An Excursion to Egypt April 2001

So, how was it ??

So, after a full week in Egypt, what did I think about it all ? In my introduction you will no doubt recall that I was dragged there as I just did not want to go.

Well, I have to be honest and thought it was great ! So what do I think were the good points and the bad points ?

Good Points

The sites were fantastic. I didn't find any of them disappointing in any way. Until you've seen them you just can't believe the size of them and you have to wonder how did they design and build them ?
The cruising on the Nile. Definitely the way to travel. Calm and peaceful, watching the world go by.
The boat itself: It was spotless, clean, the food was excellent and the staff helpful and friendly. The housekeeping was faultless and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly.
The guide. Aassem was great. Full of knowledge, friendly, humorous and patient !
The best site - has to be Abu Simbel, well worth the extra cost of the trip.
The people - friendly and no hassle...until you want to buy something off them of course in the bazaar !
The sail on the Nile in a fellucca. This was very relaxing and peaceful.

Bad Points

The constant need for 'baksheesh' wherever you were, whatever you did.
The bazaar at Aswan - too intimidating. Generally, Aswan was the worst place for being hassled by horse and cart cab drivers and street vendors.
Not enough time at the sites to see everything.
The sound and light shows were disappointing, especially at Philae which broke down.
The haggling ... no doubt this would improve with more practice !

So all in all, I have to admit that the whole trip was very enjoyable. I would recommend it to anyone even remotely interested in Egyptology or the ancient world. I didn't want to go but I'm glad I did and April is probably a good time to go before it gets too hot and unbearable. A fantastic holiday and one I look forward to repeating in the future, with possibly some time near Cairo to see the pyramids as well.

Thanks to 'er indoors' for keeping a detailed diary which was used to put this site together. And last, but not least, I must mention our Egyptologist guide, Aassem, who was a source of knowledge about the sites we visited. He put it all across in a very interesting and fluent style and certainly added to our knowledge about his country and added to the whole week in Egypt ...., thanks "Sam".