This port city is known for its exports of phosphates from local mines. As with other cities along the western shores of the Red Sea it is expanding to host more tourists by building hotels and resorts.
About 33 miles north of Safaga is one of the booming resort cities, Hurghada. It took a little over an hour to reach by motor coach and gives you an idea of how the road system is in Egypt compared to other countries…slow. We then boarded a small boat to get out to a platform to board a submarine. It was so exciting to be in a sub which I have never done before and see the beautiful blue water of the Red Sea. Before leaving the platform we were treated with a good view of a lion fish directly out our window and it was beautiful. We spent about 50 minutes exploring a reef and sunken ship seeing so many fish including parrot and angel fish. I now know why this is a favorite scuba diving destination.
Upon returning to Safaga we took a shuttle to a shopping district of course. I was pleasantly surprised by the respectful shop owners who enjoyed visiting with us and no hard sells or tricks to get our money. Some of the sellers wanted nothing more than a picture with us and anything “American” that we could give them for a souvenir.
It was a great day and our last port until we reach Dubai. The next five days will be spent at sea with the 15th being the most interesting day. We will be passing through the Gulf of Aden, a hot spot for pirate activity, but we will be monitored by many agencies and are fully prepared.
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