Egypt

So thought time we put down more of an explanation and more details of our trip so far.
We ended season in Crete well. I left for UK 02.11.08 and spent a great week with Char, Thom, family and friends. You all know who you are - thank you for having me! Even the weather was good to me and survived the week without a coat. Miracle it seems as you had snow, rain, frost and all while Martin was in UK. Was good to see our babies, miss them both terribly! Although they are well and happy wish they were with us more often! Left UK for Sharm El Sheik on the 10th November. Spent 2 days there (including arriving and leaving). Met some of the team based there and tripped off to Luxor with the overday tour. Dropped luggage at Hotel St Joseph (where Martin & I stay when we are Luxor) and continued with the excursion which toured the Valley of the Kings, West Bank Temples, Statues, lunch at Iberotel Luxor Hotel then tour of Karnack and Luxor Temples. Day 1 in Luxor over! I am based in Luxor now covering Nile Cruises, Luxor Hotels, Red Sea Resorts - Hurghada, El Gouna and Marsa Alam. The Red Sea resorts are a LONG coach ride away with Marsa a further 2 hours on from that. So my area is huge, or it feels that way! I am enjoying it however it is a lot different to the Cretan resorts! Luxor is a bit of a culture shock to begin with however as quite a small resort the locals who try and get you in the taxis, galesh, shops, anything do not pester me so much now. They have realised worker which equals won't spend money and if catch taxi will only pay tour leader prices. Friendly people and very generous although the first week I felt that I wouldn't be able to stand it, I have now settled in. Great when Martin arrived, feels much more like home now.
Martin left Crete on the 15th Nov and he spent 3 weeks with Char, Thom, family and friends. Thanks again to all those that welcomed him! He had a great time and a good rest after a long season working and then having to put house to bed for 3 months. Also packed Reg's bag for a long stay with friends. Yes Reg is OK. We have received updates and it seems he is a proper floosey by all accounts. Has regular girlfriends visiting for dinner most nights.
Martin arrived Luxor 3rd Dec and the Hotel have generously allowed him to stay in my room. May have to negotiate a rate when we return from Hurghada but we are confident the owners will be approachable about a long stay. At the arrival airport you have to purchase a visa and as you can imagine it is regular chaos. Reps are not allowed in the arrivals hall so this is overseen by Egyptian Officals and the agency personel. Luckily we passed Martins name to them and they located him ....... When Martin heard Mr Martin, Mr Martin, Mr Martin he assumed would be him and gave himself up to a delightful, smart man who fast tracked him to the front of the scrum and he had his visa within seconds. A man in the crowd was heard to say 'I think he's been arrested or something' to which Martin smiled and said nothing.
Anyway Martin has been chilling out, walking around town, getting to know the locals, experiencing my bad sense of direction ...... enjoying the roof top pool and view of the Nile. As talked about before we have even managed to go on a Balloon Ride over the West Bank at sunrise. For those who know Martin well you will know this is quite a big thing considering he has always said why go over 1500 ft up in a whicker basket propelled only by hot air ...... lalalala. Anyway we had a fabulous trip and would recommend it to all. Not to be missed the feeling of space, traquility, nosing in other peoples houses from above. LOL. Our pilot had a Blue Peter badge as he took the BP Team up a couple of years ago. We know people that know people.
And now we in Hurghada. We are staying in nice hotel. Been to a desert island to review excursion. I went snorkling properly for the first time and absolutley loved it! I plan to check out the Dive experience if I can. Probably on next visit here after xmas. We are staying in this resort until thursday and then move onto Marsa Alam until tuesday when we return to Luxor where we will be for christmas. Going for xmas night dinner at a restaurant as airport day for team there and hoping to take a Felluca Ride (sailing boat on Nile) on New Years Day for lunch.
Thats it for the moment, hope you enjoy the pictures below and we'll be intouch over xmas.