Position 30:35.096N 32:16.342E

The moorings at Ismalia were much more settled, although we had a small problem when the big iron cleats, to which we secured our stern lines, sheared off the dockside.

We had another small problem when we left our mooring temporarily to try and clear some rubbish on our prop, the Harbour personnel began shouting and waving then the Harbour Master launched his big pilot boat to come charging after us. We hadn’t realised that since we were still in the canal it was strictly forbidden to leave your mooring without a pilot on board – whoops !

Lots of apologising and a quick return to our mooring diffused the situation very quickly.

Ismalia was a bit cleaner and a little more Western than Port Said, the old colonial buildings were in better shape and the roads were all tree lined with some leafy park areas in the centre.

Kentucky Fried Chicken and a Pizza Hut !

Our favourite take away was the fresh juice and ice cream bar in the photo on the right.

The statue in the centre of town was quite poignant, read the inscription on the plaque.

The building works were interesting – wooden scaffolding and bricks loaded out by hand.

 Anyone interested in reserving an apartment from plan ?

The artist’s impression of the finished development looks impressive but somehow the building doesn’t reinforce your confidence !