Egypt, Nile Cruise, back to Luxor

 After so much culture it was a sort of relief to just spend a couple of days with nothing on the agenda but cruising the Nile, looking at the scenery and boats.

Despite it being fine and sunny, the reason we went in the first place, you may see from these shots that he river breeze took the edge off the pleasure of sitting on the top deck a bit. Not to be put off though we did spend enough time to ensure that a facial suntan could be bought back to the UK as that necessary bit of oneupmanship resulting from a winter sun holiday.. 

The scenery  flowed past and our return to Luxor was most relaxing, we saw some ideal alternatives to the bulk tourist carriers.  These non powered (tug pulled) vessels are the creme de la creme of Nile cruising, an experience we covet .  Maximum guest numbers 12 to 17, personalised guides, viewing times planned outside of tourist bus schedules.  Obviously worth the exorbitant cost

And of course no trip to the Arabian part of the world would be complete without a ride on an Aussie camel, well, I can't be sure they were Aussies but I do know there is a solid trade in camels from Australia to the Arab states for racing and sporting pursuits.  Something about blood lines and purity. All these camels were males about 5 to 7 years old and about a dozen of us had a most enjoyable ride through a traditional Nile village and got a good idea of life styles of the locals.  We ran out of battery for our camera so this is the only proof of this little adventure but yes I did ride one too and we bought a picture from one of the tour guides to prove it.  No I am not going to let you see it cos I look like a fat stupid tourist.  So I guess it is a good photo.

And that bought to a end our Egypt adventure, the flight home was a series of queues, long waits and economy plane seats but I wont let that make me say I didn't have a good time, on balance. 

Egypt is an experience which reminded me in many ways of India and Indonesian tourist ports.  Lots of really fantastic things to see, stuff to learn and experiences to be shared, people to get to know and sensations to experience.  But all tarnished by the incessant hassle of street merchants, and beggars, unfamiliar costs, suspect tour organisers, limited infrastructure and poor living standards.  But I wont let any of that make me say I didn't enjoy myself because I promised Gail I would enjoy going to Egypt, a place she has always wanted to go to,  so I can honestly close this blog o Egypt off by saying I am so pleased with my Egyptian adventure I have no need to ever return.  Now she tells me we just have to see the Pyramids.