The Egypt Diaries - Saturday 30th October 2010

After last night's exploits with the Edinburgh couple, I spent an extra hour in bed before going for my morning jog.

After another luke-warm breakfast, I took the shuttle service to the beach. It was chaotic with few if any sunbeds available. This stretch of beach is used by several hotels including Il Mercato thus not exactly exclusive - something that a 5 star should have or least aim for. On the positive side it did have a bar aptly name the Beach Bar. It was more like a hut serving local beverages in small cups with no bottled water. I stayed for an hour before getting the shuttle service back.

Interestingly, I witness a heated argument which the guest manager Natalya had with an irate couple about bringing beverages into the hotel. The Rastafarian and his English wife had not evidently read the small print about the hotel's ban on food and drink purchased outside. The couple were eventually allowed to bring in their dozen cans of lagers and variety of nibbles. The couple pointed out accusingly that the hotel was not totally all inclusive i.e. the minibar in the room is not free. I did have some sympathy with them on both counts. Many guests I have talked to have fallen foul on the hotel's prohibition. For me Il Mercato should ease up on this ban or make the minibar free.

Had an afternoon swim followed by a toasted tuna sandwich. The sandwich was cold and so were the fries that accompanied it. Left most of it. Had duck for dinner which was surprisingly tasty (and hot for once).

The animation team were encouraging people to jaunt off to the Hard Rock Cafe tonight. I said I would come along and strut my elderly joints to some retro dance beats. In the end my arthritic knee was playing up so I thought an early night would be the safest and healthier option.