January 10th - Checking In
Getting up at 2 o'clock in th morning (after our cat already tried to wake us up at midnight). Despite of whether warnings the drive to the airport was smooth, where we arrived at 4 o'clock. Check in at 5:10, and take off, as planned, at 7:15. (just before take off it started to snow heavily, so we were out just in time)
When arriving at the Radisson Blu in El Quseir we had a quick check-in: as the offer for an upgrade to a Beachfront Room was very very tempting, we decided to upgrade (compared to booking this option from home it was almost for "free").
Next stop: Dive Shop, to check in.
A young German girl at the dive shop desk started to whine about a doctors certificate, and if we didn't have one she could arrange a check up at the local doctor. We dismissed the request (no way, paying 25 euro to a doctor who is only going to write 'no issue' as he has no medical record). Next to that it was nice to see a lot of familiar faces at the dive shop.
So, now dinner and finally ... sleep.
January 11th - Abu Sawatir
Today our 1st dive. When ariving at the dive shop the girls "big brother" did a second attempt about the doctors certificat. After a few minutes he, like all dive shops we have been to over the last 6 years - even their own a year before, asked us to fill out a waiver form, confirming that we had no of the listed medical issues.
// honestly - we better get a doctors certificate in the future, if only for our own safety //
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| Van El Quseir 2010 |
The 1st dive was with Flo. A simply briefing (go to the right there, to the left there, than back and have fun). No normal exercise as always for a 1st (check) dive, like mask floding, etc. Just the 2 of us, diving - super!
The afternoon we spent on the beach (Petra didn't feel fit for a 2nd dive). So good: sun, 24° and, almost no wind. Like perfect day in spring.
January 12th - Lagoon
Today was not a good day for me: Headache when getting out of bed and nauseous under water. I even threw up a little. No suprise I didn't enjoy this dive. Luckily Petra felt great and realy enjoyed the dive.
The afternoon we opted for the beach .... reading, sleeping.
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| Van El Quseir 2010 |
January 13th - Hoodies
The dive in the morning, at Abu Saaf, was a very nice one. Although we both had a little bit a headache coming out of the water: was the cold water? Back at the dive shop we asked if they rented separate hoods. They didn't. Therefore we decided to try our hooded vests (which we brought allong) for the afternoon dive.
As the vests are quite thick (Jos 7mm, Petra 5mm) we had to add some weight to to assure we would go under (Jos 3kg, Petra 2kg - EXTRA). The start of the dive was very beautiful. Unfortunately Petra didn't feel well, so we decided to go back.
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| Van El Quseir 2010 |
Luckily Islam helped to carry Petra's kit back to the minivan. It was quite a walk and up a dune - so no fun with a 30kg kit on your back.
Before driving back we had chat with the other divers. 2 of them had been to Madeira and were very enthousistic. Water temperature in September about 24°C and 22°C in December (so very similar to Egypt now). To be added to our To Do List ...
Back at the dive shop we were asked if we wanted to join for a day trip. Unfortunately they had one of our favourite dive sites, Bet Goha, on program as well. And as we didn't want to push our selves too much after a few days of not feeling 100% fit, we didn't want to confirm doing 2 dives the next day. But rather decide after the 1st if there would be a 2nd - maybe simple and easy on the House Reef - or the Beach?!
January 14th - Bet Goha
As hoped and expected, Bet Goha was a good choice - independent whether Coral Garden (daytrip) was good or not. We enjoyed this dive a lot, like we did last time around being here. As exeption we had asked for dive guide to join us this dive (normally we dive just with the 2 of us), as we remebered that the entrance/exit was not easy to find. Flo, one of the dive giudes confirmed this, chatting about taking a guide, a few days ago.
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| Van El Quseir 2010 |
Our guide, Mahnoud, had an ear infection or so and was very reluctant to join. Retrospectively we were happy we convinced him to join:
- The visibilty at the entrance/exit, coming out of a canyon, was so bad that we for sure would have had issues finding our way out and back.
- Two divers on the neighbouring site (Shaab Rahma) lost their way completely - trying to follow us? - and had to crowl back of the reef. No fun!
Time for an espresso.
January 15th - Eagle Ray
As to be expected: the group that did go to Coral Garden, had seen dolphins on their dive (that must have been soo lovely). Hmmm, we still have many years before us to get the same luck I would say.
Today 2 very good dives:
In the morning Marsa Waleed, where we immediately when coming out of the canyon (10min's dive threw to get to the entrance of this dive sit) we saw a beautiful Eagle Ray passing by. Little further a big Napoleon. Also the rest of the dive was very beautiful.
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| Van El Quseir 2010 |
In the aftternoon we dived the House Reef. We had listed to go to a new dive site. Unfortunately it was cancelled as the coast guard didn't clear it (not enough bakshies we were told). The alternative offered wasn't appealing, so we decided to go for a house reef dive. No hassle, just the 2 of us. And a very nice dive indeed.
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| Van El Quseir 2010 |
Our last dive day this holiday. In the morning we went to Shaab Rahma, with Hassan. Again, a very good dive. 1st through a canyon (7min's) which is quite narrow at some parts. After which a lovely dive over the reef, where we saw - next to the usual - some very nice things:
- A big Stingray swimming away.
- A school of Garden Eel, dancing in the current and picking the plankton out of the water.
- A big Grouper (Black Saddle I thought).
- And finally an Octopus, which Hassan found at the end of the dive! A real bonus!
In the afternoon we went for the beach, where I finished my book (Part II of the Millenium trilogy, by Stieg Larsson). Petra is way ahead of me and finished Part III yesterday.
Last thing to do: Eyes closed and swipe ....... (and after having been at the Maldives the previous holiday the amount to pay at the dive shop was very reasonable, almost cheap).
Time to pack our bags, a last dinner. Tomorrow we have to go home again. Another lovely diving holidat has come to an end.
[El Quseir .... we will be back!]
