Dahab, Egypt

Just spent 9 days in Dahab.
http://www.touregypt.net/dahabtop.htm
http://www.forces-of-nature.co.uk/dbdriven/home/dahab1.php
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mapshells/africa/egypt/egypt.htm

Here's my analysis. . .

Go if you haven't been! It IS a bit far from the U.S. but check out Red Sea Flights, www.redseaflights.com for cheap flights to/from London (fly to Sharm El Sheikh just 1.5 hours south of Dahab).

Imagine a simple town with amazing beach-front restaurants, shops and hotels nestled in an amazingly blue and green bay with Saudi Arabian views across the sea to the east. No noise like Cairo - just a fresh, vibrant sea breeze calling you closer and closer to its water's edge. Because this is the sea, not ocean waters, most restaurants and loungy spots hug the sea because the waves do not get too tall here. Everywhere you sit feels like you are sitting right on the sea while you eat your meal, cozy in the Sun or even moonlight. Gorgious place. Relaxed atmosphere. The worst worry I had during my stay was what to eat for dinner again. If you're too hot, don't worry - just walk 10 steps, take a dip in the water to cool yourself down and return to your meal - or sheesha; whatever you please.

Tourists? Alas, not while I was there!!!! Look out Cancun, this place (from what I've heard) takes the cake! Although March is apparently a quiet time, the weather was excellent and hardly no people!!!!! Very relaxed atmosphere and no hassling. I was in heaven.

And what about activities, you ask! Excellent diving and snorkling are found here! I made my very first snorkle at Blue Hole - just 30 minutes north of Dahab. Amazing colorful fields of corals and fish everywhere easily visible from the surface. The colors were incredible - I've never seen anything like it. And the blue hole is DEEP!. A blue hole surrounded by coral cliffs - just fantastic is all I can say. While you take a break enjoy kids riding their camels along the coastal road. Definitely did not feel like the Egypt I've known from my many months here so far. Also find kite surfing, kayaking, camel riding, jeep safaris, and killing time.

I will miss it there!