Saturday, 31 December 2005
Well I am writing this having just returned (finally arriving home at 2am today, Saturday, 31st Dec 2005!) from our first Christmas away from home for several years. In fact it was so long ago, I can't even remember how long.
Sunny Egypt - Winter Sun
This year I came up with the idea that I wanted a further break away from home - and obviously in warmer climbs (so sold the idea to the family!). We decided to venture into another African Country or close to the Middle-East areas. I heard a bit about Egypt from a few work colleagues and also family friends, and we decided to go with it!
Egypt Resorts: Sharm El Sheikh Vs. Marsa Alam
I got a pretty good deal from work (AXP Travel Office) and the bargain was receiving the commission-back - about £180 (GBP) which was pretty useful! We were not sure of specific destinations so decided to ask for some advice, Sharm El Sheikh was a strong possibility, but we didn't want to go to somewhere that was not as touristy as Sharm, so we were suggested Marsa Alam. Marsa Alam is one of the newer edges of the Red Sea Riviera and was being developed quite extensively - and the price was pretty good, so we decided to go for it! We stayed in a resort called Lamaya Resort in the Coraya Bay area of Marsa Alam. In fact one of the things we became aware of it is that the Coraya Bay area was one of the only developed areas of Marsa Alam - so slim pickings really! But we weren't disappointed. The bay was wonderful with a fantastic Coral Reef; we even tried Snorkelling (but not very well! - it was the breathing I couldn't get used too!!). I am happy to say that I tuned-up my tan that I originally received from our Kenya trip, so it is nice being back slightly browner than most! Food was, surprising, very appetising - a good ranging buffet with different themed nights! The room was very comfortable and the Egyptian cotton (lining) was very nice! Having decided that we should just venture for the Christmas period, the 7 nights was just perfect!
Fellow Guests
We met some extremely nice and friendly people - mainly English, and two Italian brothers - who reminded us of my uncle (dad's late-brother!).
In fact, one of the English families were very pleasant, the oldest daughter was spending a semester/team in Egypt as part of her Arabic / French University degree. My hat goes off to her for being so bold to do this - not only going into a place where English is not the first language but also for learning a language that was so fascinating. We were chatting around the local dialogues - and really brought me back to the Oriental language flavours (Cantonese, Mandarin etc). Truly wonderful! She surely acted far more mature for her age than I would have normally expected.
Resort Staff
The resort staff were wonderful - very attentive and quite genuine! I think that being that it was only 8 weeks since English guests started to stay at the hotel, they are still learning about our likes, dislikes and culture. The staff certainly made us felt very welcome - and we were amazed by their multi-cultural awareness and multi-lingual abilities!!
Other Parts of the Egypt
Although we could have ventured a bit more into Egypt, we quickly realised that Marsa Alam wasn't really the place to do this, and the fact we really were at the resort to relax, also made us felt it was not the right opportunity to do this. So instead, we just chilled, need plenty of sun-bathing (approx. 20-25°C every day!), plenty of eating and spending time to reflect on what a busy year 2005 has been!
Back to the Routine / Planning the Next Holiday!
Now we are back on the shores of England, really means planning for the next adventure - probably might venture this one on my own! Who knows? Oh....and it won't be too far away - chilly-Iceland is just around the corner - one of the Rings of Reward and Recognition trips I got from my AXP colleagues for my work on a project during the year!
Gallery Photographs You will find a small number of pictures from our stay at the Beach Resort located on my On-line Gallery. Bring on my next holiday!
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