Lex and the Global Kite Guide have been exploring again. We couldn’t believe our luck when we discovered a magical wonderland in the deep south of Egypt.

Hamata, which almost brushes the border with Sudan, is a tiny hamlet with wooden huts and goats wandering in the street. Further along the coastline is a mangrove harboring semi-wild camels and nesting eagles. And between the two is a wide open lagoon with steady wind and beautifully flat water. The reason we ended up there was to check out the new kitestation, Kitevillage, and we certainly made the find of the year.

While Lex pumped up his brand new 2008 Instinct Sport, we headed upwind, drawn towards a lonesome tree standing ankle deep in clear water. We soon realised we must stay there until high tide and get Lex to jump it! In the meantime, we explored the mangroves, with their roots sticking up out of the silty bed, and watched camels munching on their leaves. Lex tacked up to join us and spent the next few hours winding in and out of the bushes, jumping over low trees and willing the tide to rise.

Finally, when the water was deep enough, there was no stopping Lex. He bounded over the majestic tree again and again, as if it were a park bench. His kite lifted him high into the air and carried him effortlessly up and over, gently touching down the other side.

Over the next few days we alternated between shooting in the mangrove and freestyle sessions in the flat open water near the club. Lex quickly grew attached to his new toy, explaining it was even smoother than last year’s model but with even more kick when he wanted. He sure demonstrated what he meant, too, pulling off 313s, back mobes and blind judges with ease.

Off the water, the locals also helped to make our trip all the more memorable, for instance making Bedouin coffee for us over an open fire one evening. The incredibly slow process of roasting, crushing and brewing made us gaze in wonder. As we smoked our shishas and were ultimately handed tiny egg cups of coffee, we reflected that the slow pace of life - at one with nature and the desert – was what made this place so special. That and the new kites in our bags, of course!!

Many thanks to Ozone for a wicked trip and to everyone who made us feel so welcome. We hope you enjoy the video clip…

Bye for now, Annabel & Yves http://globalkiteguide.com/