Cleo has been swept up in returning to Egypt. We are about two hours into our transit of the Suez Canal. We left the drapes open last night so we'd be up and at 'em for the canal transit. Woo hoo .. daybreak and the convoy was slowly on the move.

We quickly headed up to the Observation Lounge to join the 20 or so earlybirds watching the stately parade of ships northbound entering the canal. This is so very different than the Panama Canal. Not a single lock in this canal! The vast east side of the undeveloped Sinai contrasts with the greenery, palm trees and scattered housing on the west side. The Observation Lounge staff was overwhelmed inside of 10 minutes for coffee, tea, treats, etc. For some reason, they ran with the regular staff an provisions this morning. Whew! The rumbling herd needed their coffee and needed it now.

The outside area was nippy and windy. It soon warmed up, so Cleo decided the best place to supervise our transit was from the Terrassa back deck. Jackets were secured on the way to the restaurant. Others stormed the gates at 7:45. Cleo patiently waited for the 8 am opening bell. True to form, her loyal subjects graciously escorted the others out of the restaurant until it was 8 am. The doors opened and the loyal subjects graciously escorted Cleo to the proper table where she could observe the convoy and take a bite of breakfast. The convoy was perfectly spaced and this pleased Cleo no end. Soldiers who must have screwed up somewhere along the line, assigned to sand-based dune walls in tiny patrol buildings who watch the ships go by and get in each other's way. Cleo has her work cut out for her today supervising all of the progress in her homeland.

We should be shortly entering the Great Bitter Lake and wait as the south bound convoy transits the canal. I tell you .. my successors really bungled the cool names I came up with for places here in Egypt. Great Bitter Lake? Give me a break! Waters of Wonder had a much better marketing ring to it.

It is with great joy we are back in Egypt and Jordan this year. Sharm El Sheik was a terrific visit; more later on our overnight in Safaga. That deserves its own post .. let's just say it was one for the record books (in a good way).

Our guest lecturer has just concluded comments on the Suez Canal. Our balconies are at the perfect height to see life along the canal. It really is a spectacular day and we wish you were all here to enjoy the serene view of Egypt and the canal.

Cheers, Cleo