I don't know that impression of Hurghada arose.

I have lived here for 4 years and can honestly say I have never felt in the least threatened. As has been said, yes you get a bit of hassle, but a polite no is enough.

If I wanted to, I could do my shopping in the middle of the night, walk to and from my apartment without any problems at all.

How many other countries in the world can you say that about.

Yes there are 'compounds' where some Europeans like to live. These are gated with a guard to stop outsiders going into the premises. Most of these have swimming pools.

Personally I couldn't stand living in one of those. We have a doorman but then nearly every apartment block has one who is supposed to keep an eye open for strangers.

So please don't be put off at all. Hurghada is perfectly safe. I wouldn't live anywhere else. This is my adopted country and whilst Hurghada might not be the prettiest place it has so much going for it, good beaches, wonderful warm water, excellent restaurants, good nightlife.