Blogs from Red Sea, Egypt, Africa - page 5

Had a good sleep and were up at 7am to the most amazing view! Took a moment to enjoy our veranda and view of the sea/beach before we headed to breakfast! Had a buffet breakfast and then had our optional cruise boat excursion which we didnt expect to have. Sherif organized this boat cruise so that we could go snorkelling and so the group could actually experience the Red Sea before they left today for Cairo. It was actually chilly on the boat, but nice in the sun so everyone picked out different sheltered areas on the boat to sun tan. We stopped at 2 snorkel spots which were both wicked! The water was freezing but most people braved it. I stuck right with the snorkeling guide in the water as he fed the fish so ... read more

After seemingly spending all of December and January (so far) in the rain and chill we decided to head off for some sun; this time in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.We flew from Birmingham after a 6.15am departure from Cardiff. The flight took 5 hours and we arrived at Sharm el Sheikh at 6pm local time. Our hotel, the Savoy, is located only 6 kms from the airport so we were checked-in by 7pm local time and then went out for a meal at one of the restaurants in the pedestrian mall outside the front entrance of the hotel. All very easy though the temperature was rather cooler than we had expected. Friday 13th January: After a leisurely breakfast we looked round our hotel, the Savoy, which is very nice consisting of sprawling low rise accommodation with ... read more

In December 2011 Shark Attacks hit the news. Sharks were attacking tourists in Sharm el Sheikh and people fled in fear. Beaches were closed, boats lined up in the bay's stopping people going deeper than there ankles. It was chaos. Then the revolution hit in January of this year and Egypt's well built up, distinguished tourist industry came crashing down around Mubaraks ears. Divers stopped visiting, sight see-er's stopping visiting. And a huge majority of Egypt's workers lost their livelihoods. But the country remained strong. Its people didn't give up, they fought for their rights and they are still fighting today. In Sharm in a little dive centre called Oonas 4 guys came up with an idea to get people back. Make an underwater video featuring four grown men, acting like prats infront of the camera ... read more

I'm back!!! And sitting in my bungalow room by the beaches of the Red Sea, able to see across to the mountains of Saudi Arabia. Life is terrible, isn't it? I finished last time just before we headed to the sleeper train again. I had a nap in the afternoon, and I think I pinched a nerve in my elbow or something, because I couldn't straighten my arm past 90 degrees. We all thought we'd have a go at first aid while the train was moving, so I got it bandaged up and in a sling. It actually really helped- and now I am able to sit here bandage and sling free! :-) The sleeper train arrived on time, but I think the driver was either learning, or drunk. Every 5 minutes or so we'd feel ... read more

My Egyptian travels are finally over! In the 3 months I was there I managed to vsist Sharm, Dahab, Cairo and Luxor and Egypts become one of my favourite countries. However sadly the people are suffering. 80% of Egyptians in Luxor rely on the tourist industry to survive and there are simply not enough tourists visiting. PEOPLE ITS SAFE! In Cairo I actually went to Tahir Square and wandered around the protestors in a state of wonderment. They returned fascinated stares and I had a few people come up to me and thank me for visiting their country. In fact they were almost protective of me, my Cairene friend Ahmed took me to see the protest and we had to go through a civilian security check. The police dont dare go near the people at the ... read more