We're Home

Well, we've made it safely back from Egypt. It was looong trek home. A full 24 hours when you count the 3 flights and the layover times. We are tired, but beginning the work of catching up on our sleep. :) We're also looking forward to eating fruit, vegetables, and milk without worry; having our beverages be cold; and not sitting down to yet another buffet meal! And, now that I have reliable and inexpensive internet access, I'll begin to post some pictures for all of you who are asking.

Cruising the Nile

Well, we have made it to the next part of our adventure ~ and some aspects of this trip are definitely an adventure! (Sounds like Ron had one of his own. The alarm code: what time is it? Add a "0" in front and answer as if you are Travis. Those of you who know Travis will all now know the alarm code. :)) It is Friday afternoon and we are currently cruising down the Nile, past farm land, through rice paddies, and along the banks full of papyrus.

We have been to several temples: Karnac, Luxor, Valley of the Kings (where King Tut's tomb is), Valley of the Queens, and Edfu. Edfu is the most intact in all of Egypt and was built by Greeks and Romans. Their artwork is amazing in its detail and many color still remains. Unfortunately, much of it was defaced in later years when the Christians came through because the temples are in worship of other gods. This afternoon we will see Kom Ombo which is apparently right on the banks of the river. As such, much has been washed away by river floods.

We are the only Americans and native-English speakers on board. English is the "international language" so we are able to talk with other passengers and the crew members, who may be from a very poor country but all seem to speak at least 4 languages. French and German are the other dominant language on board. But being the only Americans is not all bad...we have our own private guide everywhere we go. So, a tour group of "2" rather than 20. It makes for quick access to sites, nicer travel arrangements, etc.

The one thing we can't get over is the hustling. Every single market, we are hustled and hustled and hustled. The icing on the cake was yesterday. We had to go through the locks at Esna. Approaching the locks, we noticed many rowboats along the shoreline, but they were empty. We wondered what they were for. Minutes later we knew. As our cruise boat slowed, we were approached by tens of rowboats, 2 men to a boat. One was rowing and was hawking his goods - galabayas, rugs, scarves, etc. They literally started shouting at us in all languages until they figured out which one to speak. Then, they started tossing their goods up to the sun deck - 4 stories up. And the bartering began. This screaming & yelling and throwing back of forth of goods (which most of passengers did not want) must have gone on for 30 minutes...until we went into the locks and the next boat full of unsuspecting passengers arrived. Nuts!

We are taking lots of pictures. I am having to download them every day and charge my camera batteries to keep things operating well. For now, I'm off to the sunbed on the top of the deck. :)

Making Friends Across the World

It's Tuesday evening for us. The conference officially ended today, but not before the amazing Gala last night. Everyone (well, most everyone) wore their galabayyas (Egyptian dresses). (I bet you can't guess who said, "I'm not wearing a dress!) The ballroom was decorated in bright colors and vendors were selling a wide variety of souvenirs. We arrived on time, but not early. No worries...we were escorted to one of the "speaker tables" and had a front row seat for the whirling dervishes. We got good pics that we'll share when we get home. That was followed by a dance for everyone.

Today, we were off to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. They are literally on the edge of the city. One of our pictures shows what a contrast this city is. It has the pyramids, the cell phone tower, and the amazing amount of traffic. 20 million people live in Cairo!! And, yes, Travis got his camel ride in. Like everything else here so far, that was definitely an experience.

We also got a bit of shopping done. We came back and sat by the pool for a while. Now we're going to squeeze in a nap before another boat cruise Travis arranged for tonight. Apparently we will be treated to belly dancers this evening. Travis has had no trouble making fast friends with the hotel staff and the travel guides! I hear, "Ah, Mr. Travis!" everywhere I go with him. :)

I haven't figured out how to post our own pics yet. I'll keep trying; but we're paying $5.00 for every 15 min of Internet access, so those pics might just have to wait until we get back. Love to all!

We're Here!

10 hours to Amsterdam, 8 hours in the Netherlands, and 4 hours to Cairo. We have made it here! (For those of you in IS, you'll be glad to know that the Greenstreets successfully made their first leg of their trip to Spain & Portugal. We were on the same flight!)

We haven't really been out of the hotel yet, but what we've seen is unique. Ride in a taxi at your own risk! New York drivers have nothing on Cairo drivers.

A look right from our balcony and we can see the Nile, beautiful homes and lots of boats. A look left and it's like the scene from Slumdog Millionaire where they pan out to show just how congested Mumbai is. A look down, and it's the beautiful pool and garden terrace. So many contrasts!

Tomorrow will be day 2 of the conference and a sunset Felucca (sailboat) ride. Now, we're off to toast a successful day 1 at the NESA welcome reception.

We're off to Egypt!

Four days and counting until our Egyptian adventure. Neither of us have travelled internationally or blogged before, but what better time to start? I don't know for sure how often we will have internet access, but we will try to provide updates.



Our itinerary:



April 2: Fly to Amsterdam

April 3: Fly to Cairo and stay at the Conrad Hilton

April 4-6: NESA Conference, Cairo

April 7-8: In and around Cairo

April 9: Fly to Luxor, board our cruise boat

April 9-12: Cruise & sightsee between Luxor & Aswan

April 12: In and around Aswan, Fly back to Cairo

April 13: Fly to Amsterdam & to Seattle

April 14: Arrive Seattle