The Red Sea

We have been lounging on the Red Sea since Saturday. Unfortunately, the conditions for diving have not been ideal, but we got in two days of diving that were absolutely spectacular. First in Safaga, on the west side of the sea. Then in Sharm El Sheikh, which is at the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Safaga is nice because it is a relatively unknown resort town, whereas Sharm is the Cabo San Lucas of Europe - a lot of scantily clad Russians, Germans and Italians lining the beaches and filling the pubs. One could forget that we are in a Muslim country.

Because of the heavy winds, the ferry to Sharm on Monday was canceled and we ended up in Safaga for an extra day. It turned out to be a fortuitous event, as the boys rented ATV's, went into the desert in the afternoon and ended up hanging out with a bedouin family in their camp. They watched them make bread over a fire fueled by camel poop, rode their camel, drank tea and chilled in the tent. They both returned to the resort so excited about what they called the highlight of the trip. As for my friend and I, we chilled for the afternoon, had a great lunch with my cousin and finally got some much needed down time.

Tomorrow is our return to chaotic Cairo for one last day of crowds and diesel fumes. Then to Paris for the weekend.