Mathew,
She is definitely a blast to travel with... and after a decade or so you can even see the adventures prior to them unfolding before your eyes... I really believe that someday one of the people we meet in our travels will find her on travel blog and tell a story about her!
Shiny green bikinis... given that green is the color of Islam, perhaps the room attendant felt that wearing a bikini in that color was offensive to his religion...just like it used to be offensive to wear anything with an American flag pattern. Just a thought you may want to check on. Anyway, I loved your interaction with the Saudi woman.
You chasing after the guy... ...gave me a great laugh. Hahaha. Firstly, love the boldness you have in taking small risks like asking to see her face. Your friendliness, curiosity, and honesty are admirable. “Girl! Look at me! You are absolutely beautiful!” No one's probably ever said that to her, at least not like that. I imagine it's a moment neither one of you will soon forget. Thanks for another great story! ... I bet you're a blast to travel with.
Well.... We had spent some time talking and her husband was friendly AND I'm a woman so I had all those things in my favor when I asked. I think that makes a difference.
Thoroughly enjoyable blog "It becomes clear as to why they're always fighting in the Middle East. That kind of heat would make anyone volatile" - and I always thought it was about power - silly me ;-)
I have little tolerance for tourists from other countries not dressing appropriately for the culture when in public. I've seen this in many Middle East countries and it is despairing that some people don't even possess the simplest notions of respect for the countries they travel through. As for what is underneath the abayas, I have seen it reported that lingerie sales have always been strong in the Middle East, thus confirming Jason's good authority.
What the eye doesn't see... It is a shame you didn't have to time to visit hammam whilst in Egypt, that way you could have discovered what was really under those long black abayas... I have it on good authority that shiny green bikinis are definitely at the conservative end of the spectrum;-)
LOL at your favorite color! i love Fatoom! She sounds like a campy gay icon. Omnaya is just beautiful. I'd love to hear what she thinks of new york city. It'll be some sort of an absurd comedy if she wrote a book about NYC.
LIFTING THE VEIL Interesting blog touching on that sensitive subject...and attitudes to hijab & Islamic decorum. I congratulate you on your diplomatic take in this blog and pleased you had the guts to have shoulders uncovered when dealing with these issues...especially as you were in Egypt at the time.
A Long Way From Central Illinois Dear Andrea,
Thanks so much for sharing the pictures and your heart warming stories. Since I may never get to Egypt, this was the next best thing! Can't wait to hear about your next travel adventure. Edwina
Wow, what a wonderful story! What an experience this trip turned out to be. Again you have captured the essence! Great writing. Keep them coming. Happy travels.
Refreshingly honest... Refreshingly honest and cleverly summed up blog. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I dig your writing! Well done. And what a fabulous array of personality you encountered.
GROUPON DIPLOMAT As far as it depends upon you be peaceable with all coupon cutters.
The young bride has alot to adjust to and will as all young brides do.
Hope the best for her and hope you keep in touch.
oooooooooh weeeeeeeee :) Hey Anastasia,
Love the latest update. Your photography has come on leaps on bounds. Some of these images are timeless. Hope all is well in your world?
Well done! Lovely description and well done that you at least did it. If you weren't scared of heights it would have been lovely drifting over Luxor. My balloon ride (a gift for my birthday a while back) was a disaster as we only moved about 1 kilometer, at a push, as there was not a breath of wind! Apart from mosquitoe bites, at least you all came out of that trip unscathed!
Another great entry that got me laughing, picturing the landing and the 3 third split. Laugh aside, you were indeed quite brave to choose the hot air balloon as a way to conquer your fear of heights! Try the sky diving next time, good thing is that the free fall won't last more than 60s and you are only going down :-) safe travel,
Stickler
Stickler
Mathew, She is definitely a blast to travel with... and after a decade or so you can even see the adventures prior to them unfolding before your eyes... I really believe that someday one of the people we meet in our travels will find her on travel blog and tell a story about her!