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.