Arriving in Dahab was like drinking a cold glass of water after a long, long walk in the desert. And we're not just referring to the end of the 17 hour bus ride which literally crossed the desert on our journey Eastward... but also to the town of Dahab itself.

Dahab is a travelers place... a dive resort on the Sinai coast that is more about independent travel and backpackers than package holidays and tour buses. The rumors abound about travelers that have arrived planning to stay for just a few days who end up staying for weeks if not months. Having spent a few days here now, we can understand why... and we are already changing our plans to be able to stay a few extra days in this wonderful, relaxing resort. Most of our time here, so far, has been spent relaxing, reading and soaking up the sun. Heide had her first banana pancake ("The breakfast of travelers!!") and we've had more than our share of Western Food indulgences. (Pizza, Onion Rings, Burgers, and Grilled Cheese!)

There are a great variety of Western treats here... all of which are a nice change from typical Egyptian fare. (Not that there is anything bad about Egyptian food, it's just not the best cuisine in the world!) However, one evening we did partake in a common Egyptian practice and enjoyed smoking a Sheeshaw (an Egyptian water pipe with a soft apple flavored tobacco. Yes, that's it. Just Apple flavored tobacco.)

The water here in Dahab is beautiful. It is all shades of blue and is incredibly clear! Although we've decided not to scuba while here in Dahab... we couldn't resist a snorkel trip to get a glimpse of the amazing underwater creatures of the Red Sea. Our snorkeling adventure was at the Blue Hole - a legendary dive site but also great for snorkelers as the top of the reefs are teeming with fish life. Mark's first glimpse of a sea creature was a Moray Eel... while Heide marveled at the numerous types of colorful fish swimming inches from her fingertips!

We snorkeled while we were in Hawaii in 1998 but this was a whole different experience. Most impressive was the life that could be seen living in the reef itself.... spiny black anenomies, soft suction cup- octopi like thingies, red flowery creatures... and fish swimming between the holes in the coral. Simply amazing.