area and learn more about the local Bedouin culture.

Why did Yasser decide to become a guide?

Yasser mentioned that she enjoyed taking care of goats and observing the natural landscape. She believed tourists would appreciate the beauty of her surroundings and decided to show it to them because she found it interesting and enjoyable.

What does Yasser think about Cairo after visiting it?

Yasser visited Cairo for a week and enjoyed it as a visitor, although she implied that it was not a place she would prefer to live long-term.

Does Yasser want her daughter to become a guide?

While the question was asked, Yasser’s specific answer was not included in the transcript. However, the question of whether she would teach her daughter to become a guide was discussed.

What was the group's reaction to Yasser’s achievements?

The group expressed pride in Yasser’s accomplishments, particularly the Egyptian participant who felt proud to see a Bedouin woman breaking barriers by becoming a guide.

What were some of the ancient drawings discussed during the hike?

The group observed ancient rock drawings, interpreting them as depicting scenes of people riding camels, hunting ibex with spears, and possibly traveling across the desert.

What does Yasser’s storytelling about the drawings reflect about her life?

Yasser’s interpretation of the rock drawings reflects her personal experiences growing up as a Bedouin. She shared memories of taking goats out to graze and living in caves, which helped her create detailed stories around the drawings.

Why is Yasser’s openness as a Bedouin woman notable?

Many Bedouin women are traditionally very private and do not show themselves publicly. Yasser’s willingness to be a guide and share her story, as well as her openness during the interview, makes her stand out.

What is the group’s plan for the next episode?

In the next episode, the group plans to explore more places around Dahab, focusing on areas like street art and diving spots, while leaving the desert for future trips.