DSC02002, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Critical Mass is an event typically held on the last Friday of every month in cities around the world where bicyclists take to the streets en masse.

Critical Mass has became a form of criticism towards car-oriented cities, pollution, and lack of environmental commitment all over the world.

DSC01986, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Critical Mass is an event typically held on the last Friday of every month in cities around the world where bicyclists take to the streets en masse.

While the ride was originally founded with the idea of drawing attention to how unfriendly the city was to bicyclists, the leaderless structure of Critical Mass makes it impossible to assign it any one specific goal.

Day at Ascot races, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

It was while Queen Anne was out riding on the edge of Windsor Great Park that she noticed a natural clearing near the village of East Cote, now called Ascot. Queen Anne ordered a course to be laid out 'for horses to gallop at full stretch' and so the Royal Racecourse was born. The first four-day Royal Meeting was held in June 1768, changing to a five day meeting in 2002, the Queen's Golden Jubilee year. Today Ascot Racecourse stages the highest quality flat and jump racing throughout the year and is undoubtedly the best racecourse in the world.

Shark Observatory, Shark Reef, Ras Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Shark Observatory
The site stretches from the foot of the observatory cliff in the north, across the mouth of a shallow box-shaped inlet, to the beginning of the Anemone City in the south. There are two possible shore entry points, one inside the inlet and the second in the small cove at the foot of the cliff. Both can be reached by road.

In the past, it was possible to see sharks here just by looking down from the cliff top but with the advent of dive tourism and its attendant boat traffic, the sharks have mostly moved on.

The site is a vertical wall, sloping outwards at its foot. The rugged profile is most dramatic in the northern section, where the reef face is especially contoured, with fissures, inlets and crevices to explore. Coral growth is good with lots of variety among both soft and stony species.

The steep profile does not encourage dense populations of smaller reef species, so quality and quantity of fish are somewhat dependent on currents and the pelagic life they encourage. Jacks, barracuda and the occasional gray or blacktip shark liven things up when the current is running: snapper, surgeons and unicorns are present in schools of varying size, and larger reef fish such as big grouper and Napoleons are usually on hand.

Divers should be careful of the strong currents which are common in this area and those who enter from shore should be doubly cautious. Once beyond the point to the north, there is no shore exit point. Do not round the point if current could prevent you from returning to the exit point.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

Baby Giant Moray Eel, Shark Reef, Ras Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The giant moray is widespread in the Indo-Pacific region, being found in the Red Sea and East Africa, the Pitcairn group, north to the Ryukyu and Hawaiian islands, south to New Caledonia and the Austral Islands.

As the name suggests, this is a large eel, reaching up to 300cm (9.8 ft) in length and 30kg (66.1 lbs) in weight. While juveniles are tan in colour with large black spots, adults have black specks that grade into leopard-like spots behind the head and a black area surrounding the gill opening.

Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are two reefs rising just off the Ras Mohammed coast. They are twin peaks of a single coral sea mount, separated from the mainland by a shallow channel.

Shark Reef is the more colorful and spectacular of the two reefs; with its wall and great marine life. Yolanda Reef is the larger of the two. Its name comes from a vessel which sank here in 1980.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

Shark Reef, Ras Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are two reefs rising just off the Ras Mohammed coast. They are twin peaks of a single coral sea mount, separated from the mainland by a shallow channel.

Shark Reef is the more colorful and spectacular of the two reefs; with its wall and great marine life. Yolanda Reef is the larger of the two. Its name comes from a vessel which sank here in 1980.

Sharm el-Sheikh has also become a favourite spot for scuba divers from around the world. Being situated near to the Red Sea, it provides some of the most stunning underwater scenery and warm water making this an ideal place to dive. Visitors to Sharm el-Sheikh can experience a variety of water and activities. Beach seekers find many activities such as diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, para-sailing, boating, and canoeing.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

By boat & from shore: Long boat time (> 30min)

average depth: 20.0 m
max depth: 50.0 m
visibility:Good ( 10 - 30 m)
dive type: Sharks & Reef

Shark Observatory, Shark Reef, Ras Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Shark Observatory
The site stretches from the foot of the observatory cliff in the north, across the mouth of a shallow box-shaped inlet, to the beginning of the Anemone City in the south. There are two possible shore entry points, one inside the inlet and the second in the small cove at the foot of the cliff. Both can be reached by road.

In the past, it was possible to see sharks here just by looking down from the cliff top but with the advent of dive tourism and its attendant boat traffic, the sharks have mostly moved on.

The site is a vertical wall, sloping outwards at its foot. The rugged profile is most dramatic in the northern section, where the reef face is especially contoured, with fissures, inlets and crevices to explore. Coral growth is good with lots of variety among both soft and stony species.

The steep profile does not encourage dense populations of smaller reef species, so quality and quantity of fish are somewhat dependent on currents and the pelagic life they encourage. Jacks, barracuda and the occasional gray or blacktip shark liven things up when the current is running: snapper, surgeons and unicorns are present in schools of varying size, and larger reef fish such as big grouper and Napoleons are usually on hand.

Divers should be careful of the strong currents which are common in this area and those who enter from shore should be doubly cautious. Once beyond the point to the north, there is no shore exit point. Do not round the point if current could prevent you from returning to the exit point.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

Black Spotted Pufferfish, Shark Reef, Ras Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

This Black-spotted puffer is very common sight in Ras Mohammad. This one is on the move, but these gentle, solitary fish may often be seen resting in a sponge or among coral branches. As with the other types of nearly 90 species of pufferfish, they inflate themselves by gulping down water when disturbed. Unlike the thick-skinned porcupinefish (also of family Tetradontidae, "fused teeth"), the Black-spotted puffer has relatively thin skin and small, short spines. This one is about seven inches in length. This species may vary from a gray base color to yellow. Pufferfish are also known as "blowfish" or "globefish".

Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are two reefs rising just off the Ras Mohamed coast. They are twin peaks of a single coral sea mount, separated from the mainland by a shallow channel.

Shark Reef is the more colourful and spectacular of the two reefs; with its wall and great marine life. Yolanda Reef is the larger of the two. Its name comes from a vessel which sank here in 1980.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

Giant Gogonian, Shark Reef, Ras Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are two reefs rising just off the Ras Mohammed coast. They are twin peaks of a single coral sea mount, separated from the mainland by a shallow channel.

Shark Reef is the more colourful and spectacular of the two reefs; with its wall and great marine life. Yolanda Reef is the larger of the two. Its name comes from a vessel which sank here in 1980.

Two ergs rise up from a vertical wall with a drop off down to 300 metres. The dive begins at shark reef and continues with the current until reaching the cargo of the Jolanda, where the sea floor rises to about 15-25 metres and is strewn with toilets. There are lots of schools of fish and other sea life including stone fish and scorpion fish. Large pelagics may gather beyond the reef, so keep watching the open sea.The water here is truly deep and as you look down the vertical wall the water takes on an inky dark feel, even though viz is often in excess of 30m. An ideal start depth here would be the 30-40m mark, where if the current allows it is worth spending some time looking out into the blue.

Whilst a little more rare these days it is still possible to see white-tip reef sharks and if you're lucky larger grey reef sharks identifiable by the thick black strip which runs all the way down the rear of their tail fins. Scalloped hammerhead have been spotted as well. Also look out for barracuda, jacks and tuna. The reef itself on the eastern side of Shark Reef is fed by nutrients from the sometimes strong currents and as a result there are some beautiful gorgonian fan corals and black whip coral. The deeper part of the reef has a proliferation of soft coral from the 30m - 70m range. Soft coral requires much less light than hard coral and seems to thrive in this inky abyss. Once you have spent some time on the east side of Shark Reef, or if the current is running, then turn and with your right shoulder reef side head southwest around the reef. You will see the reef wall sloping up beneath you as you head towards the gap between Shark Reef and Jolanda and you drift over a rising plateau.

Giant Gorgonian, Shark Reef, Ras Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are two reefs rising just off the Ras Mohammed coast. They are twin peaks of a single coral sea mount, separated from the mainland by a shallow channel.

Shark Reef is the more colourful and spectacular of the two reefs; with its wall and great marine life. Yolanda Reef is the larger of the two. Its name comes from a vessel which sank here in 1980.

Two ergs rise up from a vertical wall with a drop off down to 300 metres. The dive begins at shark reef and continues with the current until reaching the cargo of the Jolanda, where the sea floor rises to about 15-25 metres and is strewn with toilets. There are lots of schools of fish and other sea life including stone fish and scorpion fish. Large pelagics may gather beyond the reef, so keep watching the open sea.The water here is truly deep and as you look down the vertical wall the water takes on an inky dark feel, even though viz is often in excess of 30m. An ideal start depth here would be the 30-40m mark, where if the current allows it is worth spending some time looking out into the blue.

Whilst a little more rare these days it is still possible to see white-tip reef sharks and if you're lucky larger grey reef sharks identifiable by the thick black strip which runs all the way down the rear of their tail fins. Scalloped hammerhead have been spotted as well. Also look out for barracuda, jacks and tuna. The reef itself on the eastern side of Shark Reef is fed by nutrients from the sometimes strong currents and as a result there are some beautiful gorgonian fan corals and black whip coral. The deeper part of the reef has a proliferation of soft coral from the 30m - 70m range. Soft coral requires much less light than hard coral and seems to thrive in this inky abyss. Once you have spent some time on the east side of Shark Reef, or if the current is running, then turn and with your right shoulder reef side head southwest around the reef. You will see the reef wall sloping up beneath you as you head towards the gap between Shark Reef and Jolanda and you drift over a rising plateau.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

Shark Reef, Ras Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are two reefs rising just off the Ras Mohamed coast. They are twin peaks of a single coral sea mount, separated from the mainland by a shallow channel.

Shark Reef is the more colorful and spectacular of the two reefs; with its wall and great marine life. Yolanda Reef is the larger of the two. Its name comes from a vessel which sank here in 1980.

Sharm el-Sheikh has also become a favourite spot for scuba divers from around the world. Being situated near to the Red Sea, it provides some of the most stunning underwater scenery and warm water making this an ideal place to dive. Visitors to Sharm el-Sheikh can experience a variety of water and activities. Beach seekers find many activities such as diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, para-sailing, boating, and canoeing.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

By boat & from shore: Long boat time (> 30min)

average depth: 20.0 m
max depth: 50.0 m
visibility:Good ( 10 - 30 m)
dive type: Sharks &Reef

Red Sea, Ras Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The Red Sea is a salt water inlet of the Indian Ocean between Africa and Asia. The connection to the ocean is in the south through the Bab el Mandeb sound and the Gulf of Aden. In the north are the Sinai Peninsula, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the Gulf of Suez (leading to the Suez Canal). The Red Sea is a Global 200 ecoregion. The Red Sea was also historically known as the Arabian Gulf, although recently Pan-Arabist nationalists sought to change the Persian Gulf's name to the Arabian Gulf.

Occupying a part of the Great Rift Valley, the Red Sea has a surface area of about 438,000 km² (169,100 square miles ). It is roughly 2250 km (1398 mi) long and, at its widest point at 355 km (220.6 miles) wide. It has a maximum depth of 2211 m (7254 ft) in the central median trench and an average depth of 490 m (1,608 feet ), but there are also extensive shallow shelves, noted for their marine life and corals. The sea is the habitat of over 1,000 invertebrate species and 200 soft and hard corals and is the world's northernmost tropical sea.

Ras Mohammad (Arabic: رأس محمد‎) is a national park located in Egypt at the southern extreme of the Sinai Peninsula, overlooking the Gulf of Suez on the west and the Gulf of Aqaba to the east.

Humphead wrasse, Shark Observatory, Ras Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Humphead wrasse

The humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) is a wrasse that is mainly found in coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. It is also known as the Maori wrasse, Napoleon wrasse, Napoleonfish; or "So Mei" (Cantonese) and "Mameng" (Filipino).

The humphead wrasse is the largest living member of the family Labridae, with males reaching 6 feet (2 m) in length, while females rarely exceed about 3 feet (1 m). It has thick, fleshy lips and a hump that forms on its head above the eyes, becoming more prominent as the fish ages. Males range from a bright electric blue to green, a purplish blue, or a relatively dull blue/green. Juveniles and females are red-orange above, and red-orange to white below. Some males grow very large, with one unconfirmed report of a Humphead Wrasse that was 7.75 feet (2.29 m) long and weighed 420 lbs (190.5 kg).

Shark Observatory
The site stretches from the foot of the observatory cliff in the north, across the mouth of a shallow box-shaped inlet, to the beginning of the Anemone City in the south. There are two possible shore entry points, one inside the inlet and the second in the small cove at the foot of the cliff. Both can be reached by road.

In the past, it was possible to see sharks here just by looking down from the cliff top but with the advent of dive tourism and its attendant boat traffic, the sharks have mostly moved on.

The site is a vertical wall, sloping outwards at its foot. The rugged profile is most dramatic in the northern section, where the reef face is especially contoured, with fissures, inlets and crevices to explore. Coral growth is good with lots of variety among both soft and stony species.

The steep profile does not encourage dense populations of smaller reef species, so quality and quantity of fish are somewhat dependent on currents and the pelagic life they encourage. Jacks, barracuda and the occasional gray or blacktip shark liven things up when the current is running: snapper, surgeons and unicorns are present in schools of varying size, and larger reef fish such as big grouper and Napoleons are usually on hand.

Divers should be careful of the strong currents which are common in this area and those who enter from shore should be doubly cautious. Once beyond the point to the north, there is no shore exit point. Do not round the point if current could prevent you from returning to the exit point.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

Ras Mohammad Reserve, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Ras Mohammad (Arabic: رأس محمد‎) is a national park located in Egypt at the southern extreme of the Sinai Peninsula, overlooking the Gulf of Suez on the west and the Gulf of Aqaba to the east.

After the Six-Day War, in which Israel gained control of the Sinai Peninsula, Israel established the Ras Mohammad area as a protected area. When the Sinai Peninsula was returned to Egypt, Ras Mohammad lost protection from fishing and other human activities. Some of the fishing methods, such as use of dynamite, also were impacting the coral reef in addition to the fish populations. In the late 1970s, pressure mounted on Egyptian authorities to place Ras Mohammad under protection.

In 1983, the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) established the area as a marine reserve for the protection of marine and terrestrial wildlife. The park was also established to protect against sprawl from Sharm el-Sheikh and other coastal development.The name literally means "Muhammad's Head", where "head" in this instance means "headland". There is a saying in the area that the name arose because in side view the contour of the cliff looks like the profile of a bearded man's face, with horizontal hard strata providing the nose and bearded chin.

Unicorn fish, Shark Reef, Ras Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The unicorn fishes are 17 species of tropical marine surgeon fishes in the genus Naso. They are so named because of a spike that protrudes from its forehead; however some species have a bulbous protrusion rather than a pronounced spike, and some lack a spike altogether. Unicorn fishes usually have a pair of spines on each side of the tail shaft that are used for defence.

Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are two reefs rising just off the Ras Mohammed coast. They are twin peaks of a single coral sea mount, separated from the mainland by a shallow channel.

Shark Reef is the more colorful and spectacular of the two reefs; with its wall and great marine life. Yolanda Reef is the larger of the two. Its name comes from a vessel which sank here in 1980.

Shark ReefRas Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are two reefs rising just off the Ras Mohammed coast. They are twin peaks of a single coral sea mount, separated from the mainland by a shallow channel.

Shark Reef is the more colorful and spectacular of the two reefs; with its wall and great marine life. Yolanda Reef is the larger of the two. Its name comes from a vessel which sank here in 1980.

Sharm el-Sheikh has also become a favourite spot for scuba divers from around the world. Being situated near to the Red Sea, it provides some of the most stunning underwater scenery and warm water making this an ideal place to dive. Visitors to Sharm el-Sheikh can experience a variety of water and activities. Beach seekers find many activities such as diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, para-sailing, boating, and canoeing.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

Yolanda Wreck, Ras Mohammad, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Sharm boasts excellent diving facilities with vibrant coral and fish life. Sharks are sometimes spotted. Many varied reef systems to explore from dayboats.

Excellent Dive Sites include Shark and Yolanda reefs: These two reefs are connected by a sandy plateau where you'll find the shipwrecked 'Yolanda'. You can drift along the natural currents provided by the Red Sea, explore the Yolanda wreck, or gaze at the colourful coral along the reef. At shark reef you can expect to find large fish and of course sharks. You'll also encounter rays, turtles, large eels, and large schools of fish swimming by. It's a magnificent site, and one that divers never forget.

The Jolanda (note correct spelling - it is very often wrongly spelt Yolanda) was owned by the Sea Brother Marine Shipping company. She was a Cypriot merchant ship, 72 metres in length.

The Jolanda was on a voyage from Piraeus to Aqaba with a general cargo including toilets, wash basins, bath tubs, a BMW 320 motor car (apparently belonging to the captain), aluminium, plastic sheeting and several containers of general goods.

During a bad storm on April 1st 1981 the ship got caught on one of the southern reef mounts at the tip of the Ras Mohamed peninsula. After 4 days aground she rolled over onto her port side, her bow awash, and with her stern hanging over the abyss. The wreck remained in that position for several years, slowly toppling over until it was totally upside down. Then one day in 1985 the hawse wire holding it snapped and a great wreck was lost as it slid down the reef leaving behind only evidence of its cargo; baths, toilets and a car.

Much more famous in its demise than during its sea-faring days, a reef, beach and bay were named after this ship where it sank.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

Going down the Bells - Dahab, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

An excellent dive for fans of the deep blue. The Bells is a natural small hole at 30m in a sheer wall that drops off to 800m+. You descend straight down along side the wall and dive round the hole (upside down and looking out is best) and pop out into the blue. Blue is all you can see looking out to sea with the wall to your back. Look out for sharks and manta rays. Gradually ascending up to 15m is where all the reef life is, the usual fishes and corals. To exit from the shore you need to swim over the blue hole (again, looking for bigger life) against some fierce currents.

A fairly energetic dive, so watch your air if doing this as a shore dive, surface finning is tiring in the strong currents in this area.

Dahab (دهب) is a small town situated on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Formerly a Bedouin fishing village, located approximately 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab is still considered to be one of the Sinai's most treasured diving destinations. Following the Six Day War, the town was occupied by Israel and known in Hebrew as Di-Zahav, a place mentioned in the Exodus from Egypt. The Sinai Peninsula was restored to Egyptian rule in 1982. The arrival of international hotel chains and the establishment of other ancillary facilities has now made this a popular destination with tourists. The nearest international airport is located at Sharm el-Sheikh.

Panoramic view of Dahab Bay, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Dahab (دهب) is a small town situated on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Formerly a Bedouin fishing village, located approximately 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab is still considered to be one of the Sinai's most treasured diving destinations. Following the Six Day War, the town was occupied by Israel and known in Hebrew as Di-Zahav, a place mentioned in the Exodus from Egypt. The Sinai Peninsula was restored to Egyptian rule in 1982. The arrival of international hotel chains and the establishment of other ancillary facilities has now made this a popular destination with tourists. The nearest international airport is located at Sharm el-Sheikh.

Tourist highlights include:

- Dahab is world-renowned for its windsurfing. Reliable winds provide superb flat-water conditions inside Dahab's sand spit. There is also an area behind the spit known to windsurfers as 'Speedy' which has more flat water and strong interrupted winds, making it a perfect area for windsurfing at speed. A very small bay within 'Speedy', known as 'Baby Bay', is used for freestyle windsurfing (doing tricks). To the east, wavy conditions couple with strong winds to provide formidable conditions for keen windsurfers.

- SCUBA diving and snorkelling are very good, with many reefs immediately adjacent to waterfront hotels. The nearby Blue Hole and Canyon are internationally famous dive spots.
- The seafood restaurants along the waterfront of the down-town tourist area, known as Masbet, are good, with red snapper, calamari and lobster being highlights. The Bedouin-style seafood is based on baking in earthenware.
- There are camel, horse, jeep and quad bike safaris. These are either parallel to the shoreline, up one of the several valleys or around the township.
- A two-hour drive is sufficient to reach Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine's Monastery; ascents to view sunrise and sunset are popular.
- Historically, most visitors to Dahab have been backpackers travelling independently and staying in hostels in the Masbet area. In recent years, development of hotels in the Medina area has facilitated the arrival of a wider range of tourists, many of whom visit Dahab specifically to partake in the windsurfing, diving and other activities.

The word Dahab is Arabic for gold and is possibly a reference to the geographic locality; gold washed down from the desert mountains may have accumulated on the alluvial flood plain where the town was built. The name may also be a reference to the colour of the sands to the south of the town itself. Some locals attribute the name to the colour of the sky, just after sunset.

The Canyon - Dahab, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

A fantastic dive for all levels. From a shore entry you can level off at about 30m along the gradual drop-off which continues for hundreds of metres. The canyon is a natural tunnel in the seabed which can be penetrated at several points along the rift. Once in the canyon, you can ascend up through and come out in the fish bowl, a natural cave teaming with glass fish. There is about space for six divers to rest on the sandy bed, whilst the glass fish swirl around you and cleaner wrasse will inspect masks and regs. Watch out for lion fish which guard the entrance and exit from the fish bowl.

Dahab (دهب) is a small town situated on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Formerly a Bedouin fishing village, located approximately 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab is still considered to be one of the Sinai's most treasured diving destinations. Following the Six Day War, the town was occupied by Israel and known in Hebrew as Di-Zahav, a place mentioned in the Exodus from Egypt. The Sinai Peninsula was restored to Egyptian rule in 1982. The arrival of international hotel chains and the establishment of other ancillary facilities has now made this a popular destination with tourists. The nearest international airport is located at Sharm el-Sheikh.

Rest area at the Blue Hole - Dahab, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Dahab (دهب) is a small town situated on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Formerly a Bedouin fishing village, located approximately 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab is still considered to be one of the Sinai's most treasured diving destinations. Following the Six Day War, the town was occupied by Israel and known in Hebrew as Di-Zahav, a place mentioned in the Exodus from Egypt. The Sinai Peninsula was restored to Egyptian rule in 1982. The arrival of international hotel chains and the establishment of other ancillary facilities has now made this a popular destination with tourists. The nearest international airport is located at Sharm el-Sheikh.

The word Dahab is Arabic for gold and is possibly a reference to the geographic locality; gold washed down from the desert mountains may have accumulated on the alluvial flood plain where the town was built. The name may also be a reference to the colour of the sands to the south of the town itself. Some locals attribute the name to the colour of the sky, just after sunset.

Locals resting - Dahab, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Dahab (دهب) is a small town situated on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Formerly a Bedouin fishing village, located approximately 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab is still considered to be one of the Sinai's most treasured diving destinations. Following the Six Day War, the town was occupied by Israel and known in Hebrew as Di-Zahav, a place mentioned in the Exodus from Egypt. The Sinai Peninsula was restored to Egyptian rule in 1982. The arrival of international hotel chains and the establishment of other ancillary facilities has now made this a popular destination with tourists. The nearest international airport is located at Sharm el-Sheikh.

The word Dahab is Arabic for gold and is possibly a reference to the geographic locality; gold washed down from the desert mountains may have accumulated on the alluvial flood plain where the town was built. The name may also be a reference to the colour of the sands to the south of the town itself. Some locals attribute the name to the colour of the sky, just after sunset.

The road from nowhere, Dahab, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Dahab (دهب) is a small town situated on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Formerly a Bedouin fishing village, located approximately 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab is still considered to be one of the Sinai's most treasured diving destinations. Following the Six Day War, the town was occupied by Israel and known in Hebrew as Di-Zahav, a place mentioned in the Exodus from Egypt. The Sinai Peninsula was restored to Egyptian rule in 1982. The arrival of international hotel chains and the establishment of other ancillary facilities has now made this a popular destination with tourists. The nearest international airport is located at Sharm el-Sheikh.

Beach camel's - Dahab, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Dahab (دهب) is a small town situated on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Formerly a Bedouin fishing village, located approximately 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab is still considered to be one of the Sinai's most treasured diving destinations. Following the Six Day War, the town was occupied by Israel and known in Hebrew as Di-Zahav, a place mentioned in the Exodus from Egypt. The Sinai Peninsula was restored to Egyptian rule in 1982. The arrival of international hotel chains and the establishment of other ancillary facilities has now made this a popular destination with tourists. The nearest international airport is located at Sharm el-Sheikh.

In the Blue Hole - Dahab, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The Blue Hole is a diving location on east Sinai, a few kilometres north of Dahab, Egypt on the coast of the Red Sea.

The Blue Hole is a submarine pothole (a kind of cave), around 130m deep. There is a shallow opening around 6m deep, opening out to the sea and an 26m tunnel, known as the arch, the top of which is 52m. The hole itself and the surrounding area has an abundance of coral and reef fish.

The Blue Hole is notorious for the number of diving fatalities which have occurred there earning it the sobriquet, "World's Most Dangerous Dive Site" and the nickname "Diver's Cemetery". The site is signposted by a sign that says "Blue hole: Easy entry". Accidents are frequently caused when divers attempt to find the tunnel through the reef (known as "The Arch") connecting the Blue Hole and open water at about 52m depth. This is beyond the PADI recreational diving limit (40m) and nitrogen narcosis begins to have an influence. Divers who miss the tunnel sometimes continue descending hoping to find the tunnel farther down and become increasingly narcotised.

Dahab (دهب) is a small town situated on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Formerly a Bedouin fishing village, located approximately 80 km (50 miles) northeast of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab is still considered to be one of the Sinai's most treasured diving destinations. Following the Six Day War, the town was occupied by Israel and known in Hebrew as Di-Zahav, a place mentioned in the Exodus from Egypt. The Sinai Peninsula was restored to Egyptian rule in 1982. The arrival of international hotel chains and the establishment of other ancillary facilities has now made this a popular destination with tourists. The nearest international airport is located at Sharm el-Sheikh.

At least 23 people - including three foreigners - were killed and 62 wounded in three blasts in a terrorist attack in Dahab on 24th April 2006.

Spotted Reef Stingray while snorkelling at Temple, Ras Mohammed, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Bluespotted stingray, (Dasyatis kuhlii) also known as Kuhl's Stingray is a stingray. It is light green with blue spots. Their disk width hovers around 67 cm. They are popular in aquaria but usually not distinguished from the Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray. The Ribbontail is rounder with brighter green and more/more vivid spots. The Bluespotted Stingray is also larger.

Temple is a local sites just off Sharm El Sheikh. The local dive spots offer calm conditions and vary a lot on their underwater landscape. They go from steep walls in Ras Nasrani, to coral gardens in Ras Umm Sid or shallow sandy areas at the Gardens that end on drop offs. Some have massive pinnacles like Temple and Ras Katy that almost reach the surface and others have canyons like Tower and White Knights that go beyond 50m. They offer abundant marine life and are a channel for big creatures passing by.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

Moorish Idols while Snorkelling at Temple, Ras Mohammed, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The moorish idol, Zanclus cornutus ("Crowned Scythe"), is a small perciform marine fish, the sole representative of the family Zanclidae (from the Greek zagkios, "oblique"). A common inhabitant of tropical to subtropical reefs and lagoons, the moorish idol is notable for its wide distribution throughout the Indo-Pacific. A number of butterflyfishes (all of the genus Heniochus) closely resemble the moorish idol.

It is said the moorish idol got its name from the Moors of Africa, who purportedly believe the fish to be a bringer of happiness. Moorish idols are also popular aquarium fish, but despite their popularity, they are notorious for their short aquarium lifespans and difficulty.

Temple is a local sites just off Sharm El Sheikh. The local dive spots offer calm conditions and vary a lot on their underwater landscape. They go from steep walls in Ras Nasrani, to coral gardens in Ras Umm Sid or shallow sandy areas at the Gardens that end on drop offs. Some have massive pinnacles like Temple and Ras Katy that almost reach the surface and others have canyons like Tower and White Knights that go beyond 50m. They offer abundant marine life and are a channel for big creatures passing by.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

Snorkelling at Temple, Ras Mohammed, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Temple is a local sites just off Sharm El Sheikh. The local dive spots offer calm conditions and vary a lot on their underwater landscape. They go from steep walls in Ras Nasrani, to coral gardens in Ras Umm Sid or shallow sandy areas at the Gardens that end on drop offs. Some have massive pinnacles like Temple and Ras Katy that almost reach the surface and others have canyons like Tower and White Knights that go beyond 50m. They offer abundant marine life and are a channel for big creatures passing by.

Ras Mohammed is the National Park of South Sinai and located on the very tip of the Sinai Peninsula; it probably represents some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea with 800-metre (2,600 ft) deep reef walls and pounding current and coral gardens.

Sinai desert, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The Sinai Peninsula or Sinai (Coptic: sina; Egyptian Arabic: sina سينا; Arabic, sina'a سيناء; Sinin in most Semitic languages, Hebrew: סיני‎ Sinai) is a triangular peninsula in Egypt. It lies between the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the south, forming a land bridge from Africa to Southwest Asia. Its area is about 60,000 km². The Egyptians call it the Land of Fayrouz.

Quad biking in the Sinai desert, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The Sinai Peninsula or Sinai (Coptic: sina; Egyptian Arabic: sina سينا; Arabic, sina'a سيناء; Sinin in most Semitic languages, Hebrew: סיני‎ Sinai) is a triangular peninsula in Egypt. It lies between the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the south, forming a land bridge from Africa to Southwest Asia. Its area is about 60,000 km². The Egyptians call it the Land of Fayrouz.

Egyptian Moon, Sinai, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

The Sinai Peninsula or Sinai (Coptic: sina; Egyptian Arabic: sina سينا; Arabic, sina'a سيناء; Sinin in most Semitic languages, Hebrew: סיני‎ Sinai) is a triangular peninsula in Egypt. It lies between the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the south, forming a land bridge from Africa to Southwest Asia. Its area is about 60,000 km². The Egyptians call it the Land of Fayrouz.

Fantasia, Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

Fantasia is a large theme styled entertainment complex, made of live shows, restaurants and souvenir shops.

Sharm el Sheikh (Arabic: شرم الشيخ‎, Sharm al-Shaykh), often known simply as "Sharm", is a city situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, in Janub Sina', Egypt, on the coastal strip between the Red Sea and Mount Sinai.

Sharm el-Sheikh is the administrative hub of Egypt's Southern Sinai province which includes the smaller coastal towns of Dahab and Nuweiba as well as the mountainous interior, Saint Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai. Sharm el-Sheikh is known as The City of Peace[citation needed] referring to the large number of international peace conferences that have been held there.

On our way to SS Thistlegorm wreck, Ras Mohammed, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

SS Thistlegorm - Red Sea, Egypt
The Thistlegorm was discovered in 1956 by Jacques Cousteau and is probably the most famous wreck in the world. It sank in 1941 when it was hit by a German bomb that blew a hole in the port side, igniting tank ammunition that was in the hold. The explosion ripped the roof of the ship backwards, rather like opening a tin of sardines. The stern section of the wreck lies almost horizontal to the sea bed; the remainder of the wreck is nearly upright. Inside the wreckage, tyres, tanks, motorbikes, Bedford trucks, waders and wellington boots can be seen. Penetration is possible around the bridge and blast area. The large prop is still in position and the guns on the stern are in excellent condition. Artillery litters the blast area. A bath tub can be seen towards the bow and a toilet near the stern. The sea life is impressive with possibility of seeing tuna overhead the resident turtle.

When she sank she was carrying a wide range of supplies ranging from rubber boots to an armoured Rolls Royce. Bedford trucks, Universal Carrier armoured vehicles, BSA & Norton motorcycles, Bren guns, cases of ammunition, and 0.303 rifles laid muzzle to butt as well as radio equipment, aircraft parts, and LMS Stanier Class 8F steam locomotives can still be seen.

Currently, the wreck is rapidly disintegrating due to natural rusting. Years of divers plundering the wreck for souvenirs have stripped the Thistlegorm of many of its artefacts; for example, most of the trucks have lost their steering wheels. The dive boats that rely on the wreck for their livelihood are also tearing the wreck apart by mooring the boats to weak parts of the wreck leading to parts of the wreck collapsing. In December 2007 the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) began work on installing permanent mooring buoys and drilling holes in the wreck to allow trapped air to escape. The aim of this conservation work is to prevent further damage to the wreck.

The wreck of the Thistlegorm is located at 27° 49' 03" N, 33° 55' 14"E. Northeast of Shag Rock, Sha’ab Ali. It can be reached by Day or Safari boat from Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada.

SS Thistlegorm wreck, Ras Mohammed, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

SS Thistlegorm - Red Sea, Egypt- 10 - 31m down
The Thistlegorm was discovered in 1956 by Jacques Cousteau and is probably the most famous wreck in the world. It sank in 1941 when it was hit by a German bomb that blew a hole in the port side, igniting tank ammunition that was in the hold. The explosion ripped the roof of the ship backwards, rather like opening a tin of sardines. The stern section of the wreck lies almost horizontal to the sea bed; the remainder of the wreck is nearly upright. Inside the wreckage, tyres, tanks, motorbikes, Bedford trucks, waders and wellington boots can be seen. Penetration is possible around the bridge and blast area. The large prop is still in position and the guns on the stern are in excellent condition. Artillery litters the blast area. A bath tub can be seen towards the bow and a toilet near the stern. The sea life is impressive with possibility of seeing tuna overhead the resident turtle.

When she sank she was carrying a wide range of supplies ranging from rubber boots to an armoured Rolls Royce. Bedford trucks, Universal Carrier armoured vehicles, BSA & Norton motorcycles, Bren guns, cases of ammunition, and 0.303 rifles laid muzzle to butt as well as radio equipment, aircraft parts, and LMS Stanier Class 8F steam locomotives can still be seen.

Currently, the wreck is rapidly disintegrating due to natural rusting. Years of divers plundering the wreck for souvenirs have stripped the Thistlegorm of many of its artefacts; for example, most of the trucks have lost their steering wheels. The dive boats that rely on the wreck for their livelihood are also tearing the wreck apart by mooring the boats to weak parts of the wreck leading to parts of the wreck collapsing. In December 2007 the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) began work on installing permanent mooring buoys and drilling holes in the wreck to allow trapped air to escape. The aim of this conservation work is to prevent further damage to the wreck.

The wreck of the Thistlegorm is located at 27° 49' 03" N, 33° 55' 14"E. Northeast of Shag Rock, Sha’ab Ali. It can be reached by Day or Safari boat from Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada.

SS Thistlegorm wreck, Ras Mohammed, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

SS Thistlegorm - Red Sea, Egypt- 10 - 31m down
The Thistlegorm was discovered in 1956 by Jacques Cousteau and is probably the most famous wreck in the world. It sank in 1941 when it was hit by a German bomb that blew a hole in the port side, igniting tank ammunition that was in the hold. The explosion ripped the roof of the ship backwards, rather like opening a tin of sardines. The stern section of the wreck lies almost horizontal to the sea bed; the remainder of the wreck is nearly upright. Inside the wreckage, tyres, tanks, motorbikes, Bedford trucks, waders and wellington boots can be seen. Penetration is possible around the bridge and blast area. The large prop is still in position and the guns on the stern are in excellent condition. Artillery litters the blast area. A bath tub can be seen towards the bow and a toilet near the stern. The sea life is impressive with possibility of seeing tuna overhead the resident turtle.

When she sank she was carrying a wide range of supplies ranging from rubber boots to an armoured Rolls Royce. Bedford trucks, Universal Carrier armoured vehicles, BSA & Norton motorcycles, Bren guns, cases of ammunition, and 0.303 rifles laid muzzle to butt as well as radio equipment, aircraft parts, and LMS Stanier Class 8F steam locomotives can still be seen.

Currently, the wreck is rapidly disintegrating due to natural rusting. Years of divers plundering the wreck for souvenirs have stripped the Thistlegorm of many of its artefacts; for example, most of the trucks have lost their steering wheels. The dive boats that rely on the wreck for their livelihood are also tearing the wreck apart by mooring the boats to weak parts of the wreck leading to parts of the wreck collapsing. In December 2007 the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) began work on installing permanent mooring buoys and drilling holes in the wreck to allow trapped air to escape. The aim of this conservation work is to prevent further damage to the wreck.

The wreck of the Thistlegorm is located at 27° 49' 03" N, 33° 55' 14"E. Northeast of Shag Rock, Sha’ab Ali. It can be reached by Day or Safari boat from Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada.

SS Thistlegorm wreck, Ras Mohammed, Egypt, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

SS Thistlegorm - Red Sea, Egypt- 10 - 31m down
The Thistlegorm was discovered in 1956 by Jacques Cousteau and is probably the most famous wreck in the world. It sank in 1941 when it was hit by a German bomb that blew a hole in the port side, igniting tank ammunition that was in the hold. The explosion ripped the roof of the ship backwards, rather like opening a tin of sardines. The stern section of the wreck lies almost horizontal to the sea bed; the remainder of the wreck is nearly upright. Inside the wreckage, tyres, tanks, motorbikes, Bedford trucks, waders and wellington boots can be seen. Penetration is possible around the bridge and blast area. The large prop is still in position and the guns on the stern are in excellent condition. Artillery litters the blast area. A bath tub can be seen towards the bow and a toilet near the stern. The sea life is impressive with possibility of seeing tuna overhead the resident turtle.

When she sank she was carrying a wide range of supplies ranging from rubber boots to an armoured Rolls Royce. Bedford trucks, Universal Carrier armoured vehicles, BSA & Norton motorcycles, Bren guns, cases of ammunition, and 0.303 rifles laid muzzle to butt as well as radio equipment, aircraft parts, and LMS Stanier Class 8F steam locomotives can still be seen.

Currently, the wreck is rapidly disintegrating due to natural rusting. Years of divers plundering the wreck for souvenirs have stripped the Thistlegorm of many of its artefacts; for example, most of the trucks have lost their steering wheels. The dive boats that rely on the wreck for their livelihood are also tearing the wreck apart by mooring the boats to weak parts of the wreck leading to parts of the wreck collapsing. In December 2007 the Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) began work on installing permanent mooring buoys and drilling holes in the wreck to allow trapped air to escape. The aim of this conservation work is to prevent further damage to the wreck.

The wreck of the Thistlegorm is located at 27° 49' 03" N, 33° 55' 14"E. Northeast of Shag Rock, Sha’ab Ali. It can be reached by Day or Safari boat from Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada.

Foosball at Cafe Kick, originally uploaded by Craig Grobler.

I took this pic at Bar Kick, Shoreditch. Ben is off to Canada so farewell drinks were held at the popular foosball venue.

Foosball is the American corruption of fussball (pronounced the same), the German word for soccer-literally foot plus ball. While the sport has the more formal name of table soccer, to the American players who love it, it's foosball, or just foos.

Unfortunately, the origins of the game are not as easy to trace as those of its name. Like many games, it is quite possible that variations of foosball developed in different countries over roughly the same time period. Since organized soccer first entered the sports scene in the 1860s, the invention of soccer's table version can be safely dated sometime afterward, probably in the late 1800s. The earliest United States patent for a foosball table was registered in 1901, but it is generally agreed that foosball, like soccer, originated in western Europe.

I should say that the low quality of the pic is due to the use of my low res camera phone during a power failure.

1. To admit anyone under the age of 18 into the course as minors are totally prohibited from running or participating.
2. To go over the police barriers which the authorities see fit to erect.
   
3. To place oneself in the zones and areas of the itinerary which are expressly indicated by the agents of the authorities.
   
4. To hide oneself before the release of the bulls in corners, dead angles or doorways of houses or establishments located throughout the length of the course.
   
5. To leave open the doors of the houses along the course, the owners or tenants of the said property being responsible for this.
6. To enter into the route in a state of drunkenness, under the effects of drugs or in any inappropriate state.
7. To carry objects which may impede the correct running of the Bull Run.
8. To wear clothes or shoes which are not appropriate for the run.
9. Call the animals or distract them in any way and for whatever reason in the course or during the rounding up in the Bull Ring.
10. To stop in the Bull Run or station oneself on the walls or barriers or in the doorways in such a way as to impede the run or the defence of the runners.
11. To grab onto, harass or mistreat the animals or obstruct their exit enclosure by any action during the amateur bullfight.
12. To take photographs from the streets, walls or barriers without due authorisation.
13. Any other action which may impede the normal running of the Bull Run.

Once upon a time, Soho was rolling farmland. In the Middle Ages it became a Royal Park, and the name originated from a hunting cry of the time - "So-Ho". By the 17th century it had been mostly sold off, and underwent rapid development. It attracted plenty of refugees in the 18th and 19th century, which explains how Greek Street got its name.