Now I have ‘done’ Morocco, it was time to move on to country number two on my walkabout, Egypt. I have visited Egypt many times before but always on a diving holiday to the Red Sea. This time I am determined to see more of what Egypt is famous for, things like the Pyramids, The Sphinx, Luxor, Karnak, Valley of the Kings and of course, The Nile, but I will squeeze in a weeks diving too – as I am here…

It was about a 5hr flight from Casablanca to Cairo on EgyptAir and it was a comfortable flight which included a meal service and had quite a decent inflight entertainment system too. I was pleasantly surprised.

Once in Cairo, there was no let up in the heat, again close to 40 degrees centigrade. The transfer from the airport to my hotel took approx 1hour in what was I can only describe as a cross between MarioKart, WRC, a demolition derby and a free for all. The drive was not a nice relaxing experience. The ring road was crazy fast and had no logical order. Seems if there was a gap, no matter how small between you and the car infront, fill it before someone else does and whoever has the loudest horn has priority. There were flat bed trucks transporting people (unsecured and in excess of 70mph), even saw a Lada fitted with an aftermarket spoiler – why? Occasionally there was a speed bump on the motorway, no warning or anything and everyone brakes at the last second. I can only assume the observation of the drivers is second to none but in saying that I did not see one car without any damage, scratches, dents or bits missing.

It was an absolute relief to arrive at the hotel for the night in Giza, Pyramids View. As the name suggests, you can see the Pyramids from the hotel and they did not disappoint. It was dark when I arrived and had just missed the light and sound show but still an impressive sight. A lot of people say look the other way when at the Pyramids and you’ll see fast food outlets – and they are right. Shame really, but after all those tajines in Morocco, I did treat myself to a KFC and a beer.

I only spent 1 night in Cairo as next day, I was heading to the Red Sea diving resort of Sharm El Sheikh. I have been there a few times before and it was nice to return and meet up with some old friends. I know in recent years, the tourist industry in Sharm has declined following terrorist activity and shark ‘attacks’, but it was nice to see it slowly on up again. As a result, the reefs are recovering and the marine life thriving as it is not being ‘over-dived’.

I was in Sharm for just over a week, diving 5 days and it was amazing. It was nearly 20 years ago that I first dived in Sharm and this is where I fell in love with diving. It was even more amazing to be diving on my birthday and witnessing such beautiful marine life in its natural environment. Thanks to professional underwater photographer, Cinzia Osele, for taking these pictures of me.

Now back in Cairo and am about to start exploring what else this country has to offer.