In the October 'Oldie', David Willmott cites the Sinai Peninsula resort of Sharm El Sheikh as one of the 'World's Worst Dumps'. I have just returned from there, and this is my 'Through the Window' Writelink competition entry inspired by my visit.

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Letter from the Red Sea

One loudspeaker spews reggae; another salsa. Above the cacophony, voices call ‘Amigos! Volleyball tournament!’ and ‘Les enfants! Karaoke!’ Vodka-bloated persimmon bellies sway above baobab stumps. Faded bikinis fail to contain oily breasts and stretch-marked buttocks. Hung-over latecomers squabble for space.

My fins slide over the pier, cracking the clear turquoise crust. I sink silently, freed. Through the window of my mask, for a few precious instants in the infinity of the universe, I share an alien garden of sparkling, multicoloured fish and coral, and discover peace, harmony, and perfect symmetry.

Had Mr Willmott taken the trouble to look beneath the surface - literally - his opinion may have been more balanced.