Dear Tom, How are you? I have just returned from an incredible eleven-day adventure in Egypt! My journey began in Cairo, a lively, noisy city. I stayed in a small hotel only two minutes from the Nile River. On my first morning 1 visited the Pyramids of Giza. A friendly guide told me the Great Sphinx is 4,500 years old and still keeps its secrets. After lunch I wandered through a local market, buying postcards for friends. Next, I took a comfortable night bus south to Hurghada. The ride lasted six hours, but soft seats and air-conditioning made it easy. Hurghada is on the edge of the Red Sea, and the water there is blue and clear. I've never seen such water before! I tried snorkelling for the first time and felt like I was flying over gardens of coral. I even swam beside a friendly sea turtle for three minutes. After two relaxing days I joined a small boat trip to Giftun Island. We sailed for one hour, then jumped into crystal water to swim and play beach volleyball. Lunch on deck was simple but delicious: rice, juicy grilled chicken, and cold slices of watermelon that made everyone's mouth water. On my last day I took the sunrise bus to Luxor. The Valley of the Kings felt like a quiet, golden desert film. Inside the small tombs colourful paintings still shine after 3,000 years. I was hot and thirsty, so I drank cold mango juice under a palm tree and watched little lizards run across the sand. Unfortunately, the souvenirs were very expensive; I didn't buy many of them. This journey was unforgettable, and I can't wait to continue working on my project about Egypt. I remember you wanted to see some pictures of the Pyramids of Giza. I took many photos, and I will upload them to my account soon, so you can check them out. I can't wait to tell you all about my exciting plans for the next summer in my next email. Miss you and hope to hear from you soon. With love,