Good for you.. yet again... Ralf, enjoyed hearing about the situation in Egypt and its lesser visited destinations. Obviously it is very sad that so many are suffering from the lack of tourists. Only wish we could boost their coffers with our patronage: soon....... Please soon. Great to see you still so mobile. You'd think one of those medical trials will see to you sooner or later.......... We hope not. Best Andy n Ali.
Seems like there has been a lot of changes to Egypt since I was there 12yrs ago but the horse and carriage drivers in Luxor are as persistent and annoying as ever!
Wished I made it to the Western Desert from your great photos and also missed out on Abydos being on a relatively short tour.
By the way I see the scene of a new Ang Lee movie, Crouching Rabbit Hidden Duck! ??
Horse and carriage drivers They are still persistent indeed, though I must say that after the first day I have not had too much trouble with them, possibly also due to the fact that I have been out of Luxor to various temples surrounding it.
It was one of my dreams... To come to Egypt, but I always thought there were too many tourists and felt it might spoil the trip for me. Now, however, there are not so many tourists, and anyway, maybe I was wrong about the amounts. Giza, yes, but many tourist don't know and therefore don't go to the lesser sights. I personally liked Dahshur the best. But my vantage point at Giza was also a good one. Anyway, loving Egypt so far, people so friendly, and the history... I can't get enough of all those ancient sights. But the deserts are also mesmerizing. You should definitely come if you can.
Maluku Hey dudeness!
Hope you're enjoying your trip. I've travelled Java this year and now I'm planning on going to Maluku, Timor Lechte and Banda. Where are you heading next?
When I arrived in Indonesia by freighter in 1959... before going ashore, I was advised never to put my hands on my hips as the Indonesians would mistake me for a Dutch colonialist and I would find myself in trouble. I guess the memories of Dutch overlords are fading as that generation dies off, replaced by a generation who loves tourists of any nationality.
Times have indeed changed Most Indonesians tell me the past is the past, and there is no animosity towards the former colonial power anymore. Funny about the hands on the hips advice...
No shortage of characters! With Charlie, all your compatriots wanting you to side with them for independence, and the oldsters speaking Dutch with you, you had proper entertainment, not to mention the fabulous coral reef and fish. Must say I'm surprised that the Dutch evacuated the Moluccans/Ambonese to the Netherlands--not so often that a colonial power invites their third world partners into their own land. Love the colors in this photo and the old meeting house build without nails. Lucky you--glad you're heading home for Christmas!
A True Explorer! I love your way of travel--just take off and trust, after proper, delicious map studying. Yeah, you might be stuck in a paradise for a week with nothing to do but visit beaches and outstanding snorkeling spots, and without hordes of others on the tourist trail--boo hoo (not!). That 'saving face' by making up an answer seems pretty ubiquitous in the developing world. I was once on a corner in Mexico City, asked directions, and four people pointed in four different directions--classic! Glad you made it out on time for your flight!
Saving face Ha, ha... I know what you mean... In China I always made a point of asking at least 6 people, and then if 3 would point in the same direction I would conclude that probably was the right one, even if 3 others pointed in three different directions...
Maps Great description of the role of maps Ralf. I too found maps were "my starting point, a place of dreams." There was a really good map shop in Sydney from which I purchased 3 maps for our drive down the Andes in Patagonia. Planning what was possible and what was not. At one point in the wilderness I needed all 3 maps to find a way out of there. I like to hold maps, to mark where we have been, to be a record of our wanderings. The map shop has closed. I fear the internet while a great source of info, it does not replace holding our journey in our hands, marking our path for others to see.
Internet Yep, the internet is taking its toll... But I can see the advantages. When I am toiling away with a map, some guy next to me is looking at his smartphone with a map on it and his GPS location and the route to his hotel! Too easy!
Sounds about right for Maluku... Thanks for taking time to write about your voyage through Maluku - reminds me of my trip through there back in the 90's! Of course, I only visited Ambon and Bandas, but getting around the Banda Islands once out of Bandaneira was pretty much a crap shoot. Even the flight out was crazy - at the airport they just look out the window to figure out if there's going to be a flight that day! Have fun, the best discoveries are those when you are lost/stuck...
Hmmm... sounds familiar I bet the Banda's were a bit of a adventure back in the 90's... I just discovered they have two quick (like 6 hours) boats a week to Banda Islands these days... That will be for next year
Love it that sunset looks rad! I also love those travel moments, where you aren't stuck somewhere for hours ... but days. And you start to have that moment, where you are all "Um, have i accidentally moved here? Is it easier to just give in and live here forever than to try and ... you know ... leave now?" I'll put Sula on my list!
Sula Islands Tsja, it is easy to get stuck on the Sula Islands, chances are your next boat or flight out is 3 days later... But things are likely to change even here, talk is that next year there will be daily flights to Sanana, though you will still probably be the only tourist around if you visit.
Vrushali
non-member comment
Cool info
Is it possible for you to mention, the trip cost or various fares. Also what kind of food you are eating and where? Thanks.