“Have you ever heard of a singing vacation?” one of the women at the Christina hotel asked me. I admitted that I had not. But about a dozen women had come from the Netherlands to this hippie-esque resort village on the Sinai peninsula to do just that: sing. For a week, they’ll be led by a Dutch singer named Ellie who will turn them into a choir, harmonizing on songs by Abba, Sade, Whitney Houston and others.
As I sat on the patio reading a Norwegian murder mystery novel, I’d hear them rehearsing. Though I would miss their final performance, I did get invited to join them for an evening of karaoke. A 70-ish woman sang Bohemian Rhapsody with gusto. Another couple (including the only other male – the husband of one of the participants) sang Meat Loaf’s “Paradise by the Dashboard Lights.” I took on another Queen song – “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” and did a duet with Ellie, being Elton John to her Kiki Dee on “Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart.” Couldn’t hit the high notes like Elton (of course, neither can he these days).
Not what I was expecting for my few chill days in Dahab. But, then again, serendipity is my best pal and the very reason why I travel.
Serendipity indeed, Glad to see you singing in an opportunity, Dad