DaveJJ

My wife and I recently returned from the Janaury 7-19th Splendours of Egypt tour with Insight Vacations. The following is a description of our trip.

Our flight from Frankfurt to Cairo was only 4 hours long. The previous day we flew from Toronto (7.5 hours) to Frankfurt, spent the night there before continuing on to Cairo. As the plane landed we could see pyramids out the left side. I smirked to myself as visions of Steve Martins ‘King Tut’ skit came to mind and that damn song ‘Walk Like an Egyptian’.

We were met by an Insight Representative (or a representative from the local company Spring Tours, unsure which) before passport control. While awaiting those that needed to get their visa we, picked up our luggage. Once all were present we walked through customs without a hitch. We were in and out of the Cairo airport in 30 minutes. I am unsure we could have accomplished this as independent travelers. We certainly appreciated the assistance of the company representative.

It took almost 1 hour to get to the Marriot hotel. A short 15 minutes after arriving and we were in our room. Great.

On day 1 we ate buffet breakfast in the Casino room before meeting up with our fellow travelers at 8:30. There was a short orientation and then introduction to our Tour Director, Ayman Altamawy. Ayman was excellent, a true gentleman. You should all be so lucky. We left the Marriot around 9:30 for our first outing to the Citadel of Salah-El-Din (Saladin of Crusader fame), the Mohammed Ali alabaster mosque and then on to the Cairo museum (including viewing the mummies of Ramses II, Queen Hatshepsut, Seti I, Tutmosis I, II, III, IV in the Hall of Mummies. While we fully appreciated our first introduction to Egypt and the amazing museum what we appreciated most was Ayman’s explanation of Islam (and the 5 pillars) as we sat in a semi-circle on the floor of the mosque. This articulate dissertation well prepared us for our interactions with the Egyptian populace in coming days. We returned to the Marriot around 3:30. The bus picked up those going to the Sound and Light show at 5:00. We bowed out as we felt the presentation would likely repeat much of the history we had already read in preparation for our trip. In speaking with those that did attend we concluded we had made the right decision.

On day 2 we flew to Luxor. We were picked up at 6:00 for our 9:00 a.m. flight (1 hour duration). Again everything went off without a hitch, Ayman took care of everything. Once we arrived in Luxor we went directly to Karnak for a 2 hour guided tour followed by at least 1 hour of free time. For those photographers out there, take the time to walk around to the far side of the Sacred Lake. You can get an amazing picture of Karnak reflected in the lake. Within a half-hour of leaving Karnak we were at the boat, M/S Giselle. The boat was excellent, clean, well-staffed. After a buffet lunch we went to the on-board shops for a little shopping. We ordered two cartouches ($490 Canadian) and picked out two outfits for the Galabea Party (75 LE each, about $14 Canadian).

Afterward we retreated to the sun deck to watch our departure from Luxor. As the sun began to set I heard Van Morrison (we were born before the wind, also younger than the sun, ere the bonnie boat was won, as we sailed into the mystic).

DaveJJ

Trip Report Continued.


On day 3 I awoke early and went up to the sun deck for day break (5:00). The call to prayer started at a nearby mosque, then one a little further away, then one in the back streets, then one off in the country-side. The call to prayer tumbled along. Mornings have always been precious to me but this event made the morning almost sacred. I could here Cat Stevens (morning has broken, like the first morning; blackbird has spoken, like the first bird; praise for the singing, praise for the morning; praise for the springing, fresh from the world) We arrived at Dendara and visited the Temple of Hathor. It was amazing. We then returned to the boat and sailed back to Luxor. That evening we took a horse and buggy ride to the Temple of Luxor. Again, absolutely amazing. Prior to returning to the boat we visited the Papyrus Institute where we were given a quick demonstration on the making a papyrus paper and were then given sufficient time for shopping.

On day 4 we were awaken at 5:00 for our 6:00 departure. We stopped at the Colossi of Memnon and then on to the Valley of Kings. We entered 3 different tombs (KV2 Ramses IV, KV 5 Ramses XI and KV 14 Tausert and Setnakht) which was astounding. Many, many fantastic hieroglyphic depictions, some retaining much of the original colour. Those who wished could also pay extra to enter the tomb of King Tut. Next we drove around to the other side of the mountain to visit the Temple of Hatshepsut in the Valley of the Queens. On our way back to the boat we stopped at an alabaster factory and the requisite shopping opportunity. That night we set sail for the Esna Lock and on to Edfu

On day 5 we visited the Temple of Horus at Edfu. Before dinner we went to Kom Ombo to see the temple dedicated to the crocodile God, Sobek. This evening we had the Egyptian Dinner and Galabea Party. At least 90% of people got dressed up. It was fun and we laughed constantly at how uncomfortable some of the men (me included) looked in their finery. Yeah, I did feel a little odd being ‘out of my box’ but am glad a fully participated.

On day 6 we had arrived in Aswan. Of course daybreak started with the call to prayer. Today however was different. The banks of the Nile a quite a bit higher here than elsewhere. The tumbling of the call to prayer now also echoed of the banks, the echo splintered as is swept over Elephitine Island and continued on it’s way down the Nile, onward to Abu Simbel. We visited the Temple of Isis on the Island of Philae, the Aswan Dam, the granite quarry, a perfume factory and a cotton factory. Late that afternoon we had a falucca ride down and around Elephitine Island.

On day 7 we headed off to Abu Simbel (optional tour). We all sighed last night when it was announced that wake-up call would be at 3:30 for our 4:30 departure. Our one hour flight left at 5:45. Be sure to sit on the left side of the plane so you can see the temples as you land. We arrived in Abu Simbel, hopped on a bus and were at the temples by 7:00. There was only us and perhaps 3 other groups. The sun had just risen over Lake Nasser and was to our back. Our shadows extended long into our view of the Ramses II temple now alit almost red-golden. This lighting lasted perhaps 10 minutes but was well worth the early departure from Aswan. We toured Ramses II and Queen Nefertari’s temples....again, absolutely amazing. As we were leaving for the airport the bus crowds were starting to arrive. Again, it was well worth getting here as early as we did. We took the 9:15 flight back to Aswan and were on the boat by 10:30. At 2:00 we started heading back to Edfu.

We spent day 8 sailing back through the Esna Lock and then on to Luxor. We spent most of the day on the sun deck just watching life along the river bank. Kids playing, women washing clothes, men casting nets, donkeys baying. I could here Louis Armstrong....What a Wonderful World.

Day 9 was spent flying back to Cairo from Luxor. Once back at the Marriot we had free time for what ever you wished to do. Some people chose a Nile River dinner at a floating restaurant, others chose to rest up for the next days tour.

Day 10 we left the Marriot at 6:30 and drove to Saqqara to the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid in the world. We then drove to Memphis to see a statue of Ramses II and the alabaster sphinx. We stopped along the way at a carpet factory for a demonstration. They made silk and wool carpets. Of course there was another requisite shopping opportunity. Then is was on to Giza. It was crowded. Notwithstanding, it was amazing. We were standing at the pyramids. My wife and 12 or so others entered the burial chamber at the Cheops pyramid. The passage way is about 3 feet square, you have to bend way over, at some points you are in total darkness. It is hot and musty. Add to this the fact that others are exiting as you are entering. We quite well understood the suggestion that anyone with claustrophobia, back problems or breathing difficulties refrain from this endeavour but you should do it if you are able. We then went up behind the pyramids for a beautiful panoramic view of the Giza plateau before descending to the Sphinx. Another amazing moment. We got back to the hotel around 3:30, a long day. I would strongly recommend that you bring snacks (mandarins, bananas, granola bars) today as you will get hungry. The Bakery in the Marriot has great sandwiches.

Day 11 was departure day for some. We stayed an extra day as we had original planned to go to Alexandria one of the optional tours. However after discovering that this would involve another early morning departure, a 3 hour drive each way coupled with the 2-3 hours in Alexandria we decided to cancel our plans. We spent the day walking around our immediate local, lunching at the Promenade Café, doing last minute shopping and bidding adieu to the many people we had met during our sojourn.

We were picked up at 2:15 a.m. for our 5.15 departure to Frankfurt. The drive to the airport was relatively easy given the time of day. Even though the computers were down when we arrived to check-in the flight still departed on time. As the wheels left the ground I caught a final glimpse of the pyramids, I imagined the populace stirring as the call to prayer began and I heard Leonard Cohen.....hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelu–u—jah.

We would highly recommend this tour, it easily surpassed our expectations. If you are fortunate you will have the added bonus of having Ayman as your Tour Director.

DaveJJ

Trip Report - Part 3

Getting There: We flew from Toronto to Frankfurt on Air Canada. Why oh why does Air Canada insist on being the worst. While the plane was a step up from Air Transat or SkyService there still was very little leg room (I am 6 foot 3). To exacerbate the seating problem, this plane had foot rests which further constricted my leg movement. We arrived in Frankfurt at 7:00 a.m. The process of passport control, luggage pick-up and customs was a breeze. A quick shuttle to our hotel (NH Frankfurt Airport) and we were checked in by 8:00. After a few hours sleep we took the shuttle back to the airport and then a local train into Frankfurt. We did a walking tour of the old town and then back to the hotel. The next morning our Lufthansa flight left at 10:00 with us landing in Cairo at 3:00 (we had considered flying through Amsterdam or London but the flight to Cairo would have us arrive at 2 or 3 in the morning). This flight was better. There was much better leg room, the food was good with real cutlery and the service was excellent. Just a short note regarding Egypt Air. The flights between Cairo and Luxor as well as between Aswan and Abu Simbel were short (1 hour), comfortable and on time. I would put Egypt Air well ahead of Air Canada.

Cairo: We were surprised how big it is. I was dirty, noisy and congested. Driving here is not for the faint of heart. If you were on a road say with 2 lanes in each direction, well then you had for cars in each direction. If 4 lanes then 6 or 7 cars. Traffic lights are suggestions...only.

The Marriot: Wonderful place to stay. The middle portion of the hotel was originally a place built for the dignitaries of the world who had come to witness the opening of the Suez Canal in 1868. There were marble floors, statues, chandeliers, exquisite carpeting. Two towers book-ended the palace portion. Between reception and the Gezira tower were a myriad of shops and the bank for changing money. We ate at Roy’s Kitchen, Omar’s Café and the Promenade Café. The morning buffet was quite sufficient and the meals at the restaurants were excellent. I challenge you to eat one of Roy’s 1 pound burgers. The rooms were quite comfortable and the staff members totally service oriented.

Our Group: Ayman (Tour Director) gave us the name Horus which came in handy along the way. He would simply call our name and we came-a-runnin. There were 32 people in our group, 4 Americans, 6 Canadians, 1 Kiwi and the rest were from various cities in Australia. It was a great group. We had a blast together and their companionship added to our trip.

Internet: You could access the Internet at the Marriot in the Business Center. It cost 32 LE (about $6 Canadian) for 15 minutes. It was quite fast. On the boat you could only access the internet once the boat was docked (well latched would be more correct description). As it was satellite service you couldn’t hook up while moving.

Money: It is important that you have small bills for tipping. Either bring some with you or go to the bank at the Marriot. We had a combination of LE’s and American bills. The tour director was also able to help with change when needed.

Vaccinations: We updated all of our vaccinations in preparation for our trip. Two weeks (and one week) prior to departure we took a Cholera and Dukurol cocktail. We also took Malaria pills starting the day we arrived in Luxor (this was probably not needed as it was winter and there were no mosquitoes),

Mummies Tummy: Never happened. While we both had one morning of stomach rumbling a couple of Immodium cured that up real quick. We did not each any salads, raw vegetables or dairy products. However, others did and did not suffer for it. We put a hand towel over the taps to remind us not to drink the water not to brush our teeth. We also brought little bottles of Scope mouthwash and used this to soak our toothbrushes in rather then leave them out on the counter. Not sure if this was needed but we felt more comfortable knowing we were being cautious. Less than 5 members of our group did get quite sick, one requiring a visit from a doctor in Edfu. However, they had not been quite a discerning in what they ate.

Touts/louts and lay abouts: I had read horror stories in preparing for our trip. It really wasn’t that bad. We have had much worse experiences in the straw markets of Jamaica or the open markets in Cartagena. Yes, the do want tips for whatever (if anything) they have done for you. One LE (approximately 20 cents Canadian) would more than suffice at the toilet facilities. A firm La (no) Shukran (thank you) was all that was needed most times. At Giza it was a little more of a hassle. If they put something in your hand or on your head, simple put it on the groung and keep walking. Don’t engage in discussion or you will be there for a while. I thought I would be smart and answered in French instead of English. Well wouldn’t you know it I met the first tout that could speak French. Where you from France he asked. No, Quebec I say. Quebec oh Canada Dry. Geez I couldn’t believe it. This guy could converse quite well.

Toilets: Each place you go will have ‘western style’ facilities to varying degrees. There will be an attendant present who will give you a few squares of paper. You are expected to tip the attendants. Most facilities were somewhat clean, at least they had buckets and mops but I never really saw anyone using them. Be sure to have hand cleaner and perhaps handi-wipes as hand washing is important to ensure you don’t get sick. While we had expected ‘squats’ and had well prepared for that event the only squats we saw were at the Cairo airport. You had a choice, Go figure.

Temperature: Most mornings and late afternoons were cool, 8 or 9 degrees celsius. The high for the day would be between 14 and 16 degrees. You needed a light coat or sweater for your early morning departures but you would take that off by 8:30/9:00. Dress in layers. We much preferred going at the time of year than later on as I am sure you would wilt in the heat and the sun reflecting off the sand or stone.

M/S Giselle: The boat was great. It was quite comfortable. There are only 60 rooms and the boat only carries 120 passengers. The food was quite good. Even though we did not eat the salads, raw vegetables and such we still had lots to eat. You had rice at least twice a day, potato in one fashion or another, chicken, fish, lamb kabobs, pasta dishes even burgers one day. Many people couldn’t wait to raid the desert bar. I loved the choice of fresh fruit (anything that had to be peeled first). The staff were great and would quickly offer assistance know matter how small a matter.

Scullysioux

Dave,

Thank you for the great trip report. I will be in Egypt in March and appreciated your tips and insights. One question: what is a Galabea party? I will be on a Nile cruise also and am wondering if our cruise will have one of these evenings.

Percy

The Galabiyya is a robe type garment wore by Egyptian men.

If you are on a Nile cruise/tour, I am sure you cruise boat will have a Galabiyya Party.

Like DaveJJ said in his good report... do not miss this party.

If you are in Cairo and go shoping to the Khan -El Khalili Bazaar , then buy your Galabiyya here at the Bazzaar.

Men will usually wear a "plain "colored Galabiyya consisting of one or two colors but the Galabiyyas for women can get pretty fancy and colorful with a head dress to match.

They are cheap at the Khan -El Khalili Bazaar, a place I am sure you will visit during your Cairo stay.

You can always buy them on your cruise boat for a few dollars more.

In any event do NOT miss this party!!!

Percy

Grcxx3

Great trip report Dave! Brings back so many good memories.

Please tell me the cartouches you got were gold!!!!!

DaveJJ

Percy has provided a very good explanation of the Galabea Party. I too would expect any tour to include this activity. The outfit I purchased was 2 piece....one piece being a robe the second more like a full-length vest/jacket.

Yes the cartouches we purchased were gold. We did however also purchase silver cartouches for about $40 Canadian.

One thing I forgot to mentions was water. Since you need to avoid drinking or brushing your teeth in the water from the tap (we took this precaution even at the Marriot) you will need to have bottled water on hand. Buying water at the Marriott (especially from the mini-bar) can be expensive. We bought water at the Bakery in the shopping area. I recall it being less that from the mini-bar. You can buy it cheaper from a nearby gas bar (walk out front door of Marriott, go left down to the road, go left again, about a 5 minute walk). Each time you get on a bus for a tour the driver provides each person a small bottle of water. On the boat each person is given a bottle of water at lunch and dinner. Between the bus driver and the water provided by the boat we really only had to buy water while in Cairo.

Percy

Good advice about the water DaveJJ.

I also bought water only when I was in Cairo.

I may have purchased an extra big bottle in Aswan...( not sure)

But again good advice DaveJJ, to take the water with you on your tour trips like to the Valley of Kings, Karnak Temple,High Damn ,Abu Simble etc.,

I was there in October and it was over 100 F every day in Luxor and Aswan and Abu Simble!

Also about a block or two away from the Marriott is a newpaper stand that sells 2 litre bottles of water for about 10 Egyptian pounds...so about 2 dollars Canadian or US$, since the currency is at par now.

So just look for a sidewalk newstand !

Enjoyed your trip report a lot DaveJJ.

I did almost the identical trip with extra days at the beginning and end of my tour...as I went to Alexandria at the end ,before coming home.


Percy

frugaltraveler

Dave,
we are going to Egypt in 2 weeks so your report was great to read. Where did you exchange $$ at? I am leaning towards just exchanging at the airport (JFK).. I know atm's are suggested, but, I had some problem last year with mine while in Italy so I don't want to depend on that. I know Steve Martin will come to mind now that you reminded me of his " dance like an Egyptian" - thanks !

DaveJJ

Prior to leaving we purchased $100 Canadian worth of Egyptian pounds (small denominations)at a local Money Exchange. We also brought at least $50 in American 1 dollar notes. We also went to the bank at the Marriot hotel to get more small denomination LE's and to break down some other US bills we had. The ATM's at the Marriot worked well and dispensed 20 LE notes.

Percy

Hi DaveJJ:

Where is Canada are you ...I see that the East is getting a cold blast now.!

frugaltraveller:

Hopefully I can add a little something to DaveJJ good advice .

Right now the US$ is worth 5.52 Egyptian pounds. So you will find things pretty cheap in Cairo.

You have not mentioned whether you have your Visa or if you are on a specific tour or not!


Here is what I would do and what I did.

1. Exchange about $200 to $ 300 at the Cairo Airport.
This is easily done and no line up either.

2. Keep in mind that when you ask for small notes( and you should, at least 50 Egyptian one pound notes)and the rest in 5,10's and 20's, that you will get a "pile" of money!!!

For $200.00 of $US money you will receive over 1,000 Egyptian Pounds!!.. try folding this and putting it into your pocket!

I would not ( and I did not) get any 50 or 100 Egyptian Pound notes.
These are harder for you to cash in AND don't accept any ragged or torn notes!!! They and will be refused by many taxis and merchants)!!

Don't be bashful about refusing a ragged note...

When I exchanged my money I received a few ragged notes and I right away asked for a better version...no hassle he just said "sure"


At the Marriott that bank exchange that they have there gives you a good exchange rate(same as at the airport).

About the ATM's ... I am very happy that DaveJJ had no problem with the ATM at the Marriott.....because the fellow I was with (from Canada) had a heck of a time getting money from the ATM..
the machine even chewed up his card a bit !!!!

If you go shopping to the Khan El- Khalili Bazaar ...then use your Mastercard or Visa wherever you can.

Use your Egyptians pounds for drinks( water etc.),snacks, and for sure tips.

All those kids in Luxor and Aswan that you will see that will be begging for a tip....and people trying to see you merchandise, well...

many time I just gave them money so they would leave me alone ( not a good idea if there are lots of them !!)

But remember One Egyptian Pound to you is worth about 17-20 cents!!! so you can hand these out like water !!!

A quick reference to keep in mind is that whatever the price of something is....you can just divide by 5 and it is even less than that....
so if
something is 100 Egyptians pounds ..to you it is 100/5= 20 US$ (even a little less!).

Also about coins:

These are called piatres.
100 piatres equals 1 Egyptian Pound.

So for any coins you have use them and give them away(quickly) as tips.

Another thing:

All the Egyptian Pound money is in paper notes.

But... some piastres come in paper notes....mainly the 25 and 50 piastres.

So do not get a piastres paper note mixed up with an Egyptian pound Note.!!!

Personally I found Egypt to be very cheap.

When you get 5 and a half Egyptian pounds for one US$ ,how can it not be cheap!!!

What did you think DaveJJ !!

And where is that cartouche hanging DaveJJ !!!

Percy

frugaltraveler

DaveJJ and Percy,
thanks for your advice.. we are on a tour with Gate 1 travel.. we are getting our visas at the airport in Cairo.. I thought of going to Chicago to get ours but the more I have read that it is not a big deal at the airport, I have decided that is what we will do. Your tips on money is great. I was planning on taking $50 in US singles also.. this was something I did for a trip to China and it was incredible what you could get for one american dollar. I was planning on going to the bazaar and I do want a cartouche.. It won't be as nice as Dave's but it will still be a cartouche from Egypt and that is good enough for me. Did you fly Egypt Air ?.. if so, what was the airplane food like and the inflight entertainment ?
We have a non-stop from JFk to Cairo - 11 hrs..
thanks again !

DaveJJ

frugaltraveller....Percy's advice regarding money is spot on. Everytime we tipped a pound to someone it was 20 cents, nothing really in the big picture. We didn't exactly throw money at everyone we met but we certainly didn't count our tipping too much. For example: I could have only tipped the bell boy at the Marriot 2LE for bringing up our bags, instead I gave him $2 US. He and I became close friends. Whenever he saw me he always said hello, big smile..and...he never asked me for anything. While on tour our Director would advise us on what was appropriate in given circumstances and caution us not to go beyond that because it will raise 'lasting' expectations which could cause problems for all tourists.

As for Egypt Air....I only flew them within Egypt. The flights were too short for meals but we did get snacky things.

Percy...I live in Ottawa. It is presently -10C (-17 with windchill)and we are getting ready for a snow storm that is to hit sometime early morning. They forecast 20-25 cm before it ends in the evening.

Percy

Thanks DaveJJ

Sorry to hi jack your posting a bit.

But when you did not answer frugaltraveler by this morning..I thought I would try to help her out.

Again I apologize to my fellow Canadian!

Stay warm,I am also freezing down here !!!

Have a good time frugaltraveler.

And yes the Visa at the airport is a piece of cake.
I had a private guide meet me ( as I came several days prior to my tour).

He was holding a big sign with my name on it and when I came through the doors and waved to him he said
"Hello Pear- Cee" with the nicest Egyptian accent I ever heard.

I gave him $30.00 to go get the Visa and he was back before I even got my luggage.

Thanks again for your great report DaveJJ.....I really enjoyed all your comments and experiences.

Goodnight all

Percy

frugaltraveler

DaveJJ and Percy,
again, thanks for your comments.
Percy - if you got what we got yesterday and last night, expect 10 inches of snow. We are just south of Milwaukee and it was really bad this morning. The horrible wind chill weather we had reached its peak of chillyness on Wednesday. Schools were closed by us and in all counties around us. Since our school had already used their allowed 2 snow days, school was in session today. The roads were horrible. So brace yourself and warm up your shovel.

DJJ -thanks for the idea of tipping the bellboy in US $$, I like the idea of a warm welcome when returning to the hotel. We are staying at the Hilton Pyramid Golf Resort - which I understand is out in the middle of nowhere... oh well.. Either one of you been there ? Also, we get in to Cairo around 12:15pm - with the evening being free.. any suggestions ? Would taking a taxi in to Cairo be worth it ? We do have an all day excursion for Cairo planned at the end of our trip. Thanks for any
ideas.

Also, Percy - did you fly Egypt Air ?

Stay warm both of you up there in Canada land.

Percy

frugaltraveler:

No ,I did not fly Egypt Air because my conection in New York was too short( I only had an hour.)

I flew Britsh Airways to London and then London Cairo.

Yes, I saw on CNN news all the snow and cold weather you are having over there. (Brrrr).

You are coming in at 12:15PM.
By the time you get to the hotels and register and unpack a bit it will be after 2 PM.

Traffic is terrible in downtown Cairo,and since you are going the Egyptian Museum and Mohammed Ali Mosque with the tour the next day...

I think that a nice relaxing evening after the long flight may be in order...tobuild up your energy reserve for the next day.

BUT!!...

is this "full day excursion at the end of your trip" ,a day on your own......because if it is I can tell you what to do.


Percy

Kay5

Frugaltraveler:

We just returned from 2 weeks in Egypt and did the non-stop EgyptAir from JFK to Cairo and back.

The plane seating configuration is 3 - 4 - 2. We were fortunate to get a set of 3 seats for ourselves. It was a very full plane with hardly an empty seat, so having the extra one was a pleasure.

In-flight entertainment was on small overhead screens. Outbound it was "High School Musical" and an Arabic movie and in-bound was "Harry Potter (Phoenix)", "No Reservations" and an Arabic movie.

You receive a little travel bag on board that contains a headset, eye cover, socks & toothbrush.

Outbound we were given dinner shortly after take-off. Choice of beef or fish. I had the beef: it was like a meatloaf with rice & gravy. Not bad by airline standards.

On the return they serve breakfast right away (even tho it is nearly noon): boiled egg, hot dog & rolls. Six hours later they served a hot meal, choice of beef & chicken.

Beverage service was frugal. I walked to the back of the plane to get tiny cups of water; they did not offer - you had to get up and ask.

On the return trip 2 of the toilets malfunctioned and the lines were long. For some odd reason even the crew were using the passenger toilets, some to change their clothes - ?? - never figured that out.

Be sure to get your mileage posted to your Star Alliance account. EgyptAir has just joined.

frugaltraveler

Percy,

The full day excursion in Cairo at the end of our trip lists the following: Egyptian Museum, Pyramids, Sphinx, Bazaar and lunch.
With partial afternoon and evening free on our first day - I know I will be so anxious and sitting still at the hotel will not settle well for me. I tend to sleep alot on the plane so I excpect to be rested... Its Egypt - I am going to want to fill that time with something.. any suggestions ??

Kay, thanks for the EgyptAir flight entertainment comments and heads up on the bathroom situation.

Percy

frugaltraveler:

There is a lady private tour guide who is from the USA but has lived in Egypt for the past 15-17 eyars now.

I booked her for those extra days I had when I was not on the regular tour.

Right now they are having e-mail /Internet problems in Egypt, in case you do not get a reply back right away.


Her name is Debbie Senters
here e-mail is:

[email protected]

Please mention my name to her as she knows me well.

Tell her what time you have available and if she is able to take you to places that your regular tour will not.

Good Luck and have a good time.

Percy

samcat

We're planning Egypt next February/March. I think your report will be helpful.
SamCat