This weekend we had a break from the endless rounds of tennis and soccer. We were invited to go along with a group of my husband’s colleagues to a weekend beach chalet one of them owns on the Red Sea, in Ain El-Sukhna – only about a two hour drive from our home in Cairo.
It was a lovely day, in spite of some threatening clouds and the far off rumbling of thunder. Turns out that while we were enjoying our day at the Red Sea, it was raining in Cairo!
Here I am, strolling in the low tide zone. If you look closely, my children are galloping out to sea behind me…
The sea is not red at all, but actually incredibly clear…
My son at play, in the tide pools.
There were lots of interesting shells and coral pieces to collect at the tide line.
Who needs sand toys when you have a dead fish on a stick?
It’s been nearly two years since we last visited Ain El-Sukhna. We drove out in Friday morning and returned late Friday night, which is doable, but not necessarily ideal. The roads in Egypt aren’t always well maintained or lighted and drivers often “conserve” their batteries by driving with no headlights which makes night travel quite hair-raising! After this weekend, I’ve got new resolve to get to the beach more often – but next time I think we’ll make a hotel reservation and stay overnight. Day time driving in Egypt is scary enough 
Great photos. I loved my visit to the coast. It’s so different from our surf beaches. It looks quiet in your photos with no one around.
by Shelley Munro October 27th, 2008 at 3:20 pmLovely pictures. We got to swim with dolphins at the coast a few weeks ago.
Deidre
by Deidre October 27th, 2008 at 10:55 pmIn her last book, Elizabeth Peters mentioned that driving without lights. That must make night travel quite interesting! So glad you had a lovely day.
by anny cook October 27th, 2008 at 11:54 pmShelley – it was a fairly quiet day. It is a private beach associated with a community of beach chalets so that maybe be one reason. Also, the weather is cooling off so I don’t think that beach play is as popular right now!
Deidre – I would love to swim with dolphins one day! Not there are any in the Red Sea
Anny – Daytime driving is scary, night driving terrifying and dangerous! So so many accidents happen. Glad we made it home alive, yet again.
by Jenyfer October 28th, 2008 at 2:56 am