We are moored at the Port Suez Yacht and Rowing Club which looks quite luxurious but, in fact, provides just the basic facilities of water and (sometimes) electric.

The staff are very helpful however and have bought us fuel in Jerry Cans and refilled our gas bottles, there is also a little man who brings fresh bread in the mornings and a small selection of fruit and vegetables.

The yachts are all moored together on a plastic pontoon which provides a good meeting area and the location is ideal for watching shipping going in and coming out of the canal, the big ship in the background is heading towards the Red Sea.

They have made us very welcome here and provided cake and pop last night before giving speeches, thanking us for visiting Egypt, and presenting us with gifts.

On Friday night they are also providing a barbeque for the rally.

The town of Suez is 5 minutes away by taxi (50p) or by bus (10p).  Although the small buses arrive every few minutes they are very crowded so 6 of us piled into one taxi  !

Suez Town is very run down and dirty but it is also lively, friendly and interesting !

Wild cats and dogs look quite camouflaged as they scrounge through the rubbish and take shade beneath the cars.

In the market we found a whole new range of products on offer, Guava pears, mangos and fresh dates.

We tried the Guava pears but we weren’t too keen, we bought lovely juicy mangoes but declined the dates as the flies were particularly attracted to them.

All sorts of fish too, but how could anyone take one of these white, fluffy, pink eyed rabbits home to cook ?

The market streets are dirty and wet and emanate some strange smells, the flies are also very persistent so we were pleased to shower off the dirt and grime once back on board !

As we approached the area of the Yacht Club, on our return, we could see that the houses and streets were markedly different, clean and well kept, it is quite apparent that pilots and captains employed by the Canal earn good money compared to the average Egyptian.

You may be interested to learn the prices of some basic commodities:-

Egyptian Pounds                   Pounds Sterling

Litre Petrol           1.18                                       11.8p

Lunch for 2          40                                          £ 4 (bread, salad, beans, omelette, falafels)

5 bread rolls           5                                           50p

Dinner for 2         80                                            £8 (chicken curry, salad, naan bread and water)

Cairo

We are taking a two day trip to Cairo on Sat and Sun, a couple of hours away by road, to see the Pyramids, visit the Museum and souks, have dinner whilst cruising the Nile and enjoy the luxury of the Marriott Hotel for one night and one night only !

I hope they have a bath.