From Frustration to Fantastic

Hi All,

We had quite a day today. We had arranged for a private transport from Aswan to Luxor. This part of the road is controlled, a result of the terrorist activities which have occurred over the past ten years or so. I don't mean to overemphasize that part of it, but it is something we had to come to terms with before we came here. About 60 people were gunned down in Luxor in 1997 and a bombing occurred on the Sinai peninunsala as little as two years ago. So, as part of the governments efforts to minimize the risks, they control the traffic of foreigners - all travel must be part of a convoy, with a police escort, in this part of the country.

So today, we were part of a convoy. The funny part is, the travel in the convoy is pretty dangerous too with very high speeds, dodging in and out of traffic, etc. It also seems to me that a convoy is a bigger target.

Of course, the Egyptians have figured a way to target the passengers in the convoy, but just our pocketbooks. Whenever the convoy arrives - at the temple, market, roadside stop, the hucksters converge with a frenzy. For the first few days this is tolerable. But we were at the end of our patience today and they were extremely persistent. We almost lost our temper a couple times but remained calm. We remind ourselves they are just doing what they can to get by in this very poor country.

Anyway, after visits to Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples (spectacular!) we arrived in Luxor, hot and tired and hungry. Our van driver was not familiar with the geography and spent the next hour trying to get the 3-4 groups to their respective hotels. Of course, we were the last to be delivered. Actually, we were dropped off at the ferry for the Nile crossing, only to have to make our way through another convergence of hustlers on the west bank. When we finally got to our hotel, we were informed they did not have a room for us(1), but that they own another hotel a 2 minute walk up the street (suspicious). I thought the girls would lose it. Anyway, I did follow the owner and was amazed to find his other hotel a gem! It was recently built and is a step up from our accomodations thus far.

Within an hour we were in our swimsuits sipping Stellas poolside. Let's just say it was a welcome reprive after what we've been through so far. This is not a relaxing type of vacation. We have to be on our toes at all times. But I think we are all enjoying it nonetheless.

Aswan was beautiful and I have some good photos to share.

The next two days we spend in Luxor. So many sights we will have to choose what to see. Then on to Alexandria for two days before making our way back to Cairo and home.

Hope you are all well. We look forward to reconnecting when we return.