"There are beautiful and stunning places around the world, but what you'll always remember, are the people, and how they made you feel."
I am back in the UK settling into contrasting weather of cold, wet, and grey, compared to the sub-tropical, desert climate in Egypt, which I've enjoyed for the last couple of weeks.
So, today it's just a slow and easy day, of reminiscing on some of the little things that made me smile during my recent stay in Egypt.
I am not the biggest fan of all-inclusive hotels, but what made my stay at the Happy Life Village in Dahab unforgettable, was the staff. Everyone was cheerful, friendly and attentive.
Most staff spoke conversational English, and they were quite witty, and engaging. Others who did not speak English, spoke the universal language of love, in the form of warm smiles.
On arrival, it was welcoming to have hibiscus petals which brightened the room and made us feel welcome.
I even took advantage of the daily housekeeping service, something that I wouldn't normally do, as I'm the kind who leaves a "do not disturb" sign on my door all day. However, from the first day, I met the housekeeping staff who work in pairs, I thought they were delightful.
I particularly liked returning to find a camel on my bed.
Not only was it creative, but it represented the country, and I could see the lads faces beaming with pride on our encounters.
-- "Did you like the monkey hanging at your door?" asked the lad who spoke better English than his partner.
-- "Yes, it made me smile, and I left the monkey there because I thought it was hilarious." I told the lads.
Also, the daily encounters with the Dining Room all-male team, who are witty and funny, was a highlight of my stay there. I had regular chats with the Maitre D' and we spoke about the occupancy level of the hotel, which was low at that moment. I observed the long hours of the staff because I have been on the opposite side in their shoes for many years.
On the day of departure, I felt a sense of sadness, and I went to say goodbye to one of the lads who greeted me in the dining room daily.
-- "Hey, I'm leaving today, after breakfast. I said to the waiter."
-- and what, are you happy? You have a big smile on your face. That's not the look I expect to see on your face when you come to tell me goodbye" he replied.😅
These are some of the little things that brightened my day.
I am accustomed to some of the towel designs and used to teach staff how to do some, but it was refreshing and pleasing to see some animal designs that represented the location.
Do you ever take the time to do these little things at home? Do you notice these little details when staying at hotels?
Just a brief update as I acclimatise to the wet, grey and cold weather here in the UK.
I believe I have missed the worst, right?
Please tell me that I have.
My current view 😏
Well, those photos of towel-art made me smile while looking out at what looks like miserable weather.
How have you been?
What's the weather like?
Is it better or worse?
Drop me some comments or snap views from your areas. I'd be happy to see them 😊
Thanks for stopping by:)
All images were taken by me.
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The towel-art is so super cool, the monkey is especially cute. 😍
What’s so amazing is that of all the amazing things you’ve experienced this past two weeks, you choose to show us the “human touches” that made your trip special rather than the display of outrageously wonderful food and touristy landmarks. I know that we’re going to see posts about these marvelous things, BUT, first, you’ve given us the romance of human effort—that camel and those petals are simple awesome.
You’re awesomeness personified
Hehe! I giggled every time I looked up at the monkey.
😊
Thanks for your lovely comment 😍
What an awesome hotel :D
Love it. I'd also accept the room service just to experience the linen and towel sculptures. Never seen anything like this. It's wonderful!
Happy Monday, lovely ❤️
Happy Monday to you, sweets 😍
Yes, I was giggling in anticipation of what new design I'd find daily. I forgot to take a photo of the hibiscus flower towel design. That was also original.
It was great being in that part of the world, and hopefully next time we will make it down the southern and eastern parts of Africa.
Have a lovely day 💞
looks like a blast.
Good to see you!
And you had better ping me when you get here! ❤️
I would for sure ❤️
With that review, the Happy Life Village will be jammed with Hivers in no time at all. You should have arranged a commission...or did you!:)
Haha! that's a brilliant idea that I did not think of. 😆
It's a gem of a place. However, I think it would be best to go there in the low season. They have 2 massive swimming pools which were most times empty, but with full occupancy, and from what the staff said, it could get chaotic 🙃
Never been to a hotel where towel designs and rose petals are fancied except the person who wants to Lodge in the room asks for it but then this would be amazing to witness. It's so beautiful.
I love hotels or restaurants with friendly workers. They just make the place comfortable for Lodgers. They did a good hosting for real.
Egypt seems like a really nice place.
You are spot-on about all that you've said.
Yes, in the Caribbean, it's normal to see towel designs in resort rooms. They brighten the room and add that special touch.
I was most impressed with the friendliness of Egyptians across the country, on and off the resort. Yes, there is harassment to purchase goods, or check out restaurants, and just about anything one has in exchange for money, but there's no aggressive tone. Just friendly, pushy, and annoying... which you can let slide sometimes.
Thanks for stopping by:)))
We all having the annoying side sometimes. Hehe. Just added Egypt to my list of countries to visit (the list is getting longer and I haven't ticked any🤦).
You will one day. Don't stop believing 🙏
I won't stop believing, thank you so much 💜
Oh I thought that was an elephant on the bed! LOL. I love all the towel art!
When I worked at the dorm cafeteria in college, if we had time I'd sometimes get creative with the salad bar. I remember making a cucumber whale, but I don't remember what else. :)
Haha! I forgot to take a picture of the towels folded like a hibiscus. Yeah, I guess the camel kind of looks like an elephant.
I'm trying to remember some of the other designs that we use to make in Jamaica, but it beats me 😆
It's a fun thing to do:)))
Those hanging towels gave me the creeps at first lol. And I can bet that it was one hell of a vacation and experience for you, I can just see it in your writing.
The report for this part of the world is "hot", the weather over here is just starting to heat up, it's gonna be one HELL of a summer this year, I can feel it already. Ramadan is also just about 10 days away, fasting will be a challenge this year. For now everyone is prepping for Ramadan and Eid, stocking up on groceries and heading out for some Eid shopping.
Hopefully I'll get my Eid shopping done online haha. My list is small though, I just need a panjabi and pajama set, and I'm done lol.
Haha! It was quite the experience to have a monkey in my room. I was only hoping that I would not return to find a snake ☹️ That would NOT have been funny 😏
In Cairo, we saw that they were setting up lights for Ramadan. They have a long street called Melton Road in Leicester, UK, which is like the Indian capital. They have Panjabi's in every store and lots of restaurants (all vegetarian).
Yes, I admire the determination of fasting during Ramadan; It takes great discipline. Stay hydrated and safe:)
Hate snakes, ehh.
There are a lot of us Bagladeshis too in Eastern London, a lot of them are from Sylhet they say, that's what I've heard all my life haha. Some of the Deshi restaurants are quite popular too, there was this one video I saw.
Love how the food looks, if only I could taste it haha.
Oh, I always stay hydrated, love me some water lol. And during Ramadan with every chance I get, I'll be spending most of my days at home, hopefully.
Oh, London is a special place😍
Got no doubts about that haha.
Haha! I don't get to spend enough time in London at all. I did so more when I used to visit the UK on holidays:)
Quite a few years ago we had planned for a family trip to London, but for some reason it got cancelled.
There are just so many places and countries that I wanna visit, but for now they'll have to wait I guess, much more important things need to be taken care of right now. But I am working towards it though, steadily climbing up, slowly trying to turn all those travel dreams into reality. 🔥
I spent six weeks away and just got home last week. Most of it was in the Caribbean and South America, but all of it was wonderful and the people warm.
I get it! I need to go back! It was cold when I got home, but, it has settled down to chilly.
Your trip to Egypt sounds heavenly. My Head Waiter for the last two weeks was from Egypt and I adored him. The name that he used was Vincent, but, his real name was about 25 letters. Very soft spoken, yet direct. Perfection.
What you said about doing things at home, like the towel animals and such... I do! It is one of the things I love best! I always have flowers on the table, we use cloth napkins and set the dining room table. We are worth the fuss and it feels nice! rose petals in the bath, Waxing our hands together, there are so many niceties that you can do... and I love them all. It makes me feel special and I love to pass that on down the line~
I hope you had a wonderful time back home. I was going to DM you if I got to Jamaica before you left, but, I went and you were long gone. :( I think you had a great time and I hope you get to do it soon.
A bit of spring for your cloudy skies. Yours is coming soon!
Hey there!😁
Wow, that was a lot of travelling.
We were in Jamaica from November to February; It was great to reunite with my parents. Only disappointed that there was so much negative happening on the island, and my parish was under a state of emergency for most of the part. I really hope that things will improve on that island.
Yes, Egyptians than to have 2 names:) I was surprised to find how lovely-natured they are. They are pushy with selling everything under the sun, but they have a jovial and engaging way of it. I found them more pleasant than how the Moroccans were.
Yes indeed! I always feel that we can take the time to treat ourselves and feel good about things. I love using nice tablecloth, fresh flowers too. Why not?
We absolutely loved Egypt and make great connections there. In Cairo, right across from the pyramids. It was great to have the guys meet us at the airport.
It would have been nice if we were in Jamaica at the same time. Another time maybe, and hopefully the island will be in a better state.
It's still cold and miserable here in the UK. It's been a long winter. Two years ago when we returned at this time, it was much warmer and more like Spring. Even last year too, so we hope that it will warm up pretty soon 💞 🌸
Pfft. I need to stop commenting when I am tired. I went to check* and you were long gone. But, we weren't allowed there at the time. I have got to bow down to the State Department's words: A high degree of caution in Jamaica due to the high level of violent crime.
I am always sorry to hear that anywhere. Usually, lately, places have been canceled due to high outbreaks of Covid, but, high levels of crime, especially when violence has been ongoing in many places. Covid has really hit the islands hard. I could go on and on about how tourism is a double-edged sword, it harms more than helps.
Anyway... It sounds like you got some good family time in. You stayed a long time!!! I love the beautiful vibe of the Jamaican people, but, what has happened in the last few years? 😭
I am surprised at how cold and rainy and snowy (yes! that too!) many parts of the US are experiencing right now. I live in a banana belt, so we usually have what I consider nicer temperatures.
Thank you so much for being the ray of sunshine that you are.
It is great that you had a lovely experience with the friendly Egyptian staff. The same was true when we visited. By the way, I was mistaken my husband dove in Sharm el Sheikh and we day triopped to Dahab. We were sorry that we did not get a chance to stay in Dahab as it was very authentic.
It was snowing on Friday and wet snow since then. It is cold and great but the sun shone for a bit today. You did not not miss much. It will take some getting used to since you have been away for so long.
Downtown Dahab was interesting with many dining options. The shops sell the same thing, but you can find some unique things if you have the time and if you can deal with the pestering of all the vendors. It's developed there, but I think it still offers a great cultural experience.
Yes, we heard that we missed heavy snow by just a few days. Probably it's because I arrived after midnight to rain and freezing cold, but I'm hoping Spring will come soon:)))
The camel and the monkey look very impressive, a unique high level of creativity
Regarding the weather, the season is not friendly here, sometimes it rains, sometimes it is hot and even both can happen on the same day, that's how if nature has said
Have a good weekend to you and have a nice day 😊
"here", as in Indonesia?
Yes, nature and climate change globally make things unpredictable. It's a relatively long winter this year. I hope it will pass soon, and may you have brighter days:)))
Yes, it's in Indonesia, some areas are floodwaters and some other droughts, scary weather
Yeah, it's strange. It's the same in Jamaica. There was a drought for a while in some sections of the island, and the plants were dying.
If only we could have some balance, heh?
Yes, let's hope there is no terrible disaster
🤞
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😃Lovely towel folds. Loving the vibe of the hotel. I wouldn’t have expected a monkey but it does show some skills. Lol!
Yeah, the monkey was ace!😆
😃Thanks for sharing a part of Egypt with us.
😍 My pleasure:)
💕🎶