After the success of January 2005's trip, we returned in January 2006, this time to our preferred hotel the Tropicana Grand Oasis. Snorkelling was as good as in the summer, the sea temperature slightly higher than normal at 22 degrees Centigrade. My 'shortie' wetsuit made 90 minute snorkelling sessions possible without fear of sunburn and without getting cold.

A last swim before leaving proved even more interesting than usual, with bluefin trevallies, a giant moray eel, two Napoleon wrasses and an uncommonly obliging scribbled leatherjacket arriving virtually at once. The cameraman didn't know which way to turn!

A trip to Cairo was interesting, but nothing compared to the riches of the reef!