Dahab Daze - Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, tick

I'm ashamed to say that no matter how hard I try I always end up late. I'm one of those people with the best intentions but inevitably time runs away from me. Not all the time I hasten to add as I'm not THAT bad but it does happen. However, being in Egypt these last 3 days has opened my eyes to a different kind of late. It may just be Dahab but everything just seems all a bit slow. It's possibly the searing heat, who after all wants to move that fast in this weather but there doesn't seem to be a rush for anything.  Possibly an unfair observation but one that definitely exists. 

Take our dinner last night where to cut a long story extremely short, Mat and I ended up in a Bedouin restaurant. He seemed like a nice chap and was grateful for us visiting his establishment. He also seemed a little shocked to see us. So shocked it took nearly 2 hours for us to get our dinner from first order to plates on table. We could have left but we were caught in that vortex of we-can't-leave-now-otherwise-it-would-be-rude-to-do-so situation so we stuck it out.  It was OK but let's just say, I'm lookng forward to our Thai meal tonight!  I had falafel earlier and more hummus and tahini consumed than a person should so Thai tonight seems a good option. And oh look, we're running a little late!

Dahab Daze

16.10 local time

It's literally been years since I became acquainted with the downward dog but this morning I got a chance to say hello to it at the 'Wellness Centre' in the hotel. Not only was it hard work (but fun) I got to do it on a one-to-one basis with the instructor. Dahab and its tourism is so quiet at the moment, I was the only client for this morning's body pump and yoga masterclass. Christ on a bike, the instructor nearly killed me! I felt like a celebrity with my own personal trainer but without the glamour. Or the finesse. I think I was about as graceful as a piglet on ice skates but she said I did really well. I think she was being kind.

Egypt and specifically Dahab so far has been very relaxing. There's only so much movement a person can do during the day in 39 degree heat. It is really hot here. Yes, yes, I know we are practically in the desert but indulge me my tabloid, "phew what a scorcher" moment.

While Mat is busy doing his diving thing and nitrox course I have been entertaining myself around town. Given the lack of tourist numbers, the many businesses that throng Dahab's promenade are crying out for trade. It's actually quite sad to see how not very busy people are. Given all the troubles in this part of the world and FCO warnings, most people are obviously choosing not to visit. We ourselves are sticking to main tourist areas rather than venturing out to remoter desert parts even though we want to because of the troubles.What a crying shame. Not for us but the majority of Egyptians who I'm sure just want to get on with earning a living and just getting on with their day to day lives.

Also, aside from Japanese and Chinese, some Egyptians seem to think I'm Korean - another nationality to add to the list! Everyone we have met so far has been very kind and hospitable. Have not met many Brits apart from my yoga instructor from earlier today but there are loads of Germans, Dutch and Eastern European folk here. Many frying in the sun - sunscreen people, use sunscreen!  So many look like suckling pigs roasting it's hideous.

Anyway, my lymphatic system needs draining. Gotta go. Ciao for now!

Helicopter Ride Over London

I totally lucked out. First with Amy and Frazer's fantastic birthday present of a helicopter ride over London and secondly, with the bright blazing sunshine of yesterday (Saturday) when it took place.

I had been meaning to redeem the gift for a while - received last year for my 40th. However, a combination of rubbish weather, missile launchers and no fly zone over London during the Olympics kinda prevented me from doing it sooner.

The photos below speak for themselves. It was an amazing experience!

There was an elderly lady on the same trip. She must have been at least in her 70s and seemed a little scared and nervous as I was. It didn't help we had to fly a little higher up due to air traffic congestion to let a plane fly underneath us but what's a plane between friends?! As I was sat at the front I wasn't able to see her reaction but I'm pretty sure she was loving every second of it as much as I was.

I'm glad I didn't have to wait till I was in my 70s to experience this. Life really is too short.

Thank you so much Amy and Frazer for your wonderful gift. It certainly made me glad to be alive.

Waiting to board

My helicopter

Beautiful English countryside

Approaching London

Room with a view - Canary Wharf and Docklands

London 2012

Battersea Power Station

South London & Craven Cottage (Fulham FC stadium)

Posh golf course (no idea which one)

Me and elderly lady passenger

Somewhere down there is my house - true fact!

The very serious pilot full of concentration

Box Hill, Surrey

Dorking, Surrey

Awakenings ...

The extract below is taken from "Rip Van Winkle" - a short story written by Washington Irving published in 1819

"By degrees, Rip’s awe and apprehension subsided. He even ventured, when no eye was fixed upon him, to taste the beverage, which he found had much of the flavor of excellent Hollands. He was naturally a thirsty soul, and was soon tempted to repeat the draught. One taste provoked another, and he reiterated his visits to the flagon so often, that at length his senses were overpowered, his eyes swam in his head, his head gradually declined, and he fell into a deep sleep.

On awaking, he found himself on the green knoll from whence he had first seen the old man of the glen. He rubbed his eyes—it was a bright sunny morning. The birds were hopping and twittering among the bushes, and the eagle was wheeling aloft and breasting the pure mountain breeze. “Surely,” thought Rip, “I have not slept here all night.” He recalled the occurrences before he fell asleep. The strange man with a keg of liquor—the mountain ravine—the wild retreat among the rocks—the woe-begone party at ninepins—the flagon—“Oh! that flagon! that wicked flagon!” thought Rip—“what excuse shall I make to Dame Van Winkle?”


Unlike Rip Van Winkle, I didn't get pissed on a "wicked flagon of liquor" resulting in the deathly slumber of this blog. Not on this occasion anyway. I was either distracted, lazy or couldn't be arsed. Well, just like Rip Van Winkle, it's woken up. And hoping not to slumber for so long.

Wired, ready and posting.