Hearing on the news that bombs have exploded with tragic consequences at a destination you have just locked your suitcase to travel to is not the best start to any holiday. We spent the whole of the day before we travelled to Taba and Nuweiba constantly on the phone to our tour operator (Libra Holidays) and the Foreign Office, both advising us that it was safe to travel.

*Airport*

Security was apparent everywhere, both uniformed and plain clothed, but all fully armed. Security gates and scanners are in constant use. As we waited on the coach we were informed that once we had our armed guards in place we would be leaving as a convoy. Yes, at this point I'll admit to being absolutely scared witless and wondering what on earth we'd let ourselves in for, especially as it was pitch black and all we could see were rocks, sand and more rocks!

The road from Taba Airport is steep and winding downhill through vast rocky areas. The main checkpoint in Taba itself is well controlled, but we were through in just a few minutes. There are several checkpoints along the road, but we suffered little delay.

Our journey to our hotel (Tropicana Nuweiba)involved stops at several hotels on the way, ranging from 3-5*, but all with the same level of security. At the door of each hotel is the mandatory security gate - a little daunting yes, but you know its there for your own safety. Maybe searches were a little more stringent due to recent events, but our coach was searched underneath at each stop.

The Tropicana Hotel is VERY isolated, but the peace and tranquillity was just what we needed. No entertainment would be its worst attribute - the cleanliness and service were second to none. The day before we arrived the hotel was full, 300+, this changed sharply following the bombing nearby - on our arrival we totalled around 50, and this is how it stayed for the whole week. As you look out of the main doors, the desert and the Sinai Mountains greet you, and the odd camel herd, dependent on the time of day. The hotel lies on the shores of the Red Sea, and snorkelling is a must. The reef is not far offshore, and my husband saw octupus, barracuda, a shark (fortunately in the distance!) and more species of small fish than he could even mention. The waters are so warm and clear that even I, as a non-snorkeller, was tempted.

Don't be misled by the title 'Nuweiba City' - this has to be the understatement of the century!!! The 'city' consists of just a few shops, a police station, a hospital and a youth club!!! Nuweiba Port has a couple of banks, a coach station and a shop or two - if it's shopping you wanted, then Nuweiba is not the place to go! A visit to Dahab, about an hour away, with its abundance of shops, restaurants and bars, cured our shopping addiction.

Cairo has to be the dirtiest, smelliest, most overcrowded city on this Earth, but THE most fantastic place to visit! We were only there for a day, and were really sad to leave before we had a chance to explore Cairo's hidden depths. Again, security is paramount, and you are required to have your passport with you everywhere. The Pyramids are a sight to behold as you travel across the city, peeking through the heat haze. Our main disappointment was how close they are to Cairo itself - literally yards from the Pyramids are blocks of apartments, although the desert is endless beyond the other side! Beware the camel riders - it costs nothing to get on a camel but they won't let you off without some baksheesh!! We ended up paying about £15 but our friends got away with just £5 ! The Pyramids are amazing - to think that they were built by hand is astonishing. For a small fee you can enter the second Pyramid at any time of the day - the great Pyramid has a daily allocation of just 150 tickets so you would need to be there before 8am to stand any chance of entry. Be warned though, if you enter the second Pyramid - the tunnels are very low and you need to be bent double to go through them, so if you aren't 100% fit I would advise against it - there's nothing to really see inside anyway, just an empty room. The Sphinx and the view of the Pyramids behind is awesome, but be prepared to be just a little disappointed as you stand in front of the Sphinx to have your photo taken - you will be facing a row of shops, including KFC and Pizza Hut!!!!! It rather takes the shine away from one of the world's most fantastic historical sites. The Egyptian Museum is a must-see place too - we were told by our guide that if we spent just one minute looking at each artefact we would be there for 5½ months! Entry is £20E (around £2 UK), and for an extra £40E (£4) you can enter the Mummy Room - the mummified remains of Rameses I and II rest there, along with Queens and others - to see the mummified remains of a Nubian Queen with hair that had been beautifully entwined into intricate plaits some 4000 years ago was an honour, but I have to admit to a personal feeling of intrusion into someone's final resting place.

*Conclusion*

Don't let anyone put you off visiting this amazing place. Its history will draw you in, and its people will enrich your lives. We intend to return next year, and perhaps visit Sharm el Sheikh, to get the best of both worlds, sights AND shopping!