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Scuba-Diving, Egypt (February 2011)
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/trips/images/egypt11_1.jpg");)
On Monday 21st February 70 bleary eyed students boarded the coach at 03:00 headed for Gatwick Airport, and as we arrived we were all eagerly anticipating the week ahead. The flight went smoothly and 5 hours later we landed in the middle of the desert. Once through airport security we made our way to the awaiting coaches and 45 minutes and 3 armed police checkpoints later we arrived at our final destination, the 5 star Hyatt Hotel in Taba Heights on the edge of the Sinai desert where we spent the remainder of the day unpacking and exploring the local area.
The next day we were all up bright and early for the start of our diving courses. For many this was the first time they had dived so they were all very excited about viewing the underwater world. The more experienced students were transported to the dive centre to start their advanced diving qualification, with some who had previously qualified embarking on their first boat dive of the holiday. The diving courses lasted for up to 5 days and consisted of theory, practical and written tests. We learnt skills such as removing and replacing our masks underwater, how to use someone else’s alternate air supply and what to do when your air runs out (scary stuff!). The week progressed and the diving became more intense and a lot more exciting, with the advance groups going to the dizzy depths of 30m and feeling the effects of nitrogen on their bodies. The open water course students progressively dived deeper and deeper seeing more exciting and dangerous fish as they went down. After two days the advance group had finished their course and now had the opportunity to spend the remainder of the holiday relaxing and enjoying the Egyptian culture and the beautiful beach. Meanwhile the open water groups worked hard on improving the skills and techniques required when diving.
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/trips/images/egypt11_2.jpg");)
The week climaxed on the 5th day where the open water groups got their first opportunity to go on the boat and finally dive to their maximum depth of 18m, not only a surreal experience but also a great pleasure as the scenery was amazing and the fish got more unusual and colourful. The day ended with a BBQ on the beach and thanks to Ma'am Kirby, one of the diving instructors, we managed to stream the England V France rugby game so we all relaxed and supported England as we showed France who was boss!
The last Sunday was spent relaxing and catching the last bit of sun to top up those glowing tans. Some people spent the day on the beach enjoying the scenery, some popped into town and others took to the golf course to practise their swings. It was a really enjoyable day of relaxation and fun after the hard week of diving. Monday morning arrived and we packed up and headed for the coach. We arrived at the airport and boarded the plane home and after a very turbulent flight we arrived at Gatwick and made our way back to Welbeck.
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/trips/images/egypt11_3.jpg");)
Sincere thanks must go to Mr Carmichael, Mr Calland, Mr Osborn and Flt Lt Morgan for deserting their families during the Half Term holiday to accompany us on what can only be described as an amazing and memorable week.
Jon Jellis, Portland 10E
