… to Egypt …

… starting with Safaga, on the coast of the Red Sea, one of the most therapeutic tourist centers. It has an unpolluted atmosphere, which was very appealing after our days spent in India, where the air was heavy with humidity and incense, spices, and all manner of other scents. We didn’t have a chance to try the mineral springs which are supposed to be good for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. We also decided not to go on a 3 1/2 hour bus ride across the desert to the city of Luxor, to visit the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple, because we were there in October 2010.

Instead, with another couple onboard, we got a taxi to take us to the Marriott Resort. We had a nice ride through Safaga and some neighboring towns before reaching Hurtada. The resort was lovely, with a large pool and a sheltered beach area. We brought our Swimways floats and tried out the pool. Although heated, it was nothing like the pools onboard, which must be set at about 90 degrees. This was cool and refreshing. Next we braved the sea – the most gorgeous turquoise water I’ve ever seen – the photos just don’t do it justice. It was heavenly! We floated and swam, then went back to the pool for more water time.

 

 

The hotel charged us 75 Egyptian pounds per person to use the facilities; at 6 pounds per US$, that’s about $12.50. Then they told us we could use the entire $12.50 on food and beverages. so we had a lovely lunch, and wound up only owing a few dollars. A very pleasant day.

The next day found us in Sharm el Sheikh – known as the “City of Peace” for the numerous peace conferences held there. It is also on the beautiful Red Sea, with crystal-clear turquoise water and an abundance of marine life. A major upscale resort for the entire Middle East, the city’s harbor is filled with high end yachts. Everything looks newly-built in the last 10 years, and elaborate resorts are under construction everywhere. We started the day with a glass-bottom boat ride to see the spectacular coral reefs just off shore and the brightly colored tropical fish who live there. It became an adventure ride when we learned we had to walk down a bobbing and floating dock to get to the boat! Na’ama Bay and Beach are the epicenter of the chic resort life of the high rollers who vacation in Sharm el Sheikh.

 

 

 

Restaurants and coffee shops in Na’ama Beach had low seating, and most had sheesha (water pipes) available. Shops sold just about everything – including a wide variety of spices. I especially loved this sign which says in Russian that it is “Russian Viagra for men.” Another barrel held a different spice and proclaimed it (again in Russian) “Arabic Viagra.” The merchants we talked to complained that most of their customers are now Russians and Eastern Europeans, and seemed genuinely happy to talk with people who spoke English. On our way back to the ship, our cab driver pointed out the international hospital where Hosni Mubarak stayed after he was ousted until he was forced to move to another hospital connected with the court in which he is being tried. It’s the triangular building, below.

 

 

A relaxing two days in port!