I guess it's a bit late, but better late than never.

We are leaving tomorrow, arriving 3:45 or so on the 18th.

We'll be there to greet you folks...have a good flight.
OOOOPs if that is 3:45 AM then we definatly wont be up to greet you...See you later,LOL, Pat

NO, afternoon!!! 3:45 or so PM!

Arriving same time on the 20th.

All bags are loaded and locked

Ray's weighs in at 40 pounds,mine at 38.
Using new wheeled duffle bags...not sure if I like them....Time will tell.

Plan on having a drink on high to celebrate my 29th. Wonder if the have any green beer?
maybe instead I'll have a vodka martini with a GREEN olive.
See you all in Cleo's land.

We will be arriving at 6:40PM on the 19th. Pat and Ray I am impressed with your packing. Mark has his stuff packed but not weighed and my stuff is still spread across the extra bedroom bed. Trying to get rid of a few more things before I pack. Ray has me worried about being so cold at the light show though.

We arrive just before midnight on the 18th. I spoke with one of my colleagues today at lunch. He's Egyptian and just returned home to Boston after visiting his family in Cairo. He says it's in the mid-50's at night and a light sweater and windbreaker should be fine. Of course he's lived in Boston for 20 years and in March up here mid-50's is warm so I'm not sure if his clothing suggestions will work for everyone.

He also stressed not bringing a lot of stuff - in his case because he loves to shop and he needs room in his suitcase.

I asked him about tipping and he said "it's the culture" You tip everyone, all the time, but not much. 1 - 2 Egyptian pounds. The most to tip for simple stuff is 5 pounds (that's around $1USD) for bellman and porters etc.

As a reminder- From our NILE book-

Tips for services mentioned in the itinerary have been prepaid.

Services not mentioned in the itinerary, such as meals on your own account, are not included in the prepaid tips.

THANKS, RALPH! Looking so forward to seeing all of you folks.