Even though I chose to take a barge-like cruise ship up the Nile River, I still had plenty of time to enjoy felucca rides around Aswan. As with everything in Egypt, the cost had to be negotiated, and it's best to bring your sense of humor. Aswan, the Dams, and the Temple of Isis at Philae The Sunrise Convoy to Abu Simbel Felucca Rides Couchsurfing Cairo Final … [Read more...] about Friday Flashback: Aswan, Abu Simbel & Feluccas
Egypt
Friday Flashback: Nile Cruise & Temple Tourism
Once I arrived in Luxor and joined the organized tour, I was insulated from most of the shenanigans and tourist shams (though one might argue I paid into the biggest of them all -- a prepackaged Nile cruise). I ended up having a great time on the cruise. My room was very nice, there was plenty of food, I hung out with some friendly Americans and Koreans, and didn't have to … [Read more...] about Friday Flashback: Nile Cruise & Temple Tourism
Friday Flashback: Cairo, Camels & the Great Pyramids
In 2001, I had plans to visit Egypt however 9/11 disrupted them and I'd had it on the back burner ever since. In December 2008, I flew Egypt Air from Jo'burg to Cairo. It was my first visit to a Middle Eastern country, and I was immediately struck by the dreariness of the Nile River as it runs through polluted Cairo. But I found a room, smoked some sheesha, and walked like … [Read more...] about Friday Flashback: Cairo, Camels & the Great Pyramids
Photo Essay: Pyramids & Temples of Egypt
I raced around Egypt in December 2008 as I only had 11 days before my onward flight to Brussels. It was enough time to see all the major sites, and while I had tour guides for them all, I can't remember a single thing they said. And I didn't think I would. Instead, I focused on taking photos. … [Read more...] about Photo Essay: Pyramids & Temples of Egypt
The Decision Not To Travel After 9/11
The morning of September 11, 2001, is well ingrained in my memory. Within a few days of the attack, I called Adventure Center and verified my October trip was still scheduled, which meant I had to decide whether or not to head for the Middle East. My parents definitely did not want me to go. My brother, on the other hand, took the opposing … [Read more...] about The Decision Not To Travel After 9/11
