Fabulous Leslie persistence can pay off that is for sure.

Way to go, Leslie!!!!

good job Leslie!

I'm continuing to try to get our departure from Amman switched from 3/25 to 3/24. When I called last week to see if any seats had opened up on the 24th from AMM to JFK, I learned that not only was there still no availability for that, but American Eagle's schedule changed and the last JFK to BOS flight on 3/25 departs too early for us to make the connection. So, we are now going AMM - LHR on Royal Jordanian connecting to American's LHR to BOS, still on 3/25. I'll keep checking for something on 3/24 to open up, though.

Well, after what happened with our return flights (see post above), I decided to check on our outbound flights. Sure enough, Iberia has discontinued their Boston to Madrid flight on Wednesdays (or whatever day it was we had booked). So, we are now booked AA from Boston to London, then BA London to Cairo. The flight gets into Cairo late, which was why I liked the Iberia itinerary better. But, oh well. I think we'll have friends on that flight, maybe???

We have a looooong layover at LHR, but maybe we can get to the V&A museum. Missed that one on our 1 and only trip to London several years ago.

Economy class going to Cairo and business class on the way home from Amman. Hoping for a good tail wind going east!!

Well at least you found out about it in time to get something else you can live with. We are booked with Air France and KLM via Delta FF so I check that periodically just because Delta is notorious for changing flights around, usually dumping our seat assignments in the process. Did you happen to see the article in National Geographic Traveler? Someone sent me the magazine. The writer was virtually the only tourist at the pyramids and other sights. So glad we are still going.But hopeful that our boat is nicer than the one the Russian bunch had!
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Helen

Kim - I've taken your late BA flight to Cairo. Economy was fine. No complaints from my long legs. :) And we were in our hotel, having a glass of that yummy (NOT) Egyptian wine on our balcony within the hour. I think you will be fine. You are going to love this trip.

Oh Kim, hope it all works out. Dang, We sure go through a lot of stress getting from point A to point B.

Yes, Marcie! It's tough to coordinate and was stressful, and it could be again if the airlines keep changing schedules. But, hey! for "free" award tickets, I'll deal with it!

Betty, thanks for the reassurance we'll survive coach. Not enough miles for business class the whole way. Sipping wine on the balcony... lovely.

I am reading scary news about Cairo again this morning. I am just hoping, hoping, hoping that it all settles before your trip. That is truly the trip of a lifetime.

Saw the news too, Pam. I checked the State Dept website and so far no travel advisory so fingers crossed. Is the area where all the trouble is near the tourist sites? My sister is coming with us and I told her that maybe it is analogous to people could certainly go to Disneyland even if there were riots in South Central LA. Hope that is true?
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Helen

We were on the go so much that where we were barely registered. I know the problem isn't close to Giza, but I am uncertain about the Museum.

New State Dept. Security Alert:

From the U. S. State Department:

The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or living in Egypt to the continuing possibility of sporadic unrest. A series of elections for the lower and upper houses of parliament is scheduled to take place from November 2011 through March 2012. Political rallies and demonstrations are likely to occur in the period leading up to and following the elections. In the past nine months, demonstrations have degenerated on occasion into violent clashes between police and protesters, in some instances resulting in deaths, injuries, and extensive property damage. U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security. The security situation in most tourist centers, including Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea Resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh, continues to be calm. ...

The U.S. Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all demonstrations in Egypt, as even peaceful ones can quickly become violent and a foreigner could become a target of harassment or worse. Should security forces block off the area around the U.S. Embassy during demonstrations, U.S. citizens should not attempt to come to the U.S. Embassy during that time. U.S. citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to carry identification and, if moving about alone, a cell phone or other means of communication that works in Egypt.

When my parents got caught in it all in Jan/Feb, they were just ending their trip. Their last couple of days were in Cairo and the pyramids were closed, so they couldn't go there. They had to view them from a roof top.

I'm getting concerned for the first time as final payment is due in a couple of weeks.

Hard to believe, my sister was just in Cairo 10 days ago on a post-cruise trip from the Voyager, which included a visit to Luxor. She loved it, noticed nothing, and all was calm and normal in the city then. I would be looking to see what happens after the elections that are coming up. And of course, we know that K&D would never put anyone in harm's way.

I am concerned also because final payment is almost due. I think if the trip is not cancelled then I will assume it is as safe as anyplace in this world and go. Of course if the trip is cancelled because it is in fact not safe there then I am sure we would be refunded. So only real concern at this point is having a plan B trip in mind so I dont have to stay home :eek:
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Helen

Kim and Helen, if worse comes to worst and the trip gets canceled, there is always FUN3!

Made final payment on Friday, so did my sister. Is everyone still in?
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Helen

Hi Helen

Yes no one has cancelled all have paid in full we are a GO!!

Can't wait!!

Neither can we!!!!

Yayy!! We have had some worries but all reviews on CC say essentially the same thing, everyone felt "perfectly safe".
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Helen

Does anyone know if an Iphone 3G works in Egypt and Jordan?

Sorry, no idea re: Iphone but FWIW my Blackberry world phone has worked everywhere in the world exc Antarctica
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Helen

The iPhone worked just fine on Nile 1, so I would expect it to on your trip.
Just watch out for the high per minute charges! I think it was $2.50 per minute or there abouts!
You will have a wonderful time!

Doug

Thank you Doug! Does that charge include texting and accessing internet?

The charge I referred to was what your phone company would charge for voice calls. I don't know about texting since I rarely use it.
Internet will depend on what wifi you get locally from the boat and hotels. Beware of using your home phone company's plan for data it can break the bank in no time.
Frankly, I turned off all data on my iPhone. I did leave voice on in case someone needed to phone me. I used my computer for anything related to data when I knew I had a wifi signal.

Have fun. You'll have a great time. Happy New Year!

Doug

To add to Doug's comment. I did get a charge when I texted using WI FI. Doug is right. Turn off the phone's internet and do not respond to any text messages or emails unless you have WI FI. We have AT&T.

Thanks, you both answered my questions!

Interesting perspective on travel to Egypt from Peter Greenberg:
http://www.petergreenberg.com/2012/01/10/the-travel-detective-blogs-is-it-safe-to-travel-to-egypt/

I can't wait!

Thanks, Kim! I cant wait either. Peter G is the second travel writer (other one was in Nat'l Geographic Traveler)I saw saying right after "unrest" is the time to visit anyplace because no one is there and the locals are happy to see you.
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Helen

I was wondering if anyone has a good recommendation for travel power adapters for a netbook, iPhone (3G), camera and eBook. I have searched the web and find several conflicting reviews, I sure don't want to blow any up! Also, if anyone knows of an adapter/plug for high power devices such as straight irons and curling irons that would also be appreciated. As you can probably guess I am getting my packing list together! Curious if anyone from NILE 1 can give me some tips regarding charging electronics and storing pictures, it would be greatly appreciated!

Sally

Sally, from what I understand, most things are made for both electric currents now. I know my Droid, tablet and straight iron are both currents. (not sure about an iphone) You can usually find out if it an item is adaptable by looking in the manual if you still have it.
My blowdryer has a switch to change from current to current.
What you might need is one of those collections of plug adapters so you can plug it in ;)

Here is a set of those at Staples for $12.99

Thanks Karen, I'm still trying to figure out if my Nook, iPhone and Acer Netbook are made for both currents because I can't find it in the manuals(I'm assuming they are but will try to find out online), but having difficulty finding a 3 prong international adapter for my netbook. I found one, but it is an entire cord that is rather pricey. Still looking.

Sally, I googled and found these answers:


"The Nook has a switchable power supply. You will need an adapter, though, to fit the outlet and it should work fine. You will, not, however, be able to order books in Europe. "

"Can I charge my iphone overseas?
Yes, you only need an adapter. The white box on the iphone wall charger has a built-in converter. You can read the very fine print on the box: 100-240V - Europe is 220V so you are fine. "

And for your Acer netbook:

"All netbooks today will accept "dual" voltages (European and U.S.). The power supply for my netbook (Acer) has a grounded plug (the one with the round pin in addition to the two flat blades).
My plug adapter is narrow and fits over the blades with clearance for the grounding pin (which doesn't connect to anything).
check for the Input Voltage ratings on the Charger / Power Supply for your Netbook (the ratings will probably be listed in VERY fine print - use a magnifying glass if necessary).

If the ratings state 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz then all you'll need is an inexpensive Plug Adapter (the style for continental Europe has two round pins). If the ratings are as stated above, you will NOT need a Voltage Converter. "

Here are some cheap 3 prong adapters, maybe one of them will work for you.

Karen you are such a sweetheart for taking the time and researching this for me! I have come to the same conclusion and found that my netbook has 110-250v capability so all I will need is a plug. Thanks again!!

For anyone flying Royal Jordanian at the end of the trip - today I was able to get British Air to assign us seats - something they claimed they couldn't do when I booked the tickets.

Karen, I got my 3 prong wall plug adapter for only about $3.00 (from Amazon.com if anyone else is looking for one), big savings from the $50 cord PC World recommended. If it wasn't for you I may not have found it even with all my web searches - again thank you!

Good deal, Sally! Hopefully you are all set to go now!

We are getting so close to this trip!! Getting vaccines tomorrow! (yikes)