I’ve ridden a camel twice. Once on a photo overlooking Jerusalem, and again at the pyramids near Cairo. Was fun.
After the two day trip in Cairo (saw the pyramids, etc) I tried to hook up with a tour going up the Nile river but the hang up was that there were no seats available on the flight from Cairo to Luxor. So I was left on my own and went to the train station.
I took an overnight train to Luxor, or so I thought, but met a lady on the train that was going on to Aswan. She’s a well experienced traveler so I asked if we could travel together. Tonight we’re in Aswan and will be in a convoy to Abu Simbel early in the morning.
The next day we will tour around Luxor–Valley of the Kings, etc. It’s fascinating being here and haven’t quite realized yet that I really am here.
My first impression of the pyramids was, “Boy! that’s really a big pile of rocks!” My second thought was, “stacking them–community project–sure would keep a lot of teenagers out of trouble.”
I was told the trains were full too. It’s not only an Arab holiday on the 10th, but with Lunar New Year in Asia, there are tour groups from Asia traveling in these parts. Anyway, at the train station, after the third window, I got a ticket from heaven and even had a soft seat to sit in that reclined some–14 hours. There were room for six people, but were only four. The two men actually slept on the floor which gave all of us space to stretch out and sleep fair. The men were very respectful.
Conductors and police are aboard the trains too. Even the tour bus coming into Cairo had two drivers, two tour guides and a guard aboard.
Take care,
Caryl
