The Nile Cruise

After 5 nights we were off to Abu Simpel on Lake Nasser. This meant that we had to go in an armed convoy for the 4 hour drive.

We had a wake up call at 3.15am (I just had those early starts) to be driven to the convoy assembly point. Got there at 4.00am and then waited and waited. An hour and a half later they informed that there was a dist storm in the desert and it was too dangerous to drive. Back to the boat. The lead up to the Wedding was on so I decided to watch it. Darren was not impressed.

At 11.00am back into the mini bus to rejoin the convoy. This time it was on. Our driver like most Egyptian drivers was crazy. They drive on the wrong side of the road. They drive too fast and they swerve constantly to avoid small obstacles. After 4 hours we finally made it to Abu Simple but it didn’t end there! We then had to traipse across desert and rocks for about 2km in stifling heat to get to the new boat. I am asking myself why I want to do this??

The week before we left we had been told by the tour company that the boat we had booked was not running so thay had booked us on an equally nice boat. They must have been in fantasy land. It was really old, somewhat dirty, with no communication to the outside world.

The food was less than desirable. I should have gotten really thin but alas no.

The saving grace was Abu Simple. The Temples were wonderful and the sound and light show amazing. I recommend it to all but go in the middle of their winter. Still really hot but not boiling.

The next day we went sailing in a Felucca which is not unlike a large Couta Boat. Darren was very happy. Just sailing and relaxing.

All of a sudden “abra cadabra” from under a blanket appeared souvenirs and jewellery, which we were obligated to buy. I stayed away from all wooden things and bought a small beaded neck piece.

Three days later and lots of tombs and Temples, we were off again.

Our Tour Company – we had an Individual Itinerary and in their wisdom they decided that we should catch a flight back to Paris via Rome at 4.00am.

We had to get up at 12:15am (so much the hotel costs) and be driven to the Airport. The line to get through Security was just so long. The authorities were being especially vigilant, as Bin Laden had been killed 2 days before.

We bought some Duty Free and then sat in the Gate Lounge until 3.45. As some travellers were late we had to wait extra time!!

Got to Rome – screaming babies all the way. They didn’t want to get up that early either.

As there is new security at Rome we had out Duty Free taken from us as Italy will only accept Duty Free from Europe and Canada.

I am sure Duty Free Cairo knows this but they want the sales. Darren was very upset losing his JB!!!

We waited again for our connection to Paris – hating the Tour Company.

Finally made it to Paris and then had to get another flight to Rennes to begin our canal boat journey.