Having just returned from an excellent holiday in Sharm El Sheikh Egypt,  I could not help but compare how different it was from the Egypt I have known over the years.  Modern Sharm which sits at the bottom of the Sinai Peninsula where the stunning dramatic rugged desert meets the crystal clear Red Sea is mighty impressive.  It has an international reputation as an extraordinary diving destination, with clear crystal seas jam packed with amazing delights of the many different species of coral and stunning  fish.

This small fishing village has changed in a few short years to a bustling holiday destination packed with modern hotels all with  the luxuries of modern day living. Diving centres, yacht charters, desert safaris, quad biking, casinos and discos are all there  ready for the tourists delight.

Sharm El Sheikh,  this cosmopolitan capital of Sinai  is heralded  as a city of  peace even in these troubled times.

Our hotel of choice (there are many) was set  in an oasis of peaceful grounds filled with pink, white and deep red bougainvillaea, oleander  cactus and many palms. The gardens well established and beautifully tended by  a dedicated team of gardeners. Such a massive feat in this blazing heat!

Naama Bay is the heart of Sharm and  is a cornucopia of the most amazing energy ever set in one place. Souks and shops selling all manner of things from fake watches to jade beads and spices via together for a little business, the owners pleading for you to spend your time visiting their emporiums.

The tremendous bustle and noise coming from the restaurants, bars, ‘shisha’ cafes, clubs and discos seem a desperate call for contrived enjoyment, somewhat different from the old alleys of Cairo and Alexandria that I know so well. The  town of Naama Bay is  filled with local crafts and tourist souvenirs and it  had to be different. This is a modern place, the first Hotel  in Sharm as new as the 80’s. It could not be the same for me of course as this was also the first time travelling  to Egypt without my ‘Egyptian Pharaoh’.  Stirring such memories of  past joys,  although I often felt his hand in mine and words of his often reached  my ears.  This was a unique and different time. I loved the Old Market of Sharm with its winding streets of the old town. Where I once again practised my haggling skills trying to remember not very successfully, all that Hamada had taught me of this unique skill much loved  by the traders. Both my sons doing so much better at this than me. I loved the carpets laid ready for the serving of mint tea in  traditional manner, the Bedouin coffee shops all such a reminder of days gone by with my love.

I adored the luxury of our hotel set in the most beautiful green and flowering gardens with six wonderful swimming pools to choose from. Indeed it was as hot as hell! August certainly not a time to take small children I feel, but the luxury suites, efficient air conditioning, hour long massages, ice cold cloths to cool us at midday and great food for even the most discerning palate made up for that.

I loved the luxury of the Sinai Casino now the biggest casino in the  whole of the Middle East which again reminded me of exciting times spent in Cairo with Hamada. This time spending such a fun time with my two sons playing roulette for the first time and  all of us sensibly coming away with winnings.

The amazing sun and heat of everyday. The outstanding sunsets over the Sinai mountains, that fall amongst the most breath taking foreground I have ever seen.

I loved as always the smell and taste of this unique land, the sepia colour of night fall and the gentle smiling people of this beautiful part of the world and although a very different Egypt from Cairo or Alexandria to me. It was still an ultimate experience with my wonderful family who were just the very best travelling companions and made my holiday quite perfect with their loving care. Yes for sure, it was for me, a sensual memory of my beloved Hamada and a time I will always remember.