Keene Luxury Travel

NILE2 Land and Sand Mail

Posted By: Leslie B

NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/08/12 08:08 PM

We have arrived, so I am starting a new topic.

Travel went very smoothly, even though for us it was something like 30 hours door to door. Upon arrival in Cairo we were literally whisked away in a golf cart, escorted to a lounge, served tea and five minutes later we were ready to go, all the formalities and visas being taken care of for us. Traffic was a nightmare, but we finally arrived at the Four Seasons a bit after 7 PM, unpacked and split a burger in the Library Bar. On the way back to our room we ran into Kathy and Al who were just arriving and had a brief introduction to diixiechick and msunderstood who were on the same flight.

This morning I can see the pyramids in the hazy distance out our balcony!
Posted By: jhp

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/08/12 08:36 PM

Leslie, I'm an extreme night owl. Welcome to Egypt, and glad you all (Kathy and Al, dixiechick, and msunderstood) made it safely. You will be more rested than the rest to start the journey, maybe!
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/09/12 12:52 AM

First look - from our balcony:

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Posted By: sedona

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/09/12 01:34 AM

Welcome to Egypt! You really got through much faster than we did. Already a great start. I think we waited for about 30 minutes. Did you wait alone or with the others in the lounge?
Posted By: cruisinfanatic

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/09/12 02:44 AM

Thanks for the picture Leslie, I can see them too. LOL. Probably the only way we ever will is thru the eyes of you NILE'ers. Would love to have done this with you, but just out of budget, so looking forward to everyone's posts.
Posted By: Ngaire

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/09/12 02:58 AM

it's Helen, LCT will not let me log in?? We got off the plane on the tarmac and were picked up planeside by a fleet of sedans, Now THAT is the way to do it! We are all here and now waiting for our guide to head off to our private light show at the pyramids! How cool is that?
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Helen
Posted By: Ngaire

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/09/12 02:58 AM

it's Helen, LCT will not let me log in?? We got off the plane on the tarmac and were picked up planeside by a fleet of sedans, Now THAT is the way to do it! We are all here and now waiting for our guide to head off to our private light show at the pyramids! How cool is that?
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Helen
Posted By: Beth

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/09/12 03:15 AM

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Originally posted by Leslie B:
This morning I can see the pyramids in the hazy distance out our balcony!
My first sight of the pyramids from my Four Seasons balcony was one of those one of those "always to remember" moments! Thx, Leslie!

Hope you all have the best time!!!
Posted By: KarenS

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/09/12 04:08 AM

Yay, everyone is arriving! Leslie, what a view!! Helen, I will check into your logging in problem.
Posted By: Mrs. Marc

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/09/12 04:59 AM

Leslie that is a great picture Really whets my appetite for more

Glad everyone has arrived safely so far. can't wait for the others to arrive Remember all of you, we need LOTS of sand mail
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/09/12 10:45 AM

Everyone is here. Sound and Light show at the Pyramids tonight; we will see them during the day tomorrow along with Memphis and Sakarra.

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Posted By: Ngaire

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/09/12 10:52 AM

Wow Leslie is FAST. Got a little chilly at the sound and light show tonight and they have added a lot more to the show the last part was all new. Very lazy day today really doing nothing until we left at 5.00 pm for the light show. Tomorrow the touring begins!!

For the orignal NILE people the guys look good, Hossam's smiling face at the airport and Hany and Henry all smiles tonight. So nice to see them all again. Pam I gave Hossam your envelope and he was VERY surprised and could not believe you had kept that for two years.. he said to say "thank you" so here is the official thank you.
Posted By: KarenS

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/09/12 11:56 AM

Wonderful pictures, especially the group photo with the fantastic scenery behind them!
Posted By: sedona

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/09/12 12:24 PM

Please give Hany, Hossam and Henry a big hello from us.
Posted By: Pam

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/09/12 03:47 PM

Oh, the memories!

Ngaire, thank you for handling that envelope for me.
Posted By: Betty K

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/09/12 04:17 PM

Thanks Leslie! Wonderful photos!
cheer
Posted By: cruisinfanatic

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/09/12 04:53 PM

WOW!
Posted By: Betty

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/09/12 04:54 PM

Agree, Pam. The memories! Even freezing at the pyramid laser light show. Would go again in a heart beat. You all will enjoy it all.
Posted By: Ngaire

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/10/12 03:30 AM

It is sad to see how few people are visiting Egypt. On the first Nile tour when we left the private sound and light show there was a LONG line of hundreds of people waiting to go in for the show. Last night a maximum of about 50 people.

Today was our first real touring day and Memphis was also pretty empty about 50 people including our 22 people. The Highlights Group left the Do it All Group in the dust and headed off to the Step Pyramid. We were eating lunch when Hossam arrived and said the other group were still at the Step Pryamid. They must be at least an hour behind. Then we went off to the Giza Pyramids to touch the stones and take pictures, visited the overlook and the Sphinx and now we are back at the hotel at 3.00 pm.

It was a good weather day, NOT hot at all but with a wind keeping it cooler but also kicking up the sand.

Tonight we leave at 6.15pm for our private showing at the Egyptian Museum. I am sure the museum is still busy during the day so looking forward to the opportunity to see the King Tut exhibit with just our group.

On a personal note for the first Nile Group Hany has a brand new baby boy, one month old. Hossam who I believe had no children when we were here now has TWO boys and Henry is holding at two and he said dealing with his teenage daughter he thinks it will stay that way!
The three guys are all asking me about you all and I got them up to date on all the news.
Posted By: Mark and Cheron

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/10/12 05:07 AM

Please give the guys our best. What a wonderful trip we had in Egypt! It puts a smile on my face knowing they are all doing fine. Enjoy your time in there as it is a trip of a lifetime.
Posted By: pkd

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/10/12 07:30 AM

Leslie, the pictures are great. What an experience it must have been to get your first view of the pyramids from your hotel. John and I are traveling with you all vicariously, so keep the posts and pictures coming! And have fun (which is a no-brainer with this group)!
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/10/12 11:00 AM

A few iphone shots from today

Step Pyramid

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Pyramid panorama

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Emerging from the pyramid

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The Sphinx

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Camels

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Cairo scene

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Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/10/12 11:24 AM

The museum was amazing! Well really the entire day was. I am so thankful to you Nile 1 guys who made it all sound so great that I just had to see for myself. I am totally exhausted but would not have given up a thing except maybe the assault by the vendors at the pyramids. The guys who are coming out of the pyramid are my sister Barbara's husband with the beard and the other guy is Sally/Dixiechick's brother in law.
Tonite the museum was closed to all but us but there were many young men inside, apparently to make sure none of the B&K people helped themselves to any antiqities. I am pretty sure there were more of them than us.
We saw a group of Army guys in a tank just hsnging under an overpass but no sign of any trouble.
Tomorrow is a mosque,the Bazaar and the party at Antoine Riad's house. Looking forward to another interesting day
Thanks, Karen, whatever my problem was, is remedied.
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Helen
Posted By: Ken

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/10/12 11:35 AM

A FEW PHOTOS FROM NILE 2:

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Posted By: sedona

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/10/12 12:09 PM

Wow. all the pics are great. Leslie, you are making the iphone do things I didn't think possible.
Posted By: joannapv

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/10/12 12:43 PM

Amazing pictures!!!!! Keep the reports and pixs coming - just wonderful!!!
Posted By: coffeecup

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/10/12 04:36 PM

wow
Posted By: Betty

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/10/12 04:49 PM

Leslie, are you using Instagram for your photos? They look like something from a history book. Love it.
Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/11/12 04:29 AM

I finally got to the Four Seasons' business center to login in and say hello from Cairo!! Everything has been so wonderful. It did take me three trips to the balcony of our room the first morning to finally see the pyramids in the hazy horizon off in the distance. Now I can't stop looking at them when we are in our room... which is not very often!! We've been "doing it all" and it's been fabulous. Hany is a wonderful guide and Ken keeps the stragglers from falling too far behind. The museum open only to us last night was like a dream. Actually everthing so far has been like a dream and I keep having to tell myself I'm finally really here and it's all real.
Alice got her camel ride in at the Giza pyramids. I happily served as videographer. We fly to Luxor Monday a.m. and have free wifi on the boat. So I will post more often then.
Posted By: sedona

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/11/12 05:12 AM

So glad you are having such a marvelous time. We were the guinea pigs and it was great for us. I can only imagine Ngaire improved on perfection. I really wanted to do this again so please keep posting what you are doing and all your pictures. We have no more trips this year and I am in serious withdrawal.
Posted By: petlover

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/11/12 05:16 AM

Such wonderful reporting and photos. Your trip is amazing...you're going to LOVE Luxor too!
Thanks for taking us along.
Posted By: Ken

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/11/12 05:38 AM

A FEW MORE PHOTOS:
Posted By: Ken

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/11/12 05:40 AM

A FEW MORE PHOTOS:

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Henry & Hany our Egyptologists.

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Posted By: Beth

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/11/12 05:54 AM

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Originally posted by seadog: We've been "doing it all" and it's been fabulous.
Kim, I expect nothing less from you and Alice!!!

Yes, Luxor is fabulous. If you overnight there, get up early - 6 AM - and enjoy the hot air balloons rising over the Valley of the Kings. It's a marvelous sight! Looking forward to more posts when you all have free internet on the boat. Continue to have a great trip.

Great pix, Ken!! Alice looks so serene on the camel. Was she meditating or praying for dear life??
Posted By: Mrs. Marc

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/11/12 02:11 PM

Alice looks great on the camel and looks like she is having the time of her life! Keep the sand mail coming everyone, can't wait to see and hear more
Posted By: Lee

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/11/12 02:24 PM

One question: Ngaire, how did you get on to your knees! Obviously, you're much younger than me!!!

Love all the photos - keep up the good work. This trip is now on my 'bucket list'.
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/11/12 06:35 PM

Obligatory Cheesy pyramid shot

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Al hits the wall...

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Entrance to king Titi's pyramid. Although only two people braved entering the Great Pyramid, most of us in the do it all group went in to this one

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From Memphis - Ramses II cartouche on a column base

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Part of the original walls of the Step Pyramid at Sakkara

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Kids playing soccer at Sakkara

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Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/11/12 06:44 PM

A day in Old Cairo. Photos from my iPhone. (I am using the Hipstamatic camera app.)

Citadel

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Alabaster Mosque

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Cairo skyline

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Delivering pita bread

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The Bazaar

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Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/11/12 06:57 PM

Coptic Cairo

The Hanging Church

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Posted By: Anna B.

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/12/12 02:42 AM

I am so sad to say that due to some pressing business issues we are heading home in the morning. Although our time has been way too short we are so happy to have had this experience. Our time here has been amazing and we have been treated like royalty. Last night's dinner at Antoine's was so special....a once in a lifetime treat! We will miss you all. Keep up with the reports and the wonderful photos. Our very special thanks to Ngaire and Ken - you are two in a million!
Posted By: cruisinfanatic

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/12/12 04:36 AM

Oh Kathy so sorry to hear you had to leave early. But....so glad it was not some kind of a medical issue or such.

Have a safe trip home. See you on Grand Prix.

Leslie, your pictures are so interesting and great to look at. Thank you.
Posted By: KarenS

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/12/12 04:37 AM

Kathy, that just stinks! Have a safe flight home and I hope you can take care of things without too much headache :hug:
Posted By: Mrs. Marc

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/12/12 05:10 AM

I agree with Karen that really stinks. :mecry: Have a safe trip home
Posted By: Denise

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/12/12 05:49 AM

wonderful pix, as always, leslie!
Posted By: Anna B.

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/12/12 06:29 AM

Thanks JoAnn, Karen and Arlene! Yeah, it does stink! Add a bout with "mummy tummy" into the mix and I would still do it again in a heartbeat!
Posted By: Beth

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/12/12 07:01 AM

Leslie, Thanks for the photos. I love seeing all the Nile2 folks and the Cairo scenes.

Kathy, Darn, so sorry to hear that you and Al have to go home ..... plus with Mummy Tummy. :( Hope you have a safe trip.
Posted By: coffeecup

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/12/12 07:26 AM

Bummer
Posted By: Betty K

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/12/12 10:11 AM

Great pix Leslie!

Sorry Kathy. You must be disappointed. Hope your trip home is safe and easy!
cheer
Posted By: sedona

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/12/12 08:08 PM

Leslie, especially like the water pipes with the coke machine behind them...interesting photo.:-)

So sorry Kathy and Al have to cut their trip short. I certainly hope there will be a Nile 3 for them.
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/13/12 02:21 AM

We flew to Luxor yesterday morning and were onboard in time for lunch. We visited Karnak in the late afternoon. 

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Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/13/12 02:42 AM

This morning we had an early morning departure to the Valley of Kings, Deir el-Bahri, and the Valley of the Queens. No photography is allowed in the Valley of the Kings and Queens, so today's photos are only from Hatshepsut's temple at Deir el-Bahri. 

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Brad's new best friend:

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the neighborhood

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Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/13/12 03:00 AM

Another amazing day. Leslie's pictures tell the story very nicely. We are now sailing down the Nile, after a visit to the Valey of the Kings and Valley of the Queens. Really it is indescribable. Last night we were entetained by a Belly Dancer (ok) and a Whirling Dervish (Wow!). I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings. Kathy and Al are very much missed, hope you got home safely.
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Helen
Posted By: Denise

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/13/12 03:52 AM

excellent pix, leslie!
Posted By: joannapv

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/13/12 04:00 AM

Good to hear from you both and enjoying the great pictures. I'm sure Kathy and Al's departure has left a void :mecry: :mecry:
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/13/12 05:01 AM

Off we go on the Nile

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Entrepreneurial activity in motion

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Posted By: Pam

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/13/12 05:02 AM

Does your group have the whole boat, I hope?

Love those tossed tablecloths!
Posted By: Mrs. Marc

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/13/12 05:23 AM

Love that picture of Brad!
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/13/12 11:08 PM

For all you original NILE travelers, here is a photo of Henry telling us stories while we were caught in a Cairo traffic jam.

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Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/13/12 11:31 PM

Pam, we do not have the whole boat this time. There are 33 cabins and we have 11 of them. I am guessing it is about 2/3 to 3/4 full just based on the fact that there are some empty tables in the dining room, but not sure.

Since we have Henry and Hany as our guides we have a different schedule for touring than the rest of the passengers based on what they decide is the best order of things and timing. For instance this morning the schedule called for an 8 AM your of Edfu, but since we are on for the 7 day round trip we all opted to sleep in a bit and see Edfu on the way back.Hany presented a great lecture on Egyptian mythology for us at 9:30. Right now we have a couple of card tables going on deck 3. there is a comfortable open space in the middle of the ship above the atrium with panoramic windows, card tables, chairs and couches so we can see the scenery on both banks of the Nile go by. The Internet also works here, but there is no wireless access in our cabins although you can connect if you have a computer with an Ethernet cable. This afternoon we will visit the temple of Kom Ombo and tonight is the galabeya party with dinner on the top sun deck.
Posted By: Ken

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/14/12 04:45 AM

KARNAK TEMPLE:

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Party at Antoine's home.

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The "Do It All Group", taken in the same spot as NILE two years ago. Notice how happy they all are.

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Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/14/12 05:14 AM

We are docking soon and are in the lobby ready for our tour of Kom Ombo. We're all getting outfitted for this evenings Egyptian dress-up night. I'm sure Leslie and. Ken will have fun photos to share! The best meals so far  in my opinion have been the traditional Egyptian food, so I'm definitely looking forward to dinner... not matter what I have to wear!!!
Posted By: KarenS

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/14/12 06:24 AM

What a trip of a lifetime, the pix are incredible!
Posted By: Ken

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/14/12 06:36 AM

HATSHEPSUT's TEMPLE:

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Colossi of Memnon.

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Val having fun with young children on a field trip.

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Kim taking some video.

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Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/14/12 07:25 AM

Quick shot of Sally getting enveloped by a cobra!!!

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Posted By: Ralph W.

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/14/12 07:27 AM

These pictures really bring back precious memories. You all are so fortunate to have Hanni and Henry as guides. They are fun to be with and so knowledgeable. I really like the picture of Henry on the bus telling stories. It is so clear that Henry is enjoying himself.
Posted By: Mrs. Marc

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/14/12 01:44 PM

Oh how I wish I could be there with all of you! The pictures are great, the scenery and sights are great and everyone seems to be having such a great time! Definitely adding this one to the bucket list
Posted By: RachelG

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/14/12 03:17 PM

Wow, definitely have to do this trip.
Posted By: Anna B.

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/14/12 03:40 PM

We arrived home late last night.......missing you all and looking forward to hearing every detail of your wonderful journey! :hug:
Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/14/12 07:25 PM

Yes definitely one for the bucket list! Each day brings a new wonder. It is all just stunning. I am having a very hard time getting my head around these dates "2000 BC", "We think this dates from around 1100 to 1300 BC" really?
We all dressed up last night for the galebeya party. Personnally I thought we were all pretty impressive. Kim won the Water Bottle game and was wawarded a lovely fridge magnet. This morning we are off to Aswan and then a felluca ride later. Our printed schedule has been tossed and now each day is explained at dinner the night before. Most of us have no idea what we are doing in advance, just get up, meet in the lobby and see what the day brings!
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Helen
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/14/12 07:34 PM

Kom Ombo

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Posted By: Ngaire

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/15/12 12:51 AM

Leslie is SO FAST not sure how she gets the time to get these posted.

Ken and I remain amazed at the lack of tourists it is almost impossible to explain the difference. To have no lines for trains at the Valley of the Kings and to walk up and board the boat to Philae Temple, dock immediately it is such a different experience. The tours go so much faster with so little waiting for transport or for people to move to give our guides a chance to show us something. It is like a whole new experience. This has to be a better time to visit Egypt than it has been for years and years. Only negative for the tourist is the fact the vendors are far more aggressive as there are so few tourists. We also hit the weather perfect. Not been hot at ALL in fact today I used a light jacket in Aswan, unbelievable.

The ship is good I would use it again without hesitation. The cabins are a good size, the food acceptable (not Regent of course but as good as we have ever had on a Nile river boat) with lots of fresh vegetables which makes me very happy. Service is good and some really nice staff members. Internet works great as well. We do not have the ship all to ourselves but the other guests are not an issue at all. We are in the majority and it has worked just fine.

Hany did a lecture with slides yesterday that was excellent and explained about the beginning of the Egyptian culture. Henry is doing a lecture later on the role of women in the Egyptian culture. This is another benefit to have the time for lectures on a seven day cruise over a four day cruise and time in a hotel.

Last night we had the “Egyptian dress up” evening and this ship has much nicer dresses than I have ever seen before – people looked great. It seems like a hassle but once you are all set and everyone is dressed up it is a lot of fun. Some of the guys really looked the part. Henry was in rare form dancing a lot more than I have seen in the past and I asked him this morning and he said “he was in the mood” Pictures will follow by Ken eventually.

We have the “Henry’s Highlights” and the “Hany’s Do it All Group” and Ken is in the “do it all group” and is still out. We see the same things but Henry talks a little less and also does a lot of the explanations in the vehicle on the way so we are usually back an hour or two before the other group.

This morning we visited Philae Temple, Aswan Dam, and the unfinished oblisk. This afternoon we do the Felucca ride and visit the Nubian Museum.

Tomorrow we fly to Abu Simbel. For me Abu Simbel is the highlight of the trip. In the afternoon the “shoppers” can shop and the non shoppers can relax on the boat.

Then we sail back to Luxor. We lose the four night passengers and pick up the three night passengers. On our last day in Luxor there will be ten of us doing the hot air balloons. We will leave early in the morning be back in time for breakfast. Then at noon we fly Luxor to Cairo and then for 16 of us a flight from Cairo to Amman, Jordan. Going to be a long day!

Okay I am signing off now it is lunchtime and I am hungry – no waiting for Ken to come back I am going to have my daily vegetable fix.
Posted By: Betty K

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/15/12 02:19 AM

Leslie, your photos continue to fascinate me! Thank you! And thanks Kim, Helen, and Ngaire for your great reports. Your trip sounds absolutely wonderful!!
cheer
Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 04:06 AM

We had a fabulous time at Abu Simbel this morning. Very nice weather, except for some wind, and very few other people there. The temples were incredible just on their own. But when you realize what it took to rescue them from the rising Lake Nasser after the building of the High Dam, it so much more fantastic. 

I picked up a little book on hieroglyphics thus morning at the Aswan airport and had a lot of fun trying to interpret some of the hieroglyphs in the temples. Alice and I were the last ones to get back to the meeting place before loading back in the busses and heading back to  the airport. Ken got a nice shot of us in front if the Ramesses temple that we're very happy about--- practically no other people in the picture.

There are two pooch training tables going in being lead by Brad and Ngaire. Everyone is enjoying a nice relaxing afternoon. 

This trip continues to be soooooo cool!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 04:22 AM

Photos from yesterday's visit to the Temple of Philae


Aswan
Temple of Philae

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Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 04:41 AM

Boats to Philae

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Not too many tourists, but lots of school groups

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Shopping opportunities on board!
What a surprise!

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Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 04:54 AM

Aswan. Afternoon felucca ride

Passing the Star Goddess

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Tombs of noblemen

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Entrepreneurial singing "pirate" paddled up and hooked on to the boat for a "concert"

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Oh look! Shopping on board available here too!

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Cataract Hotel - scene of part of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile

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Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 05:10 AM

Off we go to Abu Simbel via plane

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A bit of a sandstorm on the runway

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Arriving at Abu Simbel - relocated to higher ground during the building of the Aswan Dam

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Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 05:38 AM

Abu Simbel

The two temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, as a monument to himself and his queen Nefertari, to commemorate his alleged victory at the Battle of Kadesh, and to intimidate his Nubian neighbors. 

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Posted By: Beth

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 07:51 AM

Really loving your photos, Leslie. Thanks a lot.
Posted By: Ngaire

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 07:52 AM

Just a quick post.

Ken and I continue to be shocked at the lack of tourists. Ken is going to post some pictures and you can see how few people were with us at the temples. Abu Simbel is my favorite temple in Egypt by far. Well worth the trip.

Got back at 2.30 pm STARVING from Abu Simbel and they had held lunch for us it was a three plate lunch for me. The lunches are really better than the dinners. A huge group of at least four fresh vegetables, rice, potatoes (different each day) a carving or pasta station, and fish and chicken (also done a little differently each day) and a few other items. The bread is good unfortunately! Then they have a desert table.

Right after lunch we gave some pooch lessons with Ms Understood winning both game with scores of 124 and 104! Definitely a alpha female.

Brad has been winning hearts CONSISTENTLY but finally today (bone tired and not focusing) I won the two games we played.

Tomorrow we have a sleep in morning (well deserved) and a lecture by Henry on Women in Egygt right before lunch. Then in the afternoon we visit Edfu Temple.

Next day it is Luxor Museum in the morning and then Luxor Temple in the afternoon when the light is better for photography.

Last day balloon rides and then off to Jordan.

Same as Nile 1 it is going to be SO SAD to say goodbye to Henry and Hany. They are truly remarkable and delightful people. They make the trip just as a great ranger does in South Africa.
We have the same guide we had in Jordan Zohair and he is good but no one is like these two guys.

Okay off to dinner now.
Posted By: Betty

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 08:26 AM

Loving all reports and photos. Ngaire, I agree 100% about Abu Simbel. It's worth a trip even if that would be the only thing you ever got to see. I am jealous of your trip to Jordan. I'll make it there - some day. And Leslie has posted photos of some sites I haven't seen. I might need to consider Nile3.
Posted By: Ken

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 10:13 AM

Abu Simbel:

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Here we are.

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Posted By: pwolftx

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 11:22 AM

Loving the landmail and the pictures!!
Posted By: cruisinfanatic

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 03:40 PM

Amazing, just toally amazing. What else can I say. Gteen with envy. :rolleyes:
Posted By: ededmd

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 03:41 PM

Ah-ha!
So this is where you all are.
I kept looking in seamail to no avail.
Keep having fun!
Posted By: Mrs. Marc

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 04:16 PM

Green with envy is right!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: joannapv

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 04:44 PM

Makes my day every day! thanks for posts and pixs they are wonderful -
Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 10:04 PM

We have had a leisurely morning. The boat has stopped at Kom Ombo again. The 4-night passengers disembarked yesterday and the 3-night passengers embarked. So that group went to tour the temple. It's 10am and we will be leaving soon for Edfu. Alice and i went with a small group took a short 20 minute walk. Of course the vendors found us quickly. Alice and I left the boat without taking any money with us. A boy wanted Alice to buy a bracelet. When she told him that she didn't have any money . He looked worried and insisted that she take it as a gift. "No money? You take it." he was determined that she accept it. In return, she gave him her Nile 2 pin.
Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 10:37 PM

We are sailing back towards Luxor.Henry's lecture on Women in Ancient Egypt is coming up. I have learned so much on this trip and isnt that one of the great benefits of travel?
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Helen
Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 10:43 PM

A waiter presented this to Alice at breakfast, compliments of the omelet chef.
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Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/16/12 10:47 PM

We were back at Kom Ombo this morning just in time for the return of the snake charmer. 

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Posted By: coffeecup

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/17/12 04:46 AM

wonderful
Posted By: Mrs. Marc

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/17/12 05:43 AM

Kim, That story about Alice and the little vendor boy is absolutely priceless, and one that will be retold for years I am sure.

(Those pins come in handy sometimes don't they?)

The pic of the omelet on the other hand ......well it certainly would wake me up!
Posted By: sedona

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/17/12 05:44 AM

Kim, I love your story. The omelet reminded me of our Russian rat pear....hope it tasted better....ask Leslie. Keep having fun!
Posted By: sedona

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/17/12 05:46 AM

Tip...for nice stuff...decent shopping and the best prices can be found at the airports. I kicked myself that I didn't wait.
Posted By: Betty

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/17/12 07:32 AM

Agree about the airport for shopping. Found something I had looked for all over the country.
Posted By: TedC

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/17/12 10:38 AM

Re. pictures at Abu Simbel: Was one of the carvings at left an early version of Weight Watchers?


Thanks to all for interesting reports and wonderful images!
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/17/12 07:46 PM

Temple of Edfu - dedicated to the falcon god, Horus. One of the best preserved temples because it was buried by sand until the mid 1800's.

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We got there by carriages

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Posted By: Ngaire

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/18/12 03:49 AM

Quick post before we leave for our last tour of Luxor Temple. This morning we visited the Luxor Museum and afterwards Ken, Hany and I went shopping. There are some long bus rides in Jordan so Brad and others want to play cards in the bus. NOT EASY to do in a bus and trying to figure out how has been a challenge. We were going to use cardboard as a table adhered to the armrests in some fashion. We got cardboard from the ship and I was going to buy scissors and twine.

It was so much fun going into the real LOCAL market. More plastic products than you can imagine and very friendly people saying hello. I am sure not many people who look like us frequent this market.

We found two plastic tables that break down to top, bottom and legs and I was able to fit them in my suitcase. I always travel with half empty suitcases you never know when you are going to need the space.

So now it will be interesting to see how well this all works. Until we see our bus it is hard to know but at least we have a "plan".

Tomorrow ten of us are doing the balloon ride in the morning. We are really looking forward to this something we have not done here before.

It has really been a great trip, perfect weather, Henry and Hany are really the BEST and a very congenial group as well. Four of the group will be going home from Cairo and sixteen of us are heading to Jordan.

It will be sad to say goodbye to Helen, (Ms Understood) Jerry her husband (who is a hoot and we all enjoyed) and Helens sister Barbara and her husband Alex.

Saying goodbye to Henry and Hany is always hard they feel like family. Last night they taught some of the group and Egyptian card game and they all had a really good time.

Okay have to scoot now off to Luxor.
Posted By: Mrs. Marc

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/18/12 04:03 AM

As I began reading Ngaire's post I thought it strange that Ngaire and Ken went shopping as that is so unlike them. I should have known they were off looking for "card tables" Something tells me that when they are in Egypt shopping for card tables you have a few card fanatics in the group!
Posted By: Mrs. Marc

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/18/12 04:04 AM

dup sorry
Posted By: Beth

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/18/12 04:44 AM

Quote
Originally posted by Ngaire:
There are some long bus rides in Jordan so Brad and others want to play cards in the bus. NOT EASY to do in a bus and trying to figure out how has been a challenge. We were going to use cardboard as a table adhered to the armrests in some fashion. We got cardboard from the ship and I was going to buy scissors and twine.
Ngaire, you are so ingenious! "Where there's Ngaire.... there's a way!!"

I remember sitting on my balcony seeing those hot air balloons rise over the Valley of the Kings so early in the morning. It was magical for me just to see them. So I know you all will have a wonderful ride.
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/18/12 07:34 AM

Luxor - Our last temple. Off to Jordan in the morning. 

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Brad and Sally line up their shots 

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Posted By: ssclbc

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/18/12 01:28 PM

If you can manage to play cards in a zodiac I'm sure a bus will be a piece of cake!
Posted By: Mrs. Marc

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/18/12 04:06 PM

Quote
Originally posted by ssclbc:
If you can manage to play cards in a zodiac I'm sure a bus will be a piece of cake!
Opps...forgot about playing cards in the zodiac! Guess there were a few card fanatics on Zodiac too!!
Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/18/12 09:36 PM

We are back from our hot air balloon ride, having all survived and managed to climb into and out of the basket without losing anyone! Another fabulous experience courtesy of Ngaire and Ken. We all fly together this morning back to Cairo where I and my ittle group will part ways with the Jordan-bound main group. I cannot express how great this trip was and how much I have enjoyed all of it.
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Helen
Posted By: Pam

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/19/12 02:26 AM

Your adventure is ending exactly two years after ours began.
Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/19/12 03:25 AM

We are in the VIP lounge in Cairo airport. Having said our sad goodbyes to Henry and Hany and Helen's group, we await the next leg of our adventure. Our flight to Amman departs in about 90 minutes. Naturally, there are 2 tables of hearts games going on.
Posted By: FDV72

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/19/12 05:00 AM

These pictures bring back Wonderful memories..
Thanks for sharing...
Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/19/12 05:33 AM

We dropped Hany off at his house and then the van dropped us at the Intercontintental where we are whiling away the time till our 1 am flight home. The service that these people provide is really just outstanding. The guy from South Sinai Travel walked us into the hotel and checked us in. They will come back and get us at 10:30 pm snd take us back to the airport. We had a really nice lunch in the hotel's Lebanese restaurant. The Egyptian people have been very friendly and very welcoming and I would not hesitate to recommend a visit here to anyone.I am looking forward to a shower and a change of clothes before our flight to Amsterdam airport.
We miss the others who came to feel like good friends and wish them safe travels.
-----------------
Helen
Posted By: Pam

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/19/12 05:54 AM

Helen, we had that 1 am flight to Amsterdam, too. After we got through passport control or whatever it was, we realized that we were actually on our own; Hossam wasn't going to be there to pave the way for us anymore.
Posted By: Ngaire

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/20/12 06:19 AM

Finally at the Dead Sea. Today was a long day. We left the Hyatt in Amman at 8.00 am and checked into the Movenpick hotel at the Dead Sea at 5.00 pm.

On the last trip our guide Zuhair said next time we should visit Jerash, Bethany and the Dead Sea. So this was a first for Ken and me today. We first visited Jerash and I think everyone loved it. One of the largest ancient Roman cities I have ever seen and you get a great sense of the entire town.

We had lunch at a nice restaurant in Jerash of course full of onions and they made me a pasta with no onions very quickly.

We visited the Citadel and discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls we saw on the first NILE are being moved to a new museum and are not on display anywhere at this time.

Next stop was Bethany and this is the place where it is believed that Jesus Christ was baptized by John by the Baptist. What I like about this site is that they are keeping it “commercial free” with no vendors or shops of any kind. Many faiths are building churches in this area, Roman Catholics, Coptic Christians, Greek Orthodox and a Mosque so far. It appears that there is a consensus that this is indeed the site. We stood on the Jordan river on the Jordan side and looked across about 30 feet of the river to the Israeli side. Some German tourists on the Israeli site were singing a hymn. This is NOT the area we visited on Cleo. Right now you cannot reach the batismal site from the Israeli side only the Jordan side.

Finally we reached the Movenpick at the Dead Sea. A huge resort the rooms are acceptable and the grounds are nice. At the Movenpick at Petra on Nile they had lamb chops I have my fingers crossed I will see that tonight. I am in lamb withdrawal.

Tomorrow we do not leave until 10.30 am so that gives those that want to go floating time in the morning.

We all miss our Hossam, Henry and Hany and the wonderful treatment we received.
Leaving from Cairo airport we were treated like Royalty, whisked through passport control through the crew area to a private lounge so absolutely a piece of cake. No lining up anywhere I have no idea how they get all this handled but certainly enjoy the whole experience.

We have a GREAT bus this time. I insisted on a 40 person bus for the 16 of us and it is great. Smooth ride and tons of space this will make all the bus rides much more comfortable. There is no other way to get around. Zuhair is in good form and there is no doubt this man is a wealth of knowledge.

Looking forward to tomorrows trip down to Petra.
Time is flying fast. I am sure Leslie will have some pictures soon they were even able to charge her phone on the bus that was great.

Our tables for card playing on the long ride home will work perfectly.

As my tee shirts say LIFE IS GOOD
Posted By: Ken

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/20/12 10:14 PM

A FEW MORE PHOTOS FROM EGYPT:

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Sally charming the Cobras.

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Brad, King of the Nile.

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Farewell to Egypt.
Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/21/12 02:58 AM

Well we are home, safe and sound and missing sll the folks who went on to Jordan. It was a long trip home but uneventful. Jerry's bronchitis became a real issue as he found it difficult to walk any distance without struggling for air, so we had wheelchairs meet us at each airport, arranged by Hassam. Note to self- WC do not wait in line anywhere, to board a plane or to pass through customs and immigration. It was a wonderful trip, I am so glad we did not let recent events and the rumors attached to those stop us. Per Henry, the #s of women in burkkhas etc has increased dramatically in the last few years so I fear this country could in the near future become far less hospitable to American tourists (or maybe not, who really knows?) Anyway very glad we went when we did.
On to the next one!!
----------------
Helen
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/21/12 09:20 AM

Photos from Jerash, a huge archaeological site of an incredibly preserved Roman city.

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Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/21/12 09:40 AM

Amman - views from the Citadel

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Archaeological sites on the Citadel

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Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/21/12 09:49 AM

Bethany-site where Jesus was baptized. 

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Ron dips into the Jordan River

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Jordanian soldier on guard. Israel is literally a stone's throw across the river

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St John the Baptist Church, one of  many churches being built in the area

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Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/21/12 09:53 AM

Dead Sea

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Movenpick Resort

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Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/21/12 10:10 AM

Madaba - known especially for its Byzantine mosaics, including the map of the Holy Land on the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St George

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Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/21/12 10:19 AM

Mt. Nebo

Moses may have been able to see the Peomised Land back in the day, but it was very hazy today. The sign points out what you can see from here on a clear day.

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Posted By: Ngaire

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/21/12 10:26 AM

Leslie is FAST and captured our first two days in Jordan so well with those great pictures.

We love our bus we have about 40 seats for 16 people and it sure helps as Jordan is a lot of bus time. Today we had a lunch I loved with tons of food including lamb and it was good. We rolled out of there and then had a three hour drive to Petra. The tables I bought in Luxor and managed to stuff into my suitcase worked great for cards. We had both tables in action and it made the time just fly by. We were in Petra it seemed very quickly.

About 11 of the group are doing PETRA by night, they light the entire walk and the treasury with candlight. As I think back on the trip it seems we managed to get almost every possible activity crammed into our time in Egypt and Jordan. Then tomorrow Petra for real in the morning.

We have the same guide we had before but this time he is better somehow. He has shared so much with the group about so many current day issues that the Jordanian people are facing. I am very pleased with him and he is doing every thing he can to make the trip as good as possible.

We have been blessed with great weather everywhere we have been.

Only two days left and in some ways it seems we have been gone forever but in another way I cannot believe it is already close to the end.

Off to bed big day tomorrow!!
Posted By: sedona

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/21/12 01:38 PM

Wow...you folks really did add some lovely extras. Sounds wonderful. What a pretty girl in Leslie's picture above.
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/21/12 06:48 PM

I am fast because I am not doing any commentary! The Movenpick will only let you log in one device, period, so I chose my iPhone since my photos are on here and I am sending them unedited, whereas for Bead's regular shots I would feel compelled to crop and edit a bit and I have to shrink them down to use the photobucket iPad app, but the iPhone app reduces size automatically during the upload so it is all fast.

Hard to type a lot on the phone, but Jordan is really interesting and the food is terrific, so much better than in Egypt. The lunch yesterday was fantastic. Hard to imagine we all ate again in the evening.

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Restaurant courtyard flowers

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And an interesting sign in Madaba: we couldn't tell what they were selling or providing inside?

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Posted By: cindyr

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/21/12 11:27 PM

Beautifully done Leslie!! Wow what a trip.
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/22/12 04:16 AM

Hard to choose what to upload from Petra! What a fabulous site!

Heading into Petra 

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And into the Siq

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Shopping for myrrh

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First peek at the Treasury

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Kim and Alice pose

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Waiting for passengers

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Posted By: KarenS

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/22/12 04:31 AM

Those pictures are magical and Petra has always been #1 on my bucket list!!!

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Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/22/12 05:00 AM

Continuing on

Sand painting - one of many shopping opps

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More tombs

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Great colors

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Posted By: Ngaire

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/22/12 05:00 AM

Back from Petra it was a perfect weather day.
Perfect clear blue skies with just a light breeze could not have been better.

Ken, Alice, Kim and Mike went to the Monastery and Ken just got back. That is a TON of walking in one day they will all crash tonight.

Tomorrow we visit Wadi Rum and we are having lunch in Bedouin tent. The food comes from a restaurant so perfectly fine to eat and a unique enviroment to enjoy lunch. Then the final card playing bus trip back to Amman. For some a quick stay for a shower and repacking for those with early flights home and for others a full overnight then home tomorrow. Kim and Alice have to spend an extra day in Amman.

Been a great trip such a shame this area is so unsettled it is a wonderful place to visit.
Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/22/12 05:11 AM

Oh my gosh, Karen! That's hysterical! Almost as good as the Susanfish!

What a fantastic day! Petra has so much more to it that I knew about, Alice and I are exhausted... probably Ken is too. We did the extra walk after lunch to the Monastery and then a bit farther to the "top of the world". Excellent weather and a beautiful day for photos.
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/22/12 05:13 AM

Still going. It is 2 1/2 miles in to the end of the canyon. 

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New excavations being conducted by Brown University in this area. They think it might have been a temple, but the prevailing Jordanian view is that this area was more of an administrative center

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Zoom in to see the elephant topped capitals. 

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Val and Sally

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Young entrepreneur half heartedly trying to sell some rocks

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Temple at the base of the canyon

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Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/22/12 05:20 AM

Heading back after lunch

Val opts for a camel ride

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So does Sally

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More shopping opportunities

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Back up the canyon

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The Treasury in the afternoon

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Missed this shot earlier

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Bedouin sheep

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Final shopping opportunity!

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Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/22/12 06:40 AM

Wow! I so wish we could have made the additional journey but work beckoned. It looks like you guys were able to shop relatively unmolested? I missed that in Egypt. Usually I enjoy the shopping ops but just could not deal with the super-aggressive vendors there.
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Helen
Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/22/12 06:54 AM

Helen, we missed your group today. Please tell Fred he was thought of several times while Ken, Alice, Mike and I made the 3 hour trek RT up to the monastery. He would have loved it, but of course, it will still be here when he's ready.
Posted By: Anna B.

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/22/12 07:30 AM

Spectacular! Thanks to all! (Kim and Alice, love the picture of the two of you!)
Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/22/12 11:01 AM

Will do, Kim.
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Helen
Posted By: Pam

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/22/12 12:17 PM

I'm jealous that you got to go to Bethany, but a million thanks for the pictures.
Posted By: RachelG

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/22/12 04:03 PM

Wow, as soon as my son's travel restriction ends ( he can't go to Egypt or Jordan for the next 5 years), we are doing this trip! I would go sooner, but I really want to experience it with him as he speaks Arabic fluently and actually lived in Cairo for awhile.
Posted By: carman

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/23/12 02:37 AM

Absolutely stunning photographs. It sounds like the trip has been wonderful. Thank you for taking us along.
Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/23/12 06:50 AM

We are all back in Amman. Some fly out late tonight. Most leave tomorrow morning. Alice and I don't leave until Sunday morning. We have a couple of small groups having drinks in the lobby. Can't believe it 's nearly over. Ngaire et al did such a fantastic job putting together the trip of a lifetime.
Posted By: coffeecup

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/23/12 10:01 AM

neat. thanks
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/23/12 10:17 AM

Final photos from our morning in the desert at Wadi Rum

Lawrence of Arabia's Seven Pillars of Wisdom

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Morning workout climbing the dunes

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Time for a last camel ride

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Tea in a Beduon tent

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Posted By: Yallcruise

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/23/12 10:48 AM

Thanks for taking us along. Safe travels home.
Posted By: sedona

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/23/12 11:16 AM

Glad you all enjoyed your trip. Thank you for the pics and notes sharing the experience. It was fun to do it again with you. Safe travels home to all of you.
Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/23/12 11:29 AM

Echo the wishes for safe journey home
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Helen
Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/24/12 02:54 AM

Alice and I enjoyed a relaxed breakfast today and said our goodbyes to the last folks to leave, we alone remain in Amman for 1 day. So, we headed out to explore the shopping areas in the old part if town. We walked towards the Citidel which was fortunately down hill most of the way. I was happy to get to try Turkish coffee for the first time. I wasn't sure what to expect, but the flavor was very good--- nice spices. A "to go" cup helped us keep on our way:

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We walked for 2 hours ending in a very busy area at about 12:30. We opted to take a taxi back to the hotel.. Many people were out on the street doing their shopping and maybe a lot of browsing. Noon prayers were going on at a large mosque that we were able to peak into from the street. Women in the small section in the back. Large fountain out front where men washed hands and face before entering the mosque.

On the walk we passed many small stores and a area with lots of small furniture making shops. Once we got to the main part of the old downtown area, things got quite crowded and we were greeted by shop owners with many "welcomes" and smiles.

Anybody need a date?

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Lots of lentils:

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Measuring out the herbs, spices? Not sure.

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A large variety of things on many blocks :

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When we got back to the hotel, we asked a doorman where to go for some good falafel. He directed us to Alia's about 3 blocks away. Get this: we paid 1.25 dinars for lunch! That's about $1.75 USD total. Alice got 10 falafels and a container of hummus. I got a falafel sandwich.
Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/24/12 03:54 AM

Great pics, Kim. So glad you figured out a way to enjoy your unavoidable delay.Amman looks like a much more pleasant city than Cairo for getting out on your own. Turkish coffee is tricky tho, cant drink to the bottom w/o a mouth full of grit!
----------------------
Helen
Posted By: KarenS

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/24/12 07:00 AM

Kim, those pix were fascinating, the dates alone would of amazed me!
Posted By: Ngaire

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/25/12 06:05 AM

Just got home from the airport about two hours ago, bags upacked and washing going and about to go to the office. Waiting for Ken to finish up some things first so I thought I would do a quick post.

Looks like the girls had a great final day in Amman - great pictures. No one did much commentary but certainly a ton of pictures. They will be on the plane now on their way home. Kim and Alice are so much fun to travel with I really enjoyed their company.

The tables worked GREAT to play cards in the bus so glad I bought them and squeezed them into my suitcases. We had both tables going and the time just flew by.

Also Zohair our guide, was in to top form and talked about EVERYTHING. I think we all found it fascinating so it was like not enough time to do everything. He covered so much about Islam, the Middle East conflicts, the Royal Family, the issues in Jordan, the everyday life of the people. What was interesting was the huge and expensive houses that Iraq's owned after they left Iraq. I mean BIG houses. Of course even after all that I am still confused these issues are not simple to understand. It does help to travel to the region but one trip does not bring understanding of such complex issues that is for sure.

It was a good trip, 15 days with 22 people usually something will go wrong but it all went very smoothly and I think everyone had a really good time. The weather and the lack of people in both Egypt and Jordan certainly contributed to the enjoyment of the entire trip.

The Egypt operators are without a doubt the BEST land operators I have experienced anywhere in the world. The guides and organizational people are wonderful and their ability to get all these private events arranged and handle us like ROYALTY in the airports is truly amazing. I was in tears saying goodbye at the Cairo airport I feel like these people are really wonderful friends.
Posted By: pkd

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/25/12 08:07 AM

I am catching up on this thread today and am blown away by the pictures, which are descriptive in their own right. No need to apologize for brief commentaries!

What a fascinating trip this was. I enjoyed every photo, every post. Really spectacular.

Welcome home, all!
Posted By: petlover

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/25/12 11:21 AM

Welcome Home...I've LOVED reading all of your posts and looking at such fabulous pictures. I know what a trip of a lifetime this has been for everyone. As always, so happy you took us along!
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/25/12 02:24 PM

We arrived home this afternoon after a 14 hour flight from Amman to Chicago and an overnight in Chicago to break up the trip.

The contrast between the security (and crowds) at the Amman airport and the airports in Egypt was dramatic. In Egypt there was cursory security screening at the airports - no pat downs, no problems with liquids or anything else, almost no scrutiny at all - if the metal detector beeped nobody made a move, you just walked through. At all the sights in Egypt you entered through an inactive metal detector.

Jordan was a different story. Royal Jordanian has a dedicated check in area for business class before you get into the terminal. Once you get your boarding cards and luggage tags you go to a dedicated immigration window and then on to the xray belt and metal detector. All women must get a pat down behind a curtain before proceeding.

Once you arrive at the gate you first go through the xray/metal detector/pat down again and then all your carry-on is thoroughly searched - again segregated by sex - a woman went through my backpack and a man literally dissected Brad's stuff, made him take his camera battery out of his camera and inquired about a lot of items, particularly those little metal camels he bought or our grand nephews.

It was also interesting to fly a Middle Eastern airline (Royal Jordanian). Our plane was fine with a nice business class cabin, but the service was different from anything we have experienced. For the lunch and dinner service they didn't take an order, but rolled a cart with the items on it and served everyone from that. We were in the last row in business, row 4, so by the time they got to us everything was either gone or cold. There was no beverage service - they came by with a large bottle of water first and then with a bottle of wine - red or white - they never returned to offer a refill or anything else. After the lunch meal they delivered a small bottle of water and then we didn't see them until about 8 hours later when they repeated the process for dinner. I wondered whether they also had to do everything in the coach cabin. They spent a lot of time picking up around passengers seats, for instance the plastic from your pillow cover and quilt and anything else.

Chicago was a zoo when we arrived around 5 PM - the line for immigration was backed up into the hallways, something we have never seen in all the years we have flown into OHare. Security there this morning was nuts too, taking over 1/2 hour even though we were in the Priority Access line.

Great trip but glad to be home!
Posted By: Pam

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/25/12 02:38 PM

Wow! I am assuming we flew Royal Jordanian two years ago, from Amman back to Cairo, and we didn't go through anything like that! Ngaire and Ken flew home from Amman both times, hopefully she'll check in with comparisons between the two trips.

Glad you had a good trip; looking forward to hundreds of pictures (hint, hint).
Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/25/12 03:11 PM

We are on the long-term parking lot shuttle bus. Stuck at an open draw bridge. Our flights were great. We were picked up at the hotel this morning and made it to the airport and thru immigration and security and to the lounge in under an hour.

It was a long travel day, but at least we did it all in one day w/o having an overnight in the US.
Posted By: Ngaire

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/25/12 04:43 PM

My experience was similiar to Leslie's and we went through the process at the same time. They flew to Chicago we flew to New York. I understand that Saturday (when we flew) is an especially heavy flight day.

When we got to the immigration line we were supposed to be let through as we cleared immigration in the business check in area.

This very authoritive man keep saying "go in the line" although we knew that could not be right. Finally another authority figure turned up and we asked and he said of course "go through here" and we managed to escape a long immigration line.

The immigration line was a nightmare They were all just all pushing and shoving to get through no clear line whatsoever and Val and Mike who were flying coach nearly missed the plane. Luckily the plane was delayed 45 minutes.

We had time to go to their business lounge with Scott and Niki and there the treatment was so different. I asked if I could bring in two guests and it was "no problem at all". When Val and Mike did not turn up he came over and asked if there was anything he could do to help find them as they would only have about 15 minutes in the lounge before it was time to board. Above and beyond the call of duty.

The security at the gate was a nightmare as well. Women on one side men on the other. I saw a mother with two small children, a boy about five and younger girl. They refused to let the little boy go through the clearance with his mother and made him go by himself to the mens side. I thought that was really bad. The mother was beside herself as was the little boy. I think that was carrying it way too far. One of the security men stepped in and got the little boy through (but still on the men's side).

THe stewardesses were pleasant enough when serving but not friendly at all when trying to reach the bathroom and just sat and talked while I moved the carts on two occassions. Strange situation really.

Food was okay and in fact many years ago this is how they always served the food where you could see it on a tray and select what you like. I prefer that but they usually replenished the food with hot serving after every four people. Leslie is right they just kept going down the rows. We were in the second row so our food was hot.

When Val and Mike finally made it to the gate they said they had loved Jordan and the people and were sorry to leave. However the airport and how people were acting made them feel quite differently.
Posted By: Marc

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/25/12 04:57 PM

Wow, these stories of leaving Amman make me glad that we decided to leave Jordan via Eilat and Tel Aviv. After Wadi Rum, our guide gave us a short tour of Aqaba and then to the border crossing with Israel. There, they inspected our luggage before leaving Jordan, and we then walked across the border where we went through a painless Israeli inspection. Our driver met us on Israeli side and then whisked us to Eilat airport for our quick flight to Tel Aviv. We stayed overnight and flew out the next morning. When we got to the airport, our guide took us through security and even jumped us in front of the Business and First Class lines though we were flying coach. Very painless.

For Nile 3, that might be a reasonable option to avoid the long bus ride back to Amman and the issues at Amman airport.
Posted By: dixiechick

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/26/12 12:22 AM

Ron and I made it safely home. We had a much different experience at Amman Airport for our 1:30am Air France flight to Paris. We breezed through immigration with no problems at all. We met Cindy and Paul at the lounge as they also had a 1:30am flight to Frankfurt. Air France business class was great, although for this flight, they just block off the middle seat wiith the normal coach seats. We were dreading our 7 hour layover in Paris, but I have to say the Air France lounge in terminal 2E was one the best I have ever experienced. Lots of food/drinks, plenty of outlets for recharging and using all your electronic devices along with numerous computer stations with free internet/wifii. They even have a relaxation lounge where you can lie down to sleep and showers. 2E is a much newer terminal than 2F with beautiful shops that was like a mall.
I don't even know where to begin to describe how wonderful this trip was for us. So much to take in - Ngaire and Ken have this down perfectly to every detail you can imagine. Thanks to the both of you for this wonderful experience. The service, sights and comforts were incredible. I'm still in awe of the whole trip. Now, my task will be to go through all of our pictures!
Also wanted to let you know Mike and Val made it home. I feel so bad they had to go through with what they did as their final experience after everything else was so perfect!
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/26/12 01:38 AM

Sounds like Saturday morning is not the time to fly out of Amman! Although the Cairo airport was pretty empty it was so nice to have the South Sinai people whisking us through everywhere and handling everything for us. Apparently the Jordan ground operator doesn't have that kind of clout. The airport handler tried to get Val and Mike checked in at the Royal Jordanian business class check-in/immigration area with us and Ngaire and Ken but they wouldn't let him do it. They should have checked who was flying coach and picked them up earlier from the hotel so their experience would have been less stressful. Our flight left about 45 minutes late too and some people were still boarding up to right before we left.
Posted By: dixiechick

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/26/12 03:14 AM

I agree Leslie, don't think this would have happened in Egypt with South Sinai's incredible ground operations. With all the mayhem and confusion at the airport, I would have been scared about what to do if I missed the flight in Amman.
Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/26/12 03:51 AM

We had an issue at Cairo airport involving some problem with getting our bags tagged thru to LAX and we just stood around and shuffled our feet while Hassam took care of all of it! We just loved every person associated with South Sinai, each one was pleasant and warm and helpful. And BTW the Intercontinental Hotel at City Stars: even nicer than the Four Seasons. Huge shower and really good Lebanese restuarant! Sorry you all had difficulty getting home but our most pleasant experience on our final day in Cairo almost makes up for missing Jordan (JK!)
Glad eveyone made home safely.
------------------------
Helen
Posted By: Wendy & Don

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/26/12 04:08 AM

Our experience at Amman airport was good. We were checked in and settled in the lounge within 45 minutes after arriving at the airport. This was likely due to the fact that our flight left early Saturday morning (3:00am)and the airport was fairly empty. We flew in business on Turkish Airlines from Amman to Istanbul then Istanbul to Toronto. It was our first time on Turkish Air and the experience was terrific. We wouldn't hesitate to book with Turkish Air again. Nile 2 was the trip of a lifetime for us. We expected to have a fantastic time and the trip exceeded all expectations in every way. Thanks again to Ngaire and Ken and to all our fellow travellers who made the experience even more unforgetable.
Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/26/12 04:09 AM

Well, Alice and I had it really easy at Amman airport. The Guiding Star rep got us thru the dedicated Royal Jordanian business class check-in / immigration room pretty quickly and told us to go upstairs, not to the regular immigration line. He was still watching us when we looked back at him a little confused because we didn't see a way to get past the regular immigration line. He motioned to an official person who opened a roped off area and motioned for us to go thru. At the gate, we went thru the Priority Access without any one else in that line. She sent us through without having our bags searched. Just lucky, I guess.

We liked getting to pick what we wanted from the food cart in business class and they did replenish as they were going. We were in row 2 though. They were not very good about refilling drinks. Our flight was only 6 hours, I think, since we were only going to London. Then we had a short layover and were in business class on American to Boston. That was nice.
Posted By: Beth

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/26/12 04:12 AM

The "getting to" and "coming home" parts always seem to involve more issues. Thank goodness we have Ngaire and Ken who make the in-betweens wonderful!
Posted By: TedC

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/26/12 06:35 AM

Five or six years ago we flew from Cairo to Amman and our guide got our visas and in minutes we were on our way to the hotel.

BUT, a week later when flying home via Cairo we went through security before we got into Amman airport, then again inside the airport and then again at the gate!

They know how to create jobs!
Posted By: Scott in Plano

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/26/12 11:15 AM

Niki and I arrived home about 4:30 PM Sunday afternoon. We flew to Paris, spent the night at the airport Hilton, and then flew to DFW on Sunday.

Awesome trip! Great sights, guides, and travelling companions!

Thanks to Ngaire and Ken for putting up with us.

FYI - We used our Global Entry at US immigration for the first time. Worked great. Zipped right through immigration without a line. I didn't realize that it also expedited Customs. The Customs line at DFW was very long but the Global Entry participants get to use the Crew line which had no one in it. Sweet. I highly recommend getting the Global Entry. When I get off one of those long flights, I just want to get home. Global Entry certainly helped us do that.
Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/26/12 12:26 PM

Yay, Scott! We used the Global Entry too last night, and again, it didn't make much of a difference because once again there wasn't anyone in line! haha! Both times we've used it, we've been in the front of the plane and no other planes arriving at the same time. Oh well, it's still cool and we're sure that one day we will be very happy to have it!

Nice to see Wendy and Don posting too! Glad to know your flights on Turkish Air were good. We might use them next year for Istanbul to Rome on the Mariner. I agree, it was a great group and that's part of why the trip was so wonderful!
Posted By: sedona

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/26/12 01:28 PM

Glad you all arrived safely. We, too, used Turkidh air from Sth Africa, though, and had a terrific experience as well. We took both business and First. We thought their business class was one of our best experiences until we dis first class. We didn't want to leave the plane.
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/26/12 02:11 PM

Glad to see Scott and Wendy posting!

Brad checked out the DVDs he bought from the boat's videographer. They are in PAL (European format) but he managed to convert them to small video files that I will,upload to youtube and post the link.

In the meantime, here's a fun photo he took of the video guy and our "packing" security guy on the felucca.

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Ngaire

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/27/12 01:05 AM

Wow nice to see a post from Niki and Scott and Wendy and Don. It was a very good group with lots of laughs along the way.
Posted By: dixiechick

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/27/12 03:27 AM

Great to hear from everyone! I miss Henry saying "anyone need to go to the Happy Place?" I love that picture Leslie (One dollah please?)! I was to intimidated to take one of him myself.
Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/27/12 03:59 AM

We bought the DVD too Leslie and havent tried to play it. I know the guy asked if we were from the US and so I assumed (!) that it would be in the right format.
I so agree that this was a good group and I hope to travel with you all again one day! Thanks, Ngaire for such a great trip.
------------------
Helen
Posted By: DougW

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/27/12 08:03 AM

If I remember correctly, Mac users can change the settings on their computer DVD players to the various DVD zones. Be aware that you can change those settings only a limited number of times before they lock in place.
Not sure if that will let it play PAL, though. It may affect only the copy protection programing.

Good luck, Doug
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/27/12 09:17 AM

Helen, you should be able to watch them on your computer, just not on your TV. Too bad he didn't offer us the two for 1 deal! The "onshore" one is really lame. He also gave us a CD with some pirated Arabic music, and the two DVDs - one about Ancient Egypt and one about the relocoation of Philae and Abu Simbel. Let me know if your "package" included anything else.

Here are the links on YouTube:

onboard: footage of the belly dancer (including Alice dancing with her), the whirling dervish, the receiving line to meet the captain and staff, some dark, un-viewable footage of people in the lounge, the gabaya party and the Nubian night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVN9QTUAfX8


onshore: not very interesting... consists of footage of people getting off and on the boat, a lot of carriage rides, but no footage of the temples and other sights, and nothing on our felucca trip, even though he came along?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JcliktahYU
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/27/12 02:39 PM

And now for the people pix! We downloaded Brad's photos from his camera today and as usual he has some great people shots.

First up - Cairo:

Kathy and Al at the Sound and Light show

[Linked Image]

Ken is enjoying the pyramids!

[Linked Image]

Al and I at the Sphinx overlook

[Linked Image]

BBQ chicken in Cairo

[Linked Image]

"Panda" stop at the essential oil store

[Linked Image]

Henry - being Henry!

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/27/12 02:50 PM

At various temples along the Nile:

Mike, Val, Hany, Wendy, Don

[Linked Image]

Alex, Barb, Alice, Helen, Kim

[Linked Image]

Jerry & Ngaire

[Linked Image]

Hany points out the details

[Linked Image]

Alice lines up her shot

[Linked Image]

Hany at Kom Ombo

[Linked Image]

Kim and Alice check out their photos

[Linked Image]

the video guy and our "Price-Waterhouse" escorts on the felucca

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/27/12 02:56 PM

a few more from Egypt

Val and Mike

[Linked Image]

Barb

[Linked Image]

Alex

[Linked Image]

Alice and her new friend

[Linked Image]

Mike and Val at Edfu

[Linked Image]

Ngaire and me

[Linked Image]

Cindy

[Linked Image]
Posted By: joannapv

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/27/12 03:05 PM

OHH I loved these Leslie!!!!! Thanks for posting!!
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/27/12 03:16 PM

and now from JOrdan:

Kim contemplates life in Jerash

[Linked Image]

Ken shops for a Jordanian wedding dress???

[Linked Image]

Ron and Sally

[Linked Image]

Alice, Paul, Me. Kim, Nikki, Ken

[Linked Image]

Alice

[Linked Image]

Scott, me, Ngaire (in her pharaoh pose...) and Nikki

[Linked Image]

Ken and Brad

[Linked Image]

Sally, Val and Ron riding camels at Petra

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/27/12 03:21 PM

And some more from Jordan

Kim and Alice

[Linked Image]

Zohair in Wadi Rum, in front of the Seven Pillars

[Linked Image]

one last camel ride

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Ngaire

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/27/12 04:13 PM

Leslie and Brad those are GREAT shots and somehow really capture the fun that we all enjoyed together. Great shots of Henry and Hany too, I just love those two guys it was so sad to say goodbye at the airport. Really made me relive the memories.
Posted By: Anna B.

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/27/12 04:24 PM

Thanks Leslie and Brad! The people pictures are always my favorite...love looking at all those happy faces!
Posted By: RachelG

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/27/12 04:25 PM

What nice photos! I really want to do this trip someday.
Posted By: dixiechick

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/28/12 02:13 AM

Thank you Leslie and Brad, I'm loving your pictures and grateful for you sharing with us!
Posted By: Betty K

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/28/12 02:35 AM

Leslie, I've loved seeing your photos. So glad you all had such a memorable trip. Thanks so much for taking us along!
cheer
Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/28/12 06:24 AM

Great pics, Leslie/Brad! Thanks so much for posting.
-----------------
Helen
Posted By: Denise

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/28/12 09:40 AM

your pix, as always leslie and brad, fantastic!
Posted By: SusanH

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 03/28/12 03:10 PM

Thanks Leslie& Brad for taking us along
Posted By: Ngaire

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 04/02/12 06:05 PM

http://ngaire.smugmug.com/AFRICA/Africa-Tours/Nile-2/22240518_w9rzqz#!i=1776519322&k=LNfptz8

Far more pictures than we will leave up but this way those on Nile 2 can download any that they want so he did put up a bunch for people to view who were not on the trip. We wont caption them until we cut them down after people have had a chance to download
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 04/03/12 03:36 AM

Especially love the shots from the balloon ride! I was telling somebody the other day about how the green just abruptly ends and the desert starts - those aerial shots really show that well.
Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 04/03/12 04:51 AM

Ken's pictures are really wonderful. The balloon ride on what was our last day was such a great finish to this trip for us. BTW, I love your new photo, Leslie.
-----------------
Helen
Posted By: jbittle

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 04/03/12 04:53 AM

I'm amazed at how much both the Sphinx and step pyramid have deteriorated since I first saw them in the mid 60s.
Posted By: dixiechick

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 04/03/12 12:26 PM

Fantastic photos and memories. Thanks Ken!
Posted By: Mrs. Marc

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 04/03/12 04:41 PM

Thanks for all the photos everyone. It sure looks like it was a wonderful trip. Loved the people pics.
Posted By: Mrs. Marc

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 04/03/12 04:42 PM

dupe sorry
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 04/06/12 07:44 AM

Links to our photos - a mix of my iPhone shots and Brad's Canon G10 shots with a bunch of subgalleries

Egypt


Jordan
Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 04/20/12 08:59 AM

Alice is in a class and I'm heading to Bellagio to play poker. Couldn't resist getting these photos. What memories it brings back! The obelisk is so much more authentic than I would have imagined.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]
Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 04/20/12 12:08 PM

Wow, Kim!! I gotta admit that I would likely now have a better grasp of just what the heck that is in front of the Luxor! How long are you staying? Jerry and I will be in Las Vegas next weekend. Will you and Alice still be there?
--------------
Helen
Posted By: coffeecup

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 04/20/12 01:12 PM

exceptional pic of Kim. they're all lovely
Posted By: jhp

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 04/20/12 03:03 PM

Kim, how nice you can see all those sights and not be on a 9+ hour excursion! And how neat to see New York just beyond Luxor!
Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 04/20/12 03:56 PM

So true, Olivia! LOL

Helen - we are going to Bryce Canyon NP for the weekend. We are in St George, UT now for dinner. Alice has class again next week, so I just came out for long weekend. I fly home Monday night. She flys home Friday night.
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 04/21/12 04:06 AM

A visit to the Luxor! Perfect! They even have an avenue of Sphinxes - I will say they don't quite have the color of stone right though. Didn't get their material at the quarry in Aswan.

Enjoy your time in Bryce - we were just talking about going back there one of these days.
Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 04/21/12 04:31 AM

Thanks Leslie! It's a beautiful morning here in Bryce. Got up for sunrise (best viewed from Sunset Point the desk clerk told us when we checked in last night ( go figure).

It was cool to see the tiny "avenue" of sphinxes.
Posted By: Betty

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 04/21/12 07:00 AM

Haven't been to Bryce in decades but great memories. Hope you & Alice come away with the same.
Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 05/08/12 03:32 PM

We had a great time at Bryce Canyon, Betty! We will have great memories, too.

Alice wanted me to post her link to Picasa where she uploaded her NILE 2 photos. The Bryce Canyon and Zion photos are there too, as well as an old PG album. She hasn't used the site in a long time, but because she didn't know where else to post her NILE 2 photos, she went back to it.

https://picasaweb.google.com/103835293183072958658?gsessionid=4Ns2FhU8liiI47rQ2aulIA

Posted By: Betty K

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 05/08/12 04:34 PM

Alice has some great photos there, Kim. Good Job. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip. That is such a unique area.
Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 05/08/12 06:02 PM

Really nice pix, Alice. Thanks for posting Kim!
-------------------
Helen
Posted By: KarenS

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 05/08/12 07:00 PM

Fantastic pix, I loved looking at them!
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 05/09/12 04:15 AM

Great photos!
Posted By: seadog

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 05/09/12 05:12 AM

Thanks all. I will pass that along to Alice. She'll be happy to know you enjoyed them. Did anyone notice today's "google doodle" ? All the NILErs should appreciate it.
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 05/10/12 09:31 AM

Call for photos!

I am beginning work on the NILE2 photo book - if any of you would like some of your photos considered for the book and have uploaded photos in high resolution (a minimum of 2048 x 1536) to a web site like smugmug, picasa, etc., please email or PM me your links. They need to be downloadable in full resolution to work in the book.

Thanks.
Posted By: dixiechick

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 05/18/12 12:17 PM

My Nile 2 Photobook is done - Warning it is long. If any of you would like to view it here it is:

http://www.mixbook.com/photo-books/travel/travel-the-world-6941679

Sally
Posted By: dixiechick

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 05/18/12 12:19 PM

Thank you Leslie for sharing all your great photos!
Posted By: Ngaire

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 05/19/12 12:36 AM

Great book Sally what a ton of work. I would have left a comment but had to sign in to do this and I am sending this address to Ken to order a book for us. Looking at those pages it makes me realize how much we saw, great memories.
Posted By: dixiechick

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 05/19/12 01:12 AM

Thanks Ngaire - I am SO grateful for Ken sharing his pictures, I used alot of them! Putting this together brought back so many memories of an incredible trip. Ron and I think about it and talk about it so much. Your hard work putting this trip together was certainly most appreciated!
Posted By: Leslie B

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 05/19/12 03:37 AM

Wow, Sally! What a terrific job - and what a lot of work with all the commentary. And such detail - photos of the staff on the boat, the map with what we saw, the detail on the walls in the tombs and on and on! You must have thought it through while you were taking photos - BRAVO!

Posted By: Anna B.

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 05/19/12 04:37 AM

Beautifully done, Sally! clap clap
Posted By: Ms Understood

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 05/19/12 05:51 AM

That is incredible, Sally! Nice job, brought back lots of memories of a fantastic trip. Thanks.
----------------------
Helen
Posted By: dixiechick

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 05/20/12 05:56 PM

Thank you everyone, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Between Leslie & Brad, Ken, Val and Mike, I had great pictures to work with!! Couldn't have done it without you all.
Posted By: petlover

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 05/21/12 05:03 AM

What a beautiful book Sally. Good job!
Posted By: mayajan

Re: NILE2 Land and Sand Mail - 05/11/18 06:36 AM

Great :)
i found it in shape of canvas here :)
https://www.tiaracle.com/collections/custom-canvas-prints
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