OVER THE FENCE
New arrivals in Sharm el Sheikh, Pete and Greta Holland have jumped right in. JetAway popped round to see how they’re getting on
NEW GUYS
NAMES: PETE AND GRETA HOLLAND
AGES: 56, 52
NATIONALITY: BRITISH
HOW LONG HAVE YOU OWNED A HOME IN EGYPT?
We bought a two-bedroom apartment in Sharm el Sheikh four years ago for less than £35,000. As well as using it ourselves, we also rent it out [£175-£239 per week; www.. apartmentredsea.co.uk].
WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO THE AREA?
It’s such a fantastic place for year-round sunshine. There’s a wonderful coastline of beaches, coral banks and marine life – most divers would say it’s the world’s diving centre. The backdrop of the Sinai mountains is pretty stunning too.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME?
Some days we will be at any one of the four beaches within walking distance – Greta will be sunbathing and reading and I’ll be swimming off across the shallows and into the deep. One place in particular I call “The Garden” – it feels like you’re floating on air across a beautiful coral garden, then the water turns a deeper blue until you appear to drop right over the edge of the cliff. You swim past and out into the deep, then turn around to face the coral bank and it’s a sight of sheer beauty.
DO YOU ENJOY A BETTER LIFESTYLE IN EGYPT?
Yes, it’s very relaxed. The Egyptians are also very eager to please and totally obliging. Nearby Nabq has loads of shops and is a great spot for lunch. Our complex also provides a variety of different excursions – we’ll often go out on a boat for a snorkelling trip to Tiran Island or Ras Mohammed and have lunch onboard.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DAILY ROUTINE?
We always spend some time upgrading and refurbishing the apartment. Beyond that, we’ll relax around any one of the five swimming pools but a particular favourite is the pool just off our terrace. Sometimes we’ll have a lunchtime snack at the pool bar, which is run by an Egyptian chef and his team.
DO YOU GET OUT AND ABOUT FROM SHARM EL SHEIKH?
We often hire a car and take a drive out into the mountains. Ras Mohammed National Park is a must.
DO YOU SPEAK THE LOCAL LANGUAGE OR DO YOU PLAN TO LEARN?
The locals are really eager to learn English. They’re equally glad to teach us a little of their native tongue, and so happy when a conversation in Arabic results.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU MISS ABOUT THE UK?
Yes! Good real ale!
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