It Began In Afrika

Or so I thought until Anna and I found out upon our arrival that the Sinai peninsula (i.e. Egypt east of the Suez canal) is considered by many to be in Asia. But classifications aside, it's been a remarkably enjoyable start to the trip, with a relaxed week of fun in the sun... when it was out!! An early sunrise and sunset at 4pm make for a short day – Egypt should look into adopting some daylight savings time me thinks! But seeing as temperatures were 30°+, it was often a blessing when the afternoon dusk did arrive.

We were staying in Naama Bay, which boasts vast clear seas, coral reefs and fish aplenty so we got on the snorkeling gear and took to the Red Sea. An bountiful array of fish could be seen and I only wish I had an underwater camera to share some of the sights with you. After that experience I can't wait to go diving in Thailand - I'll be Jacques Cousteau in no time, I just need to get myself a wee red hat!!

Naama Bay was a nice place, very touristy and occaisionally verging on 'Brits abroad' but that scene was easy to avoid. By night the hustle and bustle of the shops, bars and restaurants was very appealling, although it was a sober thought reflecting that scores of innocent people were killed and more injured in terror attacks in that exact place only four years before. No doubt in response to this there is a very visual police presence but they never seemed to have any more demanding duties than directing traffic, which I guess is a good thing.

Getting a few souvenirs provided a good platform to practice my haggling skills which could probably do with some improvement – less angry and defensive, more open and friendly. The Egyptians we met were all very forward, continuously calling me 'lucky boy' to have such a fine young lady on my arm and they all seemed very covetous, although I didn't get any solid financial offers!! One of the few exceptions was our house keeping guy, Rafat, who somehow got the wrong end of the stick and came to the erroneous conclusion that Anna was my mistress, and we were on a cheeky week away from my loving wife and kids back home. I don't think this sat well with him and he gave us many knowing and disapproving looks. He must have been a man of great morals, either that or he was irritated that I kept using all the toilet paper after the Egyptian fare didn't agree with me!

Overall (was going to write 'on the whole' but it didn't seem appropriate), it was a amazing week (thanks Anna!) and a nice relaxing way to start the travels. And now I'm off on my own and it does indeed begin in Africa... Cairo here I come!