Traveling Tolins 2

For the first 1.5 to 2 thousand years it was moved by sea up the Red Sea then overland to the Nile to Alexandria. The sense of smell is extremely important to the Arab culture; an art form for men/women.   Smoke = hospitality.   Western Oman has unique climate; it receives Indian monsoon rains at the correct time.  When not raining there are  mists that keep it growing for ideal quality. The resin (sap) must be carefully extracted from trees:   Men must be clean (no sex and cannot be around corpses.   Difficult to harvest partially due to flying snakes. Resin is placed on hot coals to obtain smoke with scent. Baal worshipers used 2.5 tons frankincense per year:  Respect gods (aesthetic pleasure); smoke carries prayers to gods/heavens.    Jews used 2 pounds/day in temple.     Collapse of Rome partially due to trading gold for  Arabian Frankincense.   As frankincense moved from Oman to Rome, the price raised 100 fol

Explorers sailed the waters of the Red Sea as long ago as 2500 BC.   Moses is said to have parted its waters.   Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut led trade missions upon ancient vessels to the fabled Land of Punt in search of gold, incense, and ebony.   It was a favored route among ancient Romans as they traded with India.   In addition, Napoleon famously tried, and failed, to conquer its shores.   History and legend are rich in this narrow stretch of sea between Asia and Africa.   Also renowned for its diverse marine life and remarkable visibility of up to 150 feet, the Red Sea was praised by famed diver Jacques Cousteau as “a corridor of marvels.” The slide presentation is from one of our guest lecturers with our pictures at the "Gateway to Tears" at the narrow neck of the south entrance to the Red Sea.  We have been experiencing smooth sailing.  The Red Sea is 1160 miles long and 220 miles at its widest point.  It will take us four days to travel from the "Gateway of Tear