Luxor We're Here

We departed Hurghada at 7:00am heading to Luxor to board our Nile cruise. When we arrived we headed for the Temple of Luxor - very interesting ruins in the center of town. We also saw the Avenue of the Spinxs and then visited the Temple of Karnak. Later went to a sound and light show at the Temple of Karnak, which told us about ancient Egypt.

 

Hurghada - Day Trip to St. Anthony's Monastery

Took a 4 1/2 hour bus ride to St. Anthony's Monastery with our armed guard in tow. Our guide was Friar Ruiz Anthony. About 65 years old. Very interesting fellow. St. Anthony was the first known saint of Egypt and lived in a cave for over 40 years. The monastery was eventually built. It is a coptic monastery (non-Muslim. Didn't make the 1200 step journey to the cave. Had an accident on the way back to Hurghada. We were passing a delivery truck and the other driver came over into our lane and knocked off the side mirror and exhaust. We had to stop and repair the exhaust so we could continue. Scared us to death - most of us were asleep and the crash woke us. Very long day - got back after dark.

Hurghada is a wonderful place - its economy is primarily tourism. Again, I'll add photos when I can get the number - using a strange computer. Monday, the 26th we headed to Luxor.

Hurghada & a Submarine Ride

Oh, by the way - we have an armed escort on our bus for all excursions and travel within Egypt. All Americans, Brits and Japanese must have an armed escort on all buses because of Luxor incident. We actually got to sleep in today. Went to Sinbad Submarines for a submarine ride - pretty fun - saw dolphins swimming and lots of other fish and coral. Mom and I had photos taken with a camel. What a hoot!!! The vendors are as ruthless here as everywhere else.

 

Arrival in Cairo

We've not had any internet until today. We arrived in Cairo without any problems. Got our Visa and headed to the transfer terminal for our short flight to Hurghada. All our luggage arrived - woohoo!!! OH, IT IS HOTTER THAN YOU KNOW WHERE HERE - 107 yesterday and today.