Sudan - The Red Sea

Sunday, 14^th October

We have spent the last few days by the Red Sea and what a welcome break from the desert!  However, it took us a while to actually find somewhere to stay. This is probably the most astonishing fact of all since starting our trip: Sudan has a coast line of over 800 km with a coral reef stretching for much of its length and yet, apart from a couple of hotels in Port Sudan there is nowhere to stay along the entire coast. We ended up camping at the literally only ‘resort’ listed in the guidebooks, which was a complex of half built chalets and a couple of shaded areas where you could sit during the day. Luckily it had clean showers and toilets.

The first couple of days we just chilled doing very little. We knew the coral reef was out there, you could see a distinct line of colour change about one kilometre from the shore. We contemplated hiring a boat but it was very expensive. Eventually we set off ‘on foot’ with our snorkels. The sea was very shallow where we were and there was a little island halfway between the shore and what we thought was the reef. 

We reached the island and realised we only needed to walk or swim another 500 meters or so to get to the reef. At this point we started swimming since the sea became slightly deeper but still ‘walkable’. It felt like desert covered with sea water if that makes sense. The water was murky with sand and visibility poor.

About 20 meters from the edge of what we thought was the reef we put our goggles and snorkels on and were totally awe struck by what we saw in front of us; suddenly the colour changed into a clear rich blue and the ground dropped away about 30 meters deep revealing one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen. The water was crystal clear and I can only liken it to finding yourself  in a very large aquarium with fish of all colours and sizes and of course the coral. The water was so clear that you could see the floor of the sea. I don’t think I will ever forget the moment! It was just amazing!

I have put this image here (taken off the internet)just to give you an idea of the colours but of course it doesn't do it any justice at all.

Now Don and I are on our way back to Khartoum where we are hoping to extend our Ethiopian visas. Ian and Heather are on a slightly different route from us so for the first time since we have started our trip we are separated. Feels odd! We will catch up with each other in a few days once we crossed the Ethiopian border. 

Before I sign off I must share this poster with you, it was hanging on the door of a ‘european’ toilet telling people how to use it. We thought it was very funny. Can anyone work out what the last picture tells you ‘not to do’?

P.S. If you have any ideas please post your comments on the blog rather than facebook. Thanks guys!
                                                                        xxx