After the desert of sands in Jordan and Syria, I'm hanging out for some rest and relaxation on the liquid desert. Like the deserts of sand we've been trekking through, the liquid sea is shimmering and supremely confident of itself. Looking across the Red Sea towards the mountains of Saudi Arabia, the sea has assumed a soft, viscous oil composition, relaxed yet pulsing with energy. That's right, we've made it to Egypt!
We're staying in Dahab on the eastern side of the Sinai peninsula - and it's so relaxed it's almost horizontal. There's dive companies, bungalows and chilled out cushioned restaurants right on the water, Jack Johnson and Bob Marley on the speakers, and some of the best diving in the world right on your doorstep. We find a nice base on the quiet end of the strip and meet up with our kiwi travel companions at Penguin to whet the whistle with an ice-cold beer. Just to be beside the ocean again gives a feeling of renewal and revitalisation. The sun dips behind the mountains, licking the sky with brushstrokes of scarlet, violet and orange. The sea is burnt orange glass, flat, calm and quiet. Since I first fell in love with the ocean in my early teens, (not THAT long ago!!) I've dreamt of the Red Sea. As I look across the Gulf of Aquaba towards Saudi Arabia, I'm falling in love all over again and I smile at the realisation of a long-held dream. Now to get under the water!
The next day is a flurry of activity - the plan is to do an Advanced Padi course and then do some recreational diving afterwards. I'm keen to meet and chat with divemasters and instructors all along the strip to find out what's available and see who I like. In the end, it's easy to make a selection - Mohsen is an Egyptian instructor with a great sense of humour and more than 5000 dives under his belt... and his confidence and experience shines through. The video clip below is our deep dive to a popular site in Dahab, the Canyon.
The next day is a flurry of activity - the plan is to do an Advanced Padi course and then do some recreational diving afterwards. I'm keen to meet and chat with divemasters and instructors all along the strip to find out what's available and see who I like. In the end, it's easy to make a selection - Mohsen is an Egyptian instructor with a great sense of humour and more than 5000 dives under his belt... and his confidence and experience shines through. The video clip below is our deep dive to a popular site in Dahab, the Canyon.
The underwater environment is spectacular - my dreams didn't cover the vivid colours and vast biodiversity. Maybe it's because I haven't been in the water for a while, but from memory, this rivals the waters of the southern Barrier Reef - and as a proud Australian, that is reallly saying something.
I'm quickly recognising all the usual suspects: Angelfish, Damsels in their thousands, Wrasse, wrasse and more wrasse, Anenomefish (nemo's), Parrotfish munching the corals - fish of every colour and size, soft and hard corals, and without a doubt the clearest water I have ever dived in. It is like diving in an aquarium...but don't take my word for it, check out the photos - truly f**king amazing!
I'm quickly recognising all the usual suspects: Angelfish, Damsels in their thousands, Wrasse, wrasse and more wrasse, Anenomefish (nemo's), Parrotfish munching the corals - fish of every colour and size, soft and hard corals, and without a doubt the clearest water I have ever dived in. It is like diving in an aquarium...but don't take my word for it, check out the photos - truly f**king amazing!
Since I left London, I've realised that working inside does not inspire me. I've given a lot of thought to the lifestyle I want to create for myself. When I reach Thailand in a couple of months, I'm going to complete a Divemaster certification so I can spend my time diving in tropical locations, living near the ocean, and watching the sun rise and set. It's a world away from the climate controlled corporate office, and for the moment, that's just the way I want it!
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