Not sure how much posting is going to be going on during Nile. We have been SO busy. As I am with the highlights group that come back early and never nap during the day I have this bit of time to post.

Ken came back and said they had a great day. At the Giza pyramids some rode a camel while the others visited the solar boat. Talking to people it sounded like both group enjoyed their choices. I will let one of them post their impressions. Everyone was happy but tired there is so much to see in this city and with the traffic it takes so long from site to site.

At 7.00 pm we left for the private home dinner. Our host lives on the outskirts of Cairo and many took a little nap on the way. When we arrived we turned down a totally tree lined street with beautiful huge homes. I have a feeling this is the first time a tour bus had ever ventured down this road. I was afraid we were going to damage the trees.

Our host was standing at tne entrance gate to his house to greet us. We went into an expansive foyer and living room the the biggest bar I have ever seen in a private home. The house was beautifully decorated and had hand painted eggs and plates that we learned had been painted by our hosts wife who he unfortunately lost a few years ago.

We then went outside to the large pool area where a huge buffet was set up, two egyptian musicians were playing. A wonderful scene.

Our host invited us to view his garden. I would say it was like a botanical garden. A wide tiled pathway underneath a flower and vine covered walkway went for quite a distance with alcoves with park benches on each side. Of course very good gardeners take care of this spectacular garden. It is quite large and we did not see it all but it had many fruit bearing trees that all produce wonderful fresh fruit.

Tables were set up outside and he had added his dining room table and another round table inside the house as it was a little chilly. So people could sit where they pleased. Inside or outside.

Dinner was delicious. A huge variety of foods and I discovered a few Egyptian dishes that I really enjoyed. I would tell you what they were but would not spell it correctly. The pudding was yummy! A type of bread pudding, with custard and cream. He had ice cream and other deserts as well. I finished this off with a ginger cinnamon tea.

The food, wine, muscians, service and the whole ambiance was great. What made it extra special was our host and his tour company senior staff. He is such a nice genuine happy individual and this leadership is evident in his whole team. We were laughing all night and the time passed so quickly. Before we realized we had been there about 2 1/2 hours. It felt like a repeat of Ho-Down Egyptian style.

Fortunately it only took us an hour to get home as the traffic had died down. In fact the high spirits in the back of the bus I had someone tell me today he wished the ride back had last longer! Getting used to long commutes - not moving just sitting!

My group today went to the museum and straight to the Royal Mummies and then the King Tut exhibit. Our guide was like a throughbred racehorse. Knowing this group did not want to stand and walk too much he gave us a lot of information in a very short tour. He said it was the fastest tour of the Egyptian Museum he has ever done. That is exactly what we wanted. We love our Henry. The hardest thing with guides is to get them to work to your schedule. They love what they do and want to impart all that knowledge and do not want you to miss anything which is understandable. He is the best guide I have ever seen that understands the guests wishes and really alters his tour to meet the guests needs. Most of his information is in the bus so people do not have to stand around while he talks. I wish I could take him all over the world with me for tours.

Ken's "do it all group" are not coming back to the hotel before the nights activities, they are "doing it all" today for sure. They also have a wonderful guide, the head guide for the company that is a delight.

Tonight we have a private light show just for the 27 of us. Not sure how that is going to be pulled off but Henry said it will be great. Last time I saw the light show there were probably hundreds in attendance.

Then it is followed by dinner on a private yacht catered by the Oberoi chain. Should be something special.

Cairo is the busiest time and most tiring part of the trip. Tomorrow we fly to Aswan and do not have to leave the hotel until 11.00 am so that is great. On arrival in Aswan we go straight to our hotel so we will have a bit of down day tomorrow. For those that want to visit the Nubian Museum the guides will take us early evening before dinner.