Hello Sharm, Here we come!

Arriving in the beautiful location of Sharm El Sheikh was momentarily interrupted at the airport with swine flu checks in the airport. Quite an intimidating experience, my daughter refused to stand and have her picture taken. Now usually she loves to be in front of the camera so you can imagine how intimidating it must have been for her. But, like I said, this was a momentary moment as arriving to Sharm El Sheikh was filled with a night drive, through all the new hotels and sights. The kids loved it and from casinos, hotels and clubs there was plenty to see along the way to our villa.

OUR VILLA IN SHARM EL SHEIKH

Meena exploring the Garden and the view from our Villa

Adam in the garden checking out the view

Driving out of the main area of Sharm into the more secluded area where our villa is we noticed an increase in the security. This is due to the area that our villa is located but mainly due to two of our neighbors. None other than Mr Hosni Mubarak and Mr Tony Blair. I say neighbors loosely as I am sure if we needed a bowl of sugar we would be barking up the wrong tree. Arriving late in the evening at the villa meant we needed to do some arranging to get everything sorted before going to bed. Again this was easier said than done, as even though the kids had been awake for over 21 hours, the kids were raring to go.

The view from the Garden

Watching the cruise ships go by the end of our garden

Yasmines Mother, Suzy, arriving at the beach with the kids

Awaking in the morning to a beautiful sunrise was a true pleasure. With an uninterrupted view out the bay windows of the bedroom and the living room of lovely blue of the sea. Occasionally a white yacht breaking the tranquility of the sun rays glittering on the water. Straight after breakfast the kids were in the garden playing with the hose that was supposed to be watering the grass. My wife, her mother and myself chucking back coffee like water trying to wake up. But even with the odd scream for the garden it was a beautiful scene and holiday mode was well and truly in full swing. Our internet connection had been cut which meant that I would be offline for a day or so but that was not a problem either. After breakfast we took a taxi from the villa, waved to Hosi and Tony as we drove passed and headed to the beach.

Meena taking a break before we go swimming

Me returning from taking the kids swimming gear to the pier

Yasmine and Suzy in the sea above the coral reef

Arriving at the beach we had the pick of the sun beds as only a small scattering of people were up and around although it was midday by the time we arrived. This time of year is out of season due to the heat here although coming form Dubai it felt just right. No humidity and just tipping the 40 degrees centigrade is considered very nice when you put up with a regular 50 degrees and 100% humidity at times in Dubai. The afternoon at the beach was filled with My wife, Adam, Meena and myself snorkeling in the clearest water I have personally ever seen. The only way I can describe the experience would be if you imagined you were miniaturized and went for a swim in your tropical fish tank. You enter the water via steps down from the beach which leads to a small platform. Entering the water you are immediately immersed into another world. Levels of coral shelves teaming with life. It was surprising deep immediately as you enter just the wall of coral shelves and life on one side and the deep blue on the other. Below looking deep into the abyss you could make out more coral and fish but nothing more.

Parrot fish coming right up to the pier on the coral reef

Adam on the pier ready to go snorkeling

Fish on the coral reef, it did look better than this! (honest)

It was stunning and I really wish I had a underwater camera to share what we saw. Every colour fish you could imagine right in front of your mask. Angel fish and Parrot fish in all their beautiful glory. I took a picture of a parrot fish from high above on the beach as it swam above the coral and you can clearly see the it for yourself. Stunning coral in a variety of shapes and sizes was just as interesting with fish darting in and out like fighter jets low flying through valleys. Light cascading through the water into the deep looked like dancing angels, it was breathtaking.

Meena taking her time to come down the stairs to the pier

Adam checking out the fish

The kids testing the strength of the park

Back on the surface we were joined by two dolphins as they swam a little further out to sea slowly breaking out of the water to show their dorsal fins. A full day  over we ventured back to the villa. The kids crashed and my wife, her mother and myself sat out on the patio under the stars, of which there were a vast array and very bright. We chatted late into the night drinking beer looking forward to the next day.

Looking back at our villa from the beach we were at this day

Meena "Kennedy Onassis"