Blogs from Luxor, Upper Egypt, Egypt, Africa - page 29

We stood in the lobby for fifteen minutes watching several people enter holding placards tattooed with the names of likeminded tourists taking guided tours around Luxor before I leaned in and told Gina, “We’re getting stiffed.” Having given Abdul a deposit for half the cost of our two day-long trips while disoriented and bleary-eyed the previous morning, I wasn’t completely convinced that I hadn’t been scammed. Seconds before declaring the situation a conspiracy, a portly fellow, clad in a Hawaiian shirt and slacks, walked up to us and introduced himself as Bob. Gina and I returned the salutation with smiles. Used to the chuckle that typically ensues after revealing our names, we turned the question back on the man of clear Egyptian stock, “What is your real name?” “Baswhan. But, most people can’t pronounce my ... read more

Dahab-Cairo-LuxorTom Griffithurl='/Videos/2785.html' onclick='dialog("/Videos/2785.html?popped=1","tbvideo",600,600);return false;'The Nile at Luxorurl='/Videos/2786.html' onclick='dialog("/Videos/2786.html?popped=1","tbvideo",600,600);return false;'Hypostyle Hall, Karnak I never realised how many great friends I had until I arrived in Luxor. Every second guy stops to say hello, welcome me, tell me how wonderful Australia is, or I am, or give me a piece of helpful advice. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that they are trying to sell me a hotel room/horse ride/felucca trip/dodgy souvenir/taxi journey/bottle of water/drugs/random tourist keepsake or service. They are just plain nice fellows. Luxor is known as the 'Hassle Capital of Egypt'. So pervasive is this reputation, that many shops... read more

So I have just about managed to get my land legs back after the 2 days floating up the Nile. Basically all it consisted of was lying on a giant mattress in the sun while every now and again getting up to eat some of the wonderfully prepared food. I spent it polishing off 2 books and listening to alot of music. Fully recommended! Ironically the only excitement was 30 seconds after I had thought to myself "Wow, I haven't been this relaxed since the Cruise last year", then the captain of the other felucca decided to tack towards us for some strange reason. We lay there and thought, "He'll realise he's coming straight towards us (and more importantly, me) and will move". Nope. I rolled out of the way and he clipped the back ... read more

Hidey ho!! For the last few days we've been slumming it... sailing up the nile in a 5star cruiseship. Yeah, it's tough for some. It was supposed to be a 3star but we got upgraded. I'm guessing that's not actually all that uncommon though, as there are over 250 cruise boats floating up and down the nile, and i guess a lot of them would be empty now we're outside of peak season. There's still a boatload(HA!) of them floating around though. The Nile is just spectacular to sail along, amazing scenery. In a way it's exactly like you'd picture it from a movie... a big wide river, mostly still clean, lush, fertile greenery and crops along the banks with farmers tending the fields and kids riding donkeys, but contrasted with bleak sandy deserts in the ... read more

There are a few sights around Luxor - Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple on the East bank, Tombs of the Kings, Queens, Nobles, and Hashephut Temple on the West bank, and Abydos where Osiris' head was buried after Seth killed him... Didn't do Abydos, which need a full day trip.. So.. my overnight train from Cairo was supposed to arrive at 7am in Luxor.. but it arrived only at 10am... so, went in search of a good place to stay.. the Nefertari had some pretty good comments in LP, walked there.. but was told room rate is fixed at 50LE.. wah.. so decided to try out the Princess Hotel (not in LP) recommended by another traveller.. When I arrived there.. i told him somebody recommended me.. and said i can get a room for 15LE ... read more