BYOFT
03-07-2008, 03:20 PM
Kairho, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your 1993 trip report and Joyce's report on the Lake Nasser cruise. I've been to Egypt twice (in 1983 and again in 1997), and visited many of the same places you write about.
Isn't it wonderful to go to Abu Simbel without the crowds? On my second trip, we managed to spend the night up there at a little hotel within walking distance of the site. We haunted the place, going first at midday, then in late afternoon-early evening, and again before dawn the next day. On the afternoon visit, we were completely alone at Nefertari's temple- as a matter of fact, the door blew closed upon us and left us in the dark. Thank goodness a flashlight is on my Egyptian must-carry list.
The next morning we walked back over, and arrived before the guards. The gate was unlocked, so we just went on in. It was within 2 weeks of Ramse's birthday (I see it is close to your birthday, too), so I really wanted to see the sun come up and shine straight into the shrine. Unfortunately, the outer door to the temple was locked, and there were no guards even about to offer baksheesh to open up. At least I saw the light shine on the door, though!
Did you bring sheesha stuff home? My boyfriend got 2 restaurant quality hookahs while he was over there (he spent several weeks on and off in Cairo on business back in the '90's). Every now and then we'll get one going. The apricot tobacco is my favorite, followed by the melon.
Anyways, thanks for taking me back vicariously!
Isn't it wonderful to go to Abu Simbel without the crowds? On my second trip, we managed to spend the night up there at a little hotel within walking distance of the site. We haunted the place, going first at midday, then in late afternoon-early evening, and again before dawn the next day. On the afternoon visit, we were completely alone at Nefertari's temple- as a matter of fact, the door blew closed upon us and left us in the dark. Thank goodness a flashlight is on my Egyptian must-carry list.
The next morning we walked back over, and arrived before the guards. The gate was unlocked, so we just went on in. It was within 2 weeks of Ramse's birthday (I see it is close to your birthday, too), so I really wanted to see the sun come up and shine straight into the shrine. Unfortunately, the outer door to the temple was locked, and there were no guards even about to offer baksheesh to open up. At least I saw the light shine on the door, though!
Did you bring sheesha stuff home? My boyfriend got 2 restaurant quality hookahs while he was over there (he spent several weeks on and off in Cairo on business back in the '90's). Every now and then we'll get one going. The apricot tobacco is my favorite, followed by the melon.
Anyways, thanks for taking me back vicariously!