Bee-ing Present: Journey of Self-Discovery in Sinai, Egypt
Words & Images by Sarah I. EL Raghy
Magazine | Issue 03
This photo essay is about the journey of healing through slow living, mindfulness, and connection with nature and its creatures in the amazing landscape of Nuweiba City, Sinai, Egypt.
Images taken in 2023 in Dahab and Nuweiba Cities, Sina, Egypt.
Diaa's journey began with a move from Cairo to Sinai, where he delved into the tourism industry in Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab. Amidst his work, he stumbled upon a passion for cooking, leading him to study Culinary Arts and become a cook in various resorts across Sinai. Diaa discovered solace and tranquility by engaging in the process of preparing and serving food, perceiving cooking as a means of meditation.
As Diaa grappled with life's traumas as any human being, he sought refuge in nature, finding healing through connection and observation of Mother Earth's beauty. His path intersected with "Insight Seekers, " an initiative led by Bilal, the owner of Younis Farm located in Nuweibaa, Sinai, Egypt. Invited by Bilal to work and volunteer at the farm, Diaa accepted without hesitation.
At “Younis Farm,” Diaa's journey of discovery continued. Amongst his explorations, he stumbled upon the intricacies of bee cells ingeniously crafted within the farm's landscape.
Some cells lay abandoned, while others buzzed with the queen bee and her workers. Driven by his curiosity and passion for beekeeping, Diaa embarked on a mission to relocate these cells, aiming to enhance honey and honey-wax production while honing his skills in handling bee encounters.
Through his experiences at “Younis Farm / Dy3et Younus interaction with nature's wonders, Diaa found himself on a healing path, guided by insights from Dr. Gabor Maté's documentary, "The Wisdom of Trauma." grounded in authenticity and connection.
س " ُن يو ضيعة - Dy3et Younus A farm and a hub for the outdoor activities and equine-assisted therapy
Nuweibaa, .Egypt
As Diaa grappled with life's traumas as any human being, he sought refuge in nat
Diaa's journey exemplifies the transformative power of embracing one's passions and immersing oneself in the beauty of the natural world.
Sarah is a photographer and visual storyteller based in Alexandria Egypt who also sometimes researches, translates, and writes. Sarah is interested in researching social changes and the impact of active movements on the self and social development context through creative photography. She studied veterinary medicine at Alexandria University and humanities & liberal arts at Cairo Institute for Humanities & Liberal Arts in Alexandria (CILAS Alex) and she is a member of Taking the Humanities on the Road (THoR) Lab. Bern University.