Going home

MONDAY 8th

Once again the cloud has returned but at least the wind is blowing from the south and the temperature is rising. With most of the packing done we headed down to our sunbeds. We only had a couple of hours as our cases have to be ready for noon even though we are not departing for the airport until 2pm. The lagoon is now open but no-one was in the area. Probably not enough children around.

Our sunbed neighbours were certainly making the most of it. They had been to Eilat and had a lovely day although they didn't go swimming with the dolphins. No longer are the creatures let out into the sea at night due to the behavior of some tourists. So for their own protection they remain in the enclosed reef. They told us some people wanted them to perform tricks but Management refuse - if the dolphins wish to act naturally all well and good. They found Eilat itself was dirty. The market stalls selling hand crafted goods was tat! The population is now in thousands and adjoining Jordan has twice as many residents as Eilat.

We returned to our room due to the flies which is just as well as the porter was knocking on our door at 4 minutes past noon whilst I was struggling to find a securing strap. We took a leisurely lunch in 'Breeze' and a photo of the staff which Bassem, the restaurant Manager, wants emailing to him. (Ithink Bassam looks like Bernie Winters if anyone can remember the entertainment duo of Mike and Bernie Winters.)

Congregating in the foyer we had already received instructions as to which coach we should board. We were on 4, the last. I chatted to Margaret, who was to travel on 3, recalling to time we were heading for the airport in Majorca and they couldn't get the luggage door closed and in the end had to get a replacement bus causing a mad dash to the airport and then being raced through to board the plane. So you can image my thoughts when as we sat in our coach the staff were having great difficullty in closing the luggage door immediately under my window. The problem turned out to be someone's golf clubs. All the Management and some staff stood and waved goodbye until we were out of sight which we thought was a very nice gesture. I had commented to one of the Managers who we have spoken to on several occasions that I wished he wasn't looking so happy that we were all leaving!

Our journey of 45 minutes as we had no picking up to do took us through the various security gate. At the last gate an official boarded and inspected our passport entry stamp and immigration card which has just filled out before allowing us to proceed any further. We passed a few more desolate hotels stating that nothing would entice us to come and stay in these locations. Being daylight we had chance to see the scenery that we missed in the dark. It had been 29C in Taba so getting out of the coach at the airport felt very cold. Queueing was stretched across a road along a path outside the small terminal building and so those that travelled in shorts and Tshirts were soon putting on thick jackets. We began to wish we had not packed our fleeces in the suitcases, but at least the line was moving faily quickly. Keith wanted the toilet and made his way to a block close to the coach park only to be stopped by an official who said there was no water. Inside the terminal building I was ushered into the queue to check in despite telling the officer I was waiting for my husband who was in the toilet. He thought I wanted the toilet and pointed me in the right direction! Reaching the check in desk our clerk was on the phone, talking to a colleague, and asking if we had prebooked seats. Issuing our boarding cards we found we were sitting on aisle seats which was fine but on different rows. More security checks and this time some of the women were up in arms as their tubes of makeup and cream were confiscated despite being the recommended size and all placed in a sealed clear bag. I play safe and put it all in my suitcase since having some perfume confiscated. Our seats were near the front and I had actually got extra leg room. Keith was a row behind on the opposite side and didn't and so we swopped seats as his knees were touching the seat in front. Despite the extra legroom he still found the flight uncomfortable and for some reason it took an hour longer to fly home. He declined the meal and I chose vegetarian being told by a Dale Winton look alike it was something like apricots and couscous but have the sausage and mash. I had the apricots and it was delicious, one of the best charter meals I have tasted. I even indulged in the apple crumble remembering it was 25 Egyptian pounds at the Dive Centre! Touching down at Gatwick we were a little alarmed to see at least 12 snow ploughs lined up by the runway but at least the ground was dry. Bad news the temperature was 1C. There was an icy wind blowing as we waited for our courtesy bus back to the Cambridge Hotel. We arrived just in time to have a meal before the restaurant closed. Bad news breakfast finishes at 9am!

Making the most of our last day

SUNDAY 7th

Oh its looking so good - not a cloud in the sky and a calm seal but still that cold northerly wind. We settled down on our sunbeds and today Margaret joined us as allegedly Stuart is going for a last game of golf, although he aches all over and has a head cold. In the end he just collected his clubs and came home. The water in our pool is always cold - too cold for Margaret to dip and and out of and with the heat getting to her she decided to return to her bed by the Sculpture pool. It was a perfect day but the sea was very cold and so we didn't venture in due to returning home tomorrow. The flies were the biggest problem perhaps because we had so many shrubs around us.

We took our usual stroll to the Dive Centre for lunch where we had even more flies trying to share our meal. We chose the spicy lamb pitta sandwich as it is wrapped in paper thinking the flies would not get access to our meal - they tried their best. When we had finished eating we moved to a table in the shade which is where we should have sat in the first place.

We returned to our sunbeds but really wanting to get into the sea. It was after 4pm before we made our way up to our room. The sun was still shining over Jordan and Saudi with the mountains taking on a red tinge which if conditions are right reflects into the sea - hence the 'Red Sea'. We have only seen this once this holiday and that was in front of the Club Med site.

We were first into the 'Tanour' to be soon joined by the rest of regulars forcing the French out, and I mean out. Tonight seats have been arranged by the 'Fram' garden shed so they can play their noisy games there. We have all said we should hate to be here when it is busy as it is the team rather than the guests that seem to do all the shouting.

Tonight's cabaret in 'On the Rocks' was a belly dancer and another 'Spinner' but once again I failed to have my camera with me. I can never get tired of watching this routine. The disco began and so we had more exercise before retiring around midnight.

Looking like a good day

SATURDAY 6th

It's very quiet again as the groups have left for Petra and Eilat. Our sunbed neighbours are going swimming with the dolphins and then shopping in Eilat. I have told them about my memories of swimming with the dolphins as a surprise 45th birthday present from Keith. I can recall it as though it was yesterday. I was less competent in the water in those days and unbeknown to us our outing was videoded. The team asked if they could use it for advertising and we were given a copy as it shows you don't have to be able to swim. Most of the film is of Keith holding my hand and dragging me along. I can remember having my mask and snorkell kicked by one of the two German ladies in our group of 6. I panicked and leaped on Keith's back and pushed him under the water which took him by surprise - we had been told to let the dolphins come to us and not chase them which is what some of the group were doing.

Anyway back to our time by the pool. It is changeover day for the French and so the family have departed but someone else has been quick to take over their sunbeds. The birds are back and so are the flies! We were enjoying the warmth of the sun when a large black cloud appeared overhead and seemed to stop. Blue sky at sea, blue sky to the south and blue sky behind the mountain, and blue sky over the 'Sofitel' next door!

We went for a stroll along the front and saw the lagoon is almost full of seawater now but the closed signs are still in place. A few people were on the beach but everyone was again wrapped up in towels trying to keep warm. In the small bay a different sailing boat had taken shelter along with one of the dive boats. We walked up the wide track between the hotel grounds and the mountainside meeting another Brit coming in the opposite direction and commenting that "even the locals have left". We soon found ourselves by a deserted bedouin tent and saw what he meant. This must be the site of the tradional bedouin evening. It looked a sorry state today with broken pots and bare branches everywhere. We walked up the path were remains of metal canisters containing burnt ashes lined the way. Reaching the end of the path we entered a tunnel constructed of dried palm leaves woven together with tradional lamps hanging down to light the way. Coming out the other end we found ourselves on familiar territory by the tennis courts and over the road the 14th tee of the golf course.At last the blue sky reappeared so we returned to our sunbeds.

Lazing by the pool

FRIDAY 5th

Sunshine, cotton wall balls of cloud and a breeze rather than a wind! We won't be on the beach but are happy to laze around the pool area again. Well it would be a little better if (a) the flies weren't so persistant and (b) the French family would refrain from shouting across from their balcony to Grandpa by the pool.

By lunchtime the balls of cloud have turned into a blanket so it seemed like a good idea to walk up to the town for lunch. We settled in the bar area rather than outside and ordered. Keith was keen to find out what a 'Fish Bedouin' was but our waiter didn't understand so went for help. He returned with the waiter who had served us last night. Grilled fish - that would do nicely. Whilst our meal was being prepared they brought us a small meze. I had chosen the seafood salad which Keith has sampled on various occasions down at the Dive Centre. People began to fill the place and eventually a large plate containing a decorative foil parcel. Opening it up he was surprised to find a baked sea bass with lots of Mediterranean vegetables and herbs, and a wonderful smell. Said it was the best fish dish he has sampled in months. Last night Margaret and I had the 'Taba Queen pancake'. We really wanted to share one but the waiter brought us one each. It turned out to be a small pancake with honey icecream and one between two us would not have been enough! I had hoped to try another today but with the meze I was 'stuffed'.

We walked back to our hotel just as a few spots of rain began to fall. By the time we reached home the sun was shining again. Just for a change we continued down the road leading to the beach area. Passing our sunbeds we were surprised to see some of our neighbours still sunbathing. They were only here for the week and were going to make the most of the sun. Maged our towel boy arrived and tried his best to get us to stop - no thanks. On the lawn by the 'lap pool' a football match was taking place with several local people encouraging the players. Some of the staff briefly stopped what they were doing to take a look. We can only think it was a game between the hotel staff of Taba Heights.

'On the Rocks' was quiet tonight as there was no entertainment. The bar man was upset as his leave had been cancelled for 3 days due to the arrival of 35 VIPs to the hotel. His wife was not too happy either and refused to speak to him. She lives in Cairo with their year old baby and he said he would call gain after midnight, hoping she would be in a better mood.

Snow and ice cancel trip

THURSDAY 4th

Oh dear another day of sun, cloud and wind and no-one is rushing to the sun beds by the Sculpture pool. Heading to breakfast we saw a large unsigned notice on the Longwoods' desk stating 'Petra trip cancelled due to snow and ice in Petra.' We assumed it was a joke but once we were settled by the pool we heard a couple of our neighbours talking. It was true as they were supposed to be on it. It has been rescheduled for Saturday. For a change we can see the mountains of Saudi quite clearly which doesn't look good as while we have had decent weather the country has been in a haze - or is that too much red wine! The wind was cold today and we kept our clothes on. We took a stroll and found some people preferred to be on the beach but again huddled behind the wind breaks.

We had fish and chips in 'Breeze' for lunch. The portion is quite adequate, and served in a cone of paper set in a spiral metal container, so we don't feel too guilty. Two ladies had remained outside to have their coffees. The waiters failed to remove the crockery and the container of packets of sugar so this table was soon covered in sparrows and the larger black birds.

Margaret and Stuart joined us for dinner at the 'Flying Carpet' taking the 7.30 taff taff to downtown. It was really cold hanging around the hotel entrance as the bus seemed to be running late. It wasn't, it just changes times in the evening and not really running to schedule according to the driver. These taff taffs are open buses and the speed we were travelling made it feel even colder. At least we had our fleeces but Margaret only had a thin denim jacket. At least the restaurant was warm and welcoming and the food excellent. But again we had to hang around in the cold by the steps leading to 'Three Corners Hotel' for the 10.30 bus. At least the cloud has disappeared and the stars are visible. Looking over to Saudi we could made out the line of cloud where the moon was struggling to make an appearance.

We arrived at 'On the Rocks' for a nightcap just as the 'Fram' young entertainment team were finishing their show. The music playing was 'Riverdance' but they were not doing Irish dancing.

We seemed to do a lot today

WEDNESDAY 3rd

"It is a lovely sunny day and the sea is calm" says Keith. However when we stepped out of our room the wind was blowing across the golf course for a change! So after breakfast we abandoned the idea of going on the beach and settled for our usual sunbeds. The 8 Brits and a single French man were enjoying the peace and quiet until a French family came and took the beds by the edge of the pool. Grandpa and Grandma, precocious very young grand daughter, Father wearing a a set of huge headphones so was oblivious to everything that was going on around him and a brief appearance of Mother. We had a little respite when the grandparents took the girl for a walk. Gazing around wondering where all the birds had gone today I saw a total of 13 eagles soaring above us - at least I think they were eagles. I told Keith to move around in case they were vultures!

We stayed until lunchtime and for a change went to eat in 'Tanour'. I thought I had ordered a meze but a large bowl of crispy fried pastry, chickpeas, garlic and something else in a yoghurt and cream sauce was placed in front of me, along with a basket of pitta bread. I managed to eat half of it and wished I had ordered Keith's small meat pasties on a bed of salad.

Not wanting to sit in the sun again we set off for the town to stock up on beer. There was a few more people wandering around today and before catching the taff taff we stopped for drinks at 'The Flying Carpet' which was now open. Previous visits the veranda has been littered with upturned tables and chairs but now it was invitingly arranged with a display of 'hubble bubble pipes' neatly lined up on the window sill. With with the sun shining down we enjoyed our short stay.

Looking inside the restaurant and admiring another chandelier was very appealing - the menu being similar to that at the Diving Centre. We made a definite decision to come and eat here tomorrow night under the 'dine around scheme' operated by our hotel. (We have a booklet of all the places we can eat in Taba Heights but the reservation must be made 24 hours in advance at reception when we will be given a voucher towards the cost of our meal. The price varies depending on the location of the restaurant. This is because we would not be eating in the hotel that evening which we thought very fair.)

We joined new friends for happy hour and left just as the French were about to begin their parlour games. It was still early so we called in 'On the Rocks' and learnt that the singer has been sacked for failing to turn up on Sunday night after a drinking session with her boyfriend. The original DJ has not been seen either. We watched the International Show for the third time!

More exercise

TUESDAY 2nd

Are we ever going to see the end of this wind? At least we have sunshine and because of the layout of the hotel grounds we can at least find some shelter. Today we settled down on the top level of the split pool on beds normally occupied by 15 month old Lilian's parents, but they all went home yesterday. The sun got the better of us and as it was lunchtime it seemed a good idea to take our 45 minute stroll to the Dive Centre. I got shouted at by a camel owner when I took a photo of one of the camels tethered to post set in concrete that was now abandoned on the rough section of the beach. We guess this area will soon be having another hotel erected. Across the path was a wadi where a young boy was fast asleep on the rough rocks. At first it looked like a bundle of discarded material until I saw a leg movement. (Stuart, a keen new golfer, had told us about the barefoot young boys around the golf course who are quick to collect stray balls. For a tip they will returned the ball otherwise they are sold in another part of the course!) This particular young boy though looked after mother's 'stall' at the side of the jogging track where she displayed some tacky jewellery and wood carvings mostly of camels. There was several of these women along the route past the 'Intercontinental Hotel' who only said "hello" as we passed by.

Returning from our lunch via the water's edge we have to jump a wide stream running into the sea. The part I chose had very soft sand so I went sprawling on it as I landed. Sensible Keith had chosen a section nearer the sea where he was able to launch himself from a large rock to reach the other side without getting his feet wet. As the yellow flag was flying on some sections today several people had ventured into the sea, but in our area the red flag was still out and the waves are breaking over the reef. One man was walking in the sea but no-one seemed interested in telling him off. The schooner on its way back to the Marina from Coral Island looked quite good with its sails billowing in the wind - it was still using the engine to get back though.

It was a very late night for us as we watched the Egyptian entertainment and then danced the night away. Stuart and Margaret remained with us, although we couldn't get Stuart off his seat!

More wind

SUNDAY 31st

More wind from the North and a build up of cloud. Several large ships are at anchor and the dive boat is operating again. Yesterday they were unable to get out of the Marina. A stroll through the grounds brought us down to the beach where yesterday's strong winds had flooded parts of the beach. A team of staff were already working hard to clear the seaweed and other debris from the beach. In the lagoon the water has been completely pumped out and what appears to be an unenthusiastic team of men are cleared the bottom of seaweed.

As the cloud thickened we returned to our room mainly for me to take to my bed. I felt so cold and shivery. Keith went for a walk to have lunch at the Dive Centre whilst I slept the rest of the day missing my evening meal.

MONDAY 1st February

No sign of the wind abating but we still headed for the pool area by 'Breeze'. The towel boy Maged had already put the towels out for us. A lot of the people we travelled out with are returning home today, some we thought leaving it a little late to eat for their 2pm departure to the airport. We lingered on our sunbeds until mid afternoon before returning to our balcony.

After chatting in the 'Tanour' with Margaret, a Sicilian, and her husband Stuart, we stayed on to eat in the Lebonese restuarant. Sue and Peter had joined us and as it was Peter's 65th birthday we shared the table. They are another pair of regular visitors to the hotel. As expected the food was wonderful. We had our own mini barbeques to keep our grilled chicken pieces and lamb chops warm whilst Keith chose a beef dish. I had chosen sauteed beef and pine nuts for a starter, the others ordering chicken livers cooked in wine with pomegranates. I had a taste, which was nice, but I don't think I could eat a whole dish of the rich food.

Walkabout again

SATURDAY 30th

It's changeover day for the French so they are congregating to get the last of their holiday sunshine around the Sculpture pool. The Jordians are already in the pool, the women fully clothed, and attempting to play water polo. We have yet to have breakfast!

The window has freshened overnight and once again white tops are rolling along in the northerly breeze. We decided to go into the town again but taking the taff taff and walking back. Keith wants a baseball cap to shade his forehead. Despite visiting every suitable shop that was open he was unable to get one that would sit on his head, most having a shallow crown. We have plenty at home but always forget to pack one, same with adaptors! The Egyptian who is usually sitting outside his Antique shop was missing so I took the opportunity of looking at some of the items outside knowing I would not be pestered. At least the searching brought us to the off licence where we could get beer and wine at half the hotel prices. There is nothing to say we cannot bring drink into the hotel but all bags are searched at the front door security gate. We do not have to enter the hotel by this route as the staircase in our block leads onto the back road by the edge of the golf course. So much for security!

We took lunch at the 'Al Fresco' their speciality being Italian food and mainly pizzas. Not a favourite of ours but we cannot comlain as it is on the house, along with our drinks. However as we got up to leave one of the waiters came chasing us to sign for our drinks. Mohammed the bar manager was not very happy about this and as we signed the bill he was giving the waiter a good telling off.

By now the wind was very strong and as we returned to our room leaves and dead flowers had blown onto the landings and corridors. The wicker chair at the top of our staircase was nearly outside our room with the cushion and the plywood base spread about. We put it back together and found a sheltered spot for it. There is a lot of comings and goings with the maintenance men and Management seem to be everywhere so we guess it must be the time of year for an inspection. The sun tried to make an appearance but the thick cloud won the day.

We had booked to eat at 'Breeze' tonight as Tuesday and Saturday's are their seafood night and the fish is delivered fresh on these days. We stopped for a happy hour drink at the'Tanour' and asked where the till had gone. They appeared to be having a bit of bother with it last night but Ahmed said it has been taken away to protect it from the rain. Rain the weather reports have said nothing about more rain! Walking down to the 'Breeze' we said the towel boys had turned all the sunbeds onto their sides so we guess we are in for some bad weather. Every table in the small round restaurant was taken and every patio heater was on. But as we ate our meal the wind dropped and heavy rain began. Thankfully it didn't last long.

In the Red Sea

FRIDAY 29th

I said yesterday I would go in the water today. I had a dream during the night where I entered the water by one of the buoyed channels and just as I was about to "take off " an octopus came and wrapped its tenticles around one of my legs pulling me further out to sea. Naturally I began to shout for help and told myself not to panic, but panic I did. I don't remember the outcome!

As promised by the watersports team the weather was perfect with ideal conditions to suit my incompetence. I chose to enter the water by the short jetty further up the beach and where I could see the water was shallower because a woman was stood up to her waist. I prepared myself for snorkelling before entering the water so climbing down the ladder in fins was not an easy task. The water came up to my chest, which was a bit of a shock, as I stood to place my mask in a comfortable position. Without having to go very far I saw a wide variety of fish, pipe, rainbow wrasse, angel, dark blue thin flat fish with a large bright yellow spot, hundreds of small fish darting in and out of the colourful coral. I also spotted a very large fish under an overhang and moved back to get a better view. A sudden movement and then panic on my part as I saw a very large octopus moving along the coral and then swimming right by me, so close I could have touched it. I was still close to the end of the jetty where an English couple were sat with their feet dangling over the side. When I got out of the water the man was so excited at seeing the octopus he said it had made his holiday. They laughed when I told them of my dream! Keith had made his way over the reef back to the larger jetty and was sitting on the sun bed when I returned. He hadn't seen an octopus but had seen some very large fish of different varieties. Still I was very happy and keen to return. I waited until I had warmed up again and then back in the sea I was lucky to see a large brown and white lion fish, with large fan like fins in a crevice. I lay there hoping it would come out even though I knew it was poisoness. I could not believe my eyes as next to it was another octopus. How I wished I had got an underwater camera - what a picture an octopus and lion fish in the same frame.

We took a late lunch and then went for a walk along the stretch of beach to the 'Club Med' building site. We were not impressed other than it will be sheltered from the wind. Some of the older buildings looked furnished by most of the place is still under construction. We wondered how the lorries gained access to the place as we could see no signs of a roadway.

Returning to our complex we did more exploring, passing over a dried up river bed where we stopped on the bridge to do a spot of birdwatching. It seems to be the making season and the blalck headed birds with hellow underparts are pairing up. We watched one doing it's mating routine but saw no takers! We discovered the tennis courts and next to it the plant centre with plenty of empty plant pots but not many new plants growing.

When it was time to eat we arrived at the 'Limoncello' the same time as a party of 45 Jordanians. Our 'girl' was full of apologies for the lack of dining space as she escorted us to the overflow dining room to be seated amongst several tables of ladies and children - not a Jordanian man in sight! It was not a problem for us as we kept telling staff and I quite enjoyed seeing the ladies dressed in traditional and western clothes feeding their children. It was a good opportunity to see how they eat some of the unusual foods. One curly headed little boy made us laugh when on finishing his bowl of soup he got up from the table and took the bowl through the door marked 'Service'. He could easily have gone through the door marked 'toilets'. We said hello to him on his return. He came to our table with a cold chip dipped in tomato sauce and handed it to me whilst wanting to shake my hand. Not to be left out he went to get Keith an even bigger chip with more tomato sauce on it! The family seemed to enjoy the encounter. Management apologised yet again and invited us to take lunch on them at the 'Al Fresco' restaurant at lunchtime tomorrow.

Once again it was a lovely night so we remained on our balcony until late.

Getting better

THURSDAY 28th

Less wind so as the day progresses we may get our clothes off! The hotel is only 55% full and it seems even quieter today as many of the Longwoods' guests have gone on the day trip to visit the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. Although this was a good, but expensive, way to visit Jordan we have been told we would have at least 5 hours walking and we had to get up very early.

So after a morning by the pool, but not yet taking a dip, we set off to walk to the Dive Centre again for lunch. The sea was so flat and lots of people were snorkelling and diving, the beach beds were occupied and beach activities were taking place. We had been approached whilst lazing by the pool to come and play water polo. "Do I look like the sort of person who plays water polo? I don't think so!" His reply was "No, perhaps not, more of a belly dancer - I can teach you" "With my bad back, thanks, but no thanks!"

Back after lunch Keith went to collect his snorkelling gear whilst I went for towels and to search out a couple of sunbeds preferably near the jetty. Despite the notices the Russians were still walking into the water over the reef. A kingfisher obliged me by resting on a jetty post so I could capture him on camera. If only I had left it switched on I could have taken a photo of him diving into the sea and returning with a fish in its beak - it would have been a cracking shot. As we returned to our room with the setting sun people were still coming down to the beach. The watersports centre located on the beach have said we shall have similar weather tomorrow. The air temperature, pool temperature and sea temperature are all the same today 27C.

We have discovered the 'Tanour' bar and restuarant has happy hour from 6-7pm which more or less coincides with our dining routine. The only drawback is the French guests take up a large section of the floor seating by the corner of the bar to play noisy parlour games run by the French 'Fram' entertainment team . The bar staff are not happy with this arrangement apart from the noice none of the French guests are buying drinks.

We gave the entertainment a miss again tonight. As the evenings are getting warmer we are quite content to sit on our balcony with a bottle of wine and watch the lights of Saudi which stretch all along the coastline as far as the eye can see. During the daytime there appears to be nothing but mountains and the 3 chimneys of a factory which we have been told is the border between Jordan and Saudi Arabia. But at nights we can see many lights high up in the mountainside as well.

Going downtown

WEDNESDAY 27th

A hazy start with less wind but not convinced it was warm enough to laze by the pool or sea. So by 10am we began to walk uphill along the route dividing the golf course to the shopping centre and getting a view of the back of our hotel. A sign warning about cars on the road amused us. We kept to the footpath crossing the road by the nearest roundabout to the buildings, each roundabout having a security guard by it, but we never could understand what for as all the roads in and out of the area are security gated.

Keeping to the outside of what we thought was a mosque we had to ask directions from two men working on one of the buildings close by. He pointed us through an archway and following his signs we came to 'The Magic Carpet' to be accosted by a persistant carpet seller! Keith walked on but I had trouble trying to escape. Eventually I caught up with him whilst trying to find the supermarket where we hoped to by water and cheaper beer and wine. Gazing around the area with several empty shops, closed eating places, but it was early, bar and bank we couldn't see the supermarket. We met a couple from London and whilst I was in a conversation with her Keith was hearing about her 78 year old husband being a freeman of London. I would have been interested to hear him speak of his experiences too. (When we all met at the bus stop to take us back to our hotels on the courtesy bus (local name taff taff) we found ourselves sat with them. They love their holidays and at 76 he took his first and last dive in Kenya as it nearly killed him!)

We found the supermarket but not the entrance. We had walked past it when I was taking a photo of old wooden doors by the Bedouin house that lead out of the complex into the desert.

We spent the afternoon lazing by the pool and 'Breeze' restaurant after having lunch there. On our return to our room we did a little more exploring before returning through the 'Palm Court', an area of floor cushions and hubble pipes and where one could take afternoon tea.

We returned to 'Breeze' for our evening meal as the wind had died away but the patio heaters were alight for which we were very grateful. We gave 'On the Rocks' a miss tonight.

Exploring the grounds

TUESDAY 26th

I awoke early to find the room quite light and discovered that in an area high above the balcony door leading to the arched ceiling of the room coloured lights were coming in through a small triangled shaped stained glass window. When it was time to rise I was disappointed to see the wind had created white tops on the sea and it was feeling very cold. Still it didn't stop us climbing into our holiday clothes and going on the long hike to 'Limoncello' for an excellent buffet breakfast.

We had been invited to a reps meeting in 'On the Rocks' at 10.30 so decided that for once we would attend as the wind was still blowing. It was well attended, very informative, and unbelieveably short. We had all been given a pack of information on arrival and so were aware of some of the trips. Prices were in US dollars, apart from the Coral Island cruise which was in euros. Having been in this area many times, namely Eilat 19km from the border between Egypt and Israel in the late 1980's until 1994 when Keith had to give up diving, we were not interest in venturing out of the area. No pressure was put on the guests to do any of the trips and activities and so this was the first and last time we were to see our rep throughout our stay unless we visited his desk.

Now it was time to explore the hotel grounds. We had a map of the area and a plan of the hotel grounds. We began walking across the area with the sculpture pool, down a slope to a level where there was an olympic size lap pool, and an information board with a paragraph stating 'no children under 16'. Once again sunbeds had been neatly arranged around 3 sides of this pool. A water feature cascaded down to a large lawn and a giant chess board. One of the paths to the right lead down to a split pool, a jaccuzzi, and on the bottom level a smaller pool where the water was always cold. The 'Breeze' restuarant was on this level and even though it was open heavy clear plastic screens had been hung to protect diners from the wind. There was the addition of patio heaters for the really cold days. Studying the different blocks of rooms, which were all sorts of shapes and heights, and in public areas most ceilings were domed, some open to the elements and contained different designs of circles of lamps. The architect had a real vision when he designed this hotel, and was the first to be built, which is obvious from the mature landscaped gardens. Finally we came out to the sea water lagoon currently undergoing maintenance during our stay . This apparently is a popular place for families as there is sand around the area of sun beds leading into the lagoon.

Across a 1750 metre long jogging path is a wide stretch of sand with several jetties over the coral reef allowing access into the water. In several places buoyed channels were marked for swimmers to enter the sea but a lot of people, especially the Russians, were just going into the sea anywhere. Observant life guards could be heard blowing whistles and approaching these people making them return out of the sea. We followed the jogging trail which took us past all the seafront hotels and we decided our hotel really looked the best. At each hotel we were stopped by the security guard to have our camera bags examined discovering one particular guard was only interested in obtaining free cigarettes! The end of the track lead to the Diving Centre where guests could try various watersports. The Marina was also nearby but fenced off from the public.Adjoining the Diving Centre was a small restaurant and so we decided to have a long lunch break here.

As we left with the wind still blowing I noticed waves going in the opposite direction to those out at sea. Close to the water's edge we watched 3 dolphins just breaking the surface but the sight didn't last long as they must have heard the approaching dive boat returning to the Marina, and quickly disappeared. We were not stopped by the security guards on our return. By now several people had occupied the sun beds pulling the wattle screens in a semi-circle around their beds. As we stopped for a drinks at the beach bar we saw one man had braved the elements and was snorkelling. I had ordered a fresh mango fruit juice which was so thick I had trouble sucking the juice through the straw!

We pondered about going on the sun beds but realised it would not be long before the sun set behind the mountains. Tonight was 'Oriental Night' in 'Limoncello'. It was not Chinese as we expected but again excellent food. The roast chicken had so much flavour it was no wonder it was proving popular with the guests and I noticed Chef was now carving smaller portions.

The Cabaret was awesome with a man twirling non stop for around 20 minutes. During this time he created patterns using several different designed woven round baskets whilst the black and white harlequin skirts flared out to reveal his long white robes underneath. The lights dimmed and at this point one of the two skirts was pulled up to cover the top part of his body and then both skirts became illuminated, after which he discarded the top skirt. What also amazed us was at the end of the show he was able to walk in a straight line!

Flight to Egypt

MONDAY 25th

It was a rude awakening at 4.45am to depart at 5.30am for the short run to Gatwick South Terminal. The dropping off point was a hike up several stairs and ramps to reach the check in desks. The adjoining clerks were discussing some holiday destination stating "visited it the once don't want to go again". Being me, I asked where they were talking about. Sharm El Sheik! By 5.50am we had cleared security after Keith had once again set off the alarm. This time it was something around his legs and he had to removed his shoes so they could go through the Xray machine. With a very short conveyor belt I collected all his belongs as the trays and bags were beginning to pile up. Julia had told us Gatwick had plenty to offer and she was right. Lots of nice shops, plenty of seating, and several eating places although I was still very full from last night. Keith needed food to take his medication so we eventually settled for the French bar and restaurant. By 7.30am the terminal was very busy. Our flight to Taba Heights in the Red Sea area of Egypt was scheduled to depart at 9am and it was 8am before the gate number came on the departure screen. A very long was to Gate 37 where already most of the seats in the waiting area were occupied. It wasn't a problem as we shall be sitting for the next four and a half hours. This trip we had chosen aisle seats and we were both sat next to nice couples in Row 18. My neighbour was a frequent visitor to the Hyatt Regency hotel at this time of the year. Our journey took us over Dover, on to France, the Alps, down to Thessaloniki, Cyprus and eventually into Egypt and the small airport at Taba Heights, landing on time at 4pm local time, and a temperature of 11C - not quite what we had expected.

This small airport is in the Sinai desert and although the plane was only about 20 yards from the building we all had to pile into airport coaches to be taken to the door. Airport officials greeted us, including a Policeman holding a tray of flowers. From a distance I thought it was a bouquet for someone but it turned out to be single carnations with a bit of greenery, each flower gift wrapped, and handed to the ladies as they passed by. 25th January is Police Day. Nice to receive a flower instead of a motoring ticket! We were requested to apply for our visas here if we wished to go on certain tours so whilst most of us passed through the various official booths there was a delay in departing the airport to our destination in Taba Heights. Sitting in our allocated bus we watched people emerge from the airport, some carrying golfing bags, but it looked as though most of us were here to get some sun on our backs. The team of baggage handlers were busy putting luggage into the coach's storage space once it had been identified by the owner. Holding out their hands in anticipation of a tip Keith said he had placed a £2 coin in one fellow's hand and took £1 back, which caused some laughter among them all.

An hour later as the sun began to set we left the airport.

During our 35km journey, taking approximately one hour, the representative told us that last week Taba had had 42 years of rain in 9 hours! We saw signs of flooded areas by the roadside and fallen rocks, not to mention a large section of road that had fallen away which our driver slowly passed. We were also informed Sharm El Sheik's airport roof collapsed due to the amount of water and the 'Movenpick' hotel, built on a plain, was also badly damaged.

We travelled down the long winding canyon finally coming to the sea and the five hotels in this area known as Taba Heights. Along with 'downtown' a couple of sections of housing for the workers and the 'Three Corners' hotel with a small shopping area behind and a few more houses before the exit to the entrance gate, if you can understand that, sheltered behind the mountains of Sinai. There is also an 18 hole golf course. Some passengers were booked in the 'Sofitel' located next to the 'Hyatt' so we a drop off before the majority of passengers in our coach pulled up in front of an uninspiring 'Hyatt' hotel entrance.

Stepping through an electronic security gate we found arrangements inside the large foyer were well organised. As we had been requested to complete the hotel checking in forms on our journey from the airport we enjoyed a welcome cocktail whilst queueing at the Longwoods' representative desk to receive our room keycard. We also knew which room we had been allocated as this was stated on the hotel form, room A449. On receipt of the keycard we were asked to identify our luggage to the porter and then stand behind the man holding a board with certain letters of the alphabet on. When everyone was ready they would lead us to our rooms. We stood around for some time while this part of the procedure took place noting that on receipt of the keys most of the guests had gone to make their own way to their rooms. At last we were requested to follow a young man who lead us the short distance to block A where he suddenly disappeared. Getting a bit fed up with the hanging around we made our own way to our room. We had requested a high room and as we were guaranteed a sea view was not surprised to find it was on the fourth floor. What we forgot was there would be no lifts - going to get plenty of exercise this holiday!

Opening the first door on this floor just along from the winding staircase we were pleasantly surprised to find a large room with a spacious shower room to the right, a full length mirror opposite the bathroom door, a minibar hidden behind a louvred door with glass shelves above and three different sizes of glasses for our drinks. Through the archway the room opened up with another large shelved cupboard on our left as we walked through the arch, then space for the suitcase stand and a long dressing table with a lamp at one end and the TV at the other. More drawers, one housing the hairdresser permanently wired into the top drawer. There was a huge double bed, bedside cabinets with lamps, plus wall lights above the headboard. The wardrobe space was again very generous plus one panel with a safe and more shelves and drawers. By the balcony window was two comfy chairs and a round table. Out on the balcony we had two teak chairs with well padded cushions and a square teak table. From this point we looked out over the sculpture pool with neat rows of sun beds and umbrellas and across the Red Sea the countries of Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Turning right we could still see the coastline of Saudi, the 'Sofitel' , and slightly behind part of the golf course and the buildings of downtown Taba. We would not, as we discovered, have any sun apart from that first thing in the morning.

We would save viewing the hotel grounds until tomorrow but now we had time to check out downstairs before going to eat. We could not believe that the bar was called 'On the Rocks', a dimly lit room with traditional style ceiling lamps. Studying the bar menu was a bit of a problem as the items were printed black on blue card. Seeing my difficulty a young barman brought out his mobile phone and used the flashlight facility to help me decide on which drink I should have. In the end I just settled for a vodka, lime and soda. At 8pm it was happy hour and ran until 10pm with certain drinks such as local beer, wine and cocktails subject to a 25% discount. This wasn't quite 25% as tax and service was deducted before taking off the 25% but anything at these prices was better than nothing.

The main dining room was named the 'Limoncello' where tonight was Mexican night. The choice and quality of food was very good, especially tonight's desserts. I can see there is going to be no weight loss this holiday! I liked the fact that the containers were relatively small for the size of the dining room so fresh supplies were always being delivered from the kitchens. The staff were really friendly but we only saw one female who escorted us to our table during meal times.

Back in the bar the International Cabaret began at 10pm, the resident singer performing before that. She was very loud and not very energetic in her performance. She seemed to be forever looking at her mobile phone but realised it was an Ipod that she was using for her background accompaniment. Any chance of a conversation was almost impossible during this time. The French 'Fram' team introduced the Cabaret and for the next 45 minutes a team of 4 female and 1 male dancers entertained us. As far as hotel entertaiment goes this team was pretty good. I told the old man sitting with his wife and son in front of us to go steady and hoped the scantily clad girls doing a lot of belly dancing movements would not affect his blood pressure. He said he wished he was 25 years younger and would go to sleep tonight with a smile on his face! When the show was over the bar soon cleared as the DJ played thumping music totally unsuitable for guests to dance to. We soon left as well as it had been a long day.

Taba Heights Egypt - Getting to the airport

SUNDAY 24th JANUARY 2010

A 10am start for our journey down to 'The Cambridge Hotel,' Horley close to Gatwick airport. As we headed south down the A1, M11 the dull weather and rain disappeared and the temperature reached 6C. A road closure on the link road to the M11 caused a detour of approximately 20 miles and added almost an extra hour to our journey.

During a comfort stop our mobile phone rang. On the other end was Mum's warden asking if we could pop round and see her as she had pressed her panic button several times. It would appear Andrew had gone round this morning and she was fine then. We apologised and said we were nearer London than we were Bridlington and would be away for the next 15 days.

We arrived mid afternoon at the Grade 2 listed building which has recently been refurbished. As Keith checked in I read the comments in the visitors book noting that everyone raved about the food in the restaurant. Only one complaint about poor internet connection in someone's room. Still you can't please everyone.

We had told Ian and Julia, our Surrey friends who live a short distance from Horley, that we were staying overnight and would they like to join us for dinner. We had booked a table for 7.30 and it didn't matter what time they arrived they would find us in the bar! Whilst we waited for them the waiter brought the menu for us to peruse. Such tempting Mediterranean and Turkish dishes we wished they would arrive soon as we were getting hungry. As time went on we began to be concerned but when Keith tried to call them they were just coming into the hotel. We remained in the bar, ordering our food and then being escorted into the restaurant. We were not disappointed but the portions were very large and so we all failed to sample the desserts. We had to be up very early so said our farewells fairly early arranging to meet in Bridlington around the 22nd of March. The weather was really cold.