Sharm El Sheikh - The Pearl of Sinai
By Mona Khalifa
 It took me such a long time to decide to sit down and write my
memories, views and visions about this unique dazzling place. Have
then decided to start my essay with a saying that I read one day in
an English book called “Dare me to the desert”.
“Here, not for the first time, I fell in love with the
landscape…I longed to reach out and stroke the great gaunt flanks of
the mountain falling away into bewildering foot-hills and Plains of
dazzling sand. Africa and Asia might watch with jealous eyes, I
heeded them not.”
Sharm El Sheikh is located on the southern coast of the Gulf of
Aqaba between Tiran island and Ras Mohammed National Sea Park. Apart
from the famous well known Na’ama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh is actually
full of many other bays; Sharm El Sheikh Bay, Sharm El Maya bay &
Shark Bay.
Near to Sharm El Maya Bay there is another National Sea Park less
famous than Ras Mohammed called Ras Um Sid. The area is still
considered rare full of marvelous wild Reeves, colored fish from
different unknown races and it is considered as a virgin rare area.
Na’ama Bay; though still charming but has been turned into a very
busy congested area with the restaurants, top luxurious and less
luxurious hotels and touristic activities. You may have fun all day
long there; enjoying Water sports, Diving & Snorkeling and Shopping
at the big malls there & night life in different night clubs.
Also not important if you have a full or half board residency at
your booked hotel or just Bed booking in view of the availability of
different restaurants for all styles and tastes there. Also a lot of
Supermarkets; most well known of them with moderate prices is the
Shamandora Supermarket and it is also the eldest there since the
days of the Israeli occupation to the area.
Have been going there at least once or twice a year since the
year 1983, when there was only one small hotel there called Marina
Sharm with very limited room capacities. Used to do camping there
which was much more fun and we used to cook our meals since there
were no restaurants at that time. So you may consider me one of the
eye witnesses over the development of the area.
You can also enjoy the Safary arranged by some hotels in the
desert there. Of course I only did it once during my earlier years,
now it is my daughters who enjoy this kind of activities I prefer
spending my time swimming, snorkeling and staying ashore watching
the beautiful clear blue skies during Sunlight and Sunset.
Transportation is not at all a problem at Sharm El Sheikh as you may
easily find taxis, Microbuses and cars for rental there. As
mentioned the area is well oriented and arranged for all kinds of
tourists.
The days pass there like a dream and no matter how much time or
how many times you will go there you will always long to go once
again.
Other Articles by Mona Khalifa:
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