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Friday, July 28

Our first holiday. The flight time is not so favorable, we must at half past five evening at the airport to check-in. At half past seven, we just fly and will therefore only the night arriving in Egypt. After the tickets of the Djoser-representative at Schiphol We have been going to the check. We have already what people of the group met, but we are not waiting for each other. In the plane we all (almost all show later) together. We sit beside a young couple, not know this group belong together, that they learn only at the end the journey of our (we thought they did, but wanted to keep themselves somewhat apart). At Cairo airport, the tour guide waiting for us. Her name Caja van Ginkel and loves Egypt and especially Egyptian humor. She takes us to the hotel in Cairo that a hotel of the old glory appears to be complete with Schindler elevator and old-fashioned red carpet on the stairs. We must formuliertje a complete and waiting in vain, because the glass lock and key are held to a welcome drink. We tired to four hours in the morning to bed.


Saturday, July 29

Wake-up call at 8:30, it seems almost vacation. To 9:30 we get after a good breakfast, the Cairo necessary Caja information. Today we take the group to the Citadel. With four people in a taxi for 5£E (1 E£ ƒ ± 0.75), the entrance to the Citadel was something more namely 20 £E. We will during the holidays find that the prize for most sights normal. Inside we visit the Citadel and the Mohammed Ali Mosque go get a little walk around. We are therefore in a building where all things are exhibited by the customs seized, for example, sarcophagi and other art treasures were looted from tombs and intercepted when they would be outside Egypt. After visiting the Citadel and its buildings We walk to another large mosque, where we were given an opportunity to climb the minaret. Only two sisters Audrey and Petra did. We have the remaining the group what a wall waiting and chatting. We also have some water brought, that is really needed here. After the girls came back we went via the Muslim Quarter to the bazaar walked. We have the oldest teahouse Cairo (270 years old) made a cup. After tea, the group split and are two of us walk through some the bazaar. When we had had enough, we took a taxi 6 £E for went back to the hotel. In a small shop water, crisps and biscuits bought for tomorrow. After a nice bath. The group agreed we had a buffet in the restaurant of hotel. Previously we did together a pint in the bar, it was Sakara and they are only half-liter (that's a shame now). When eating a bottle and will also have a bar in order unlearn. Then go to bed, it's the holidays.


Sunday, July 30

Wake up at 6:30. After breakfast we go to Memphis to 7.30, the capital of the ancient pharaohs. There is not much more over, through all the floods of the Nile, the attacks on the City because the army was and the successors of the then governing pharaoh who found it easier to stones from the old city use, then bake them yourself or caps. The best is the huge statue of Ramses II located in a hallway. We will have much more of him. This pharaoh ruled almost 70 years and you come across egypt temples and images of him. Especially the images he had of himself to his all very large. Maybe it's why he Ramses the Great was called (just kidding). After Memphis we went to Saqqara, the step pyramid of Djoser. Before we went to the pyramid we visited the tomb of Ptah-Hotep, a senior official of the reign of Pharaoh Djoser. It was a very beautiful tomb, our Egyptian guide Josri also told in detail about life of this man and work on his tomb. Josri tells it very nice, but we are now back to the conclusion that self-run and discover it was really fun. After our first pyramid tomb. He is not as big as we expected, but very old. It is the the first pyramid ever built by the Pharaohs. The aim was actually a "normal" tomb, but as always already begun construction when the Pharaoh was still alive. Djoser as long as life was becoming increasingly had to be built. The surface was very large at some point and then coined the architect of Djoser that he could go into better informed. Thus, there during the reign of Djoser always put on a stepladder. The temple that goes with it is also very impressive, here you can how at that time she already had a large difference between rich and poor. Of the poor is nothing to be found, which will all be in tents in the desert lived. The next stop on this day is lunch. Unfortunately only get a fixed menu. As usual fit we therefore, it is too much at first, second, let us not impose. We have taken a beer, moisture is still here important than food. After "lunch" we go for the great pyramids. It is not only property of these pyramids, but the site where they are called also "The Great Pyramids. We had of course 20£E entry pay, but it did not this time: Piet really wanted like the great pyramid of Cheops in. Since we had separate buy tickets here, charges 40£E per person and 10 £E for a photo ticket. Only Piet could take pictures, so a ticket was sufficient. When the bus deposited us at the site had been our own walk, but the first pyramid. As the party began. We went to the entrance, where my backpack was checked and my camera came along. I said that I have no pictures wanted, but they wanted a ticket or I or the camera behind. The latter was a little too far, it was panoramic unit and that was a bit too expensive to risk it take. So I went to the ticket office for a photo ticket here. It appears that the sand in this very hot, the was now about 2 hours so it was pretty warm. It's just well that we have no such problems. In the pyramid was more impressive than the outside was. Not that there were beautiful paintings or something, but the immense blocks of granite used for this purpose and the way which are stacked so that they are balancing concerns make that you get a moment. On our heels, we had the crawl tunnels, where all the treasures of the ancient Egyptians by have dragged to the burial chamber. I got another day muscle from left over, you think that you are trained. After we had seen the inside of Cheops, we have a little about a half hour walk along the various pyramids and a single tomb visited. We had the group agreed to meet at a teahouse in front of the Sphinx. The Sphinx We widely admired, he is much bigger than you would expect. With a large part of the group were the a cup of tea and tea but then again to the hotel. En route to the hotel we decided we really have had to have stamps. We were at the hotel stamps to buy, but they were nearly twice as expensive, and that goes completely against our nature. Nice walk addition to the post office where they sell stamps, money are exchanged for coins. It took some time for them that we had no money would change, but were looking Egyptian coins. Having returned to fine weather in the bath. In the evening we ate together at Felfela, sometimes it's here cheap, sometimes expensive. Here we were £ 100 E for two lost, but it was also a fancy restaurant where a short skirt was not wrong. That night we went on time bed, we were there at a quarter to ten, tomorrow on time.


Monday, July 31

5.30 am wake-up call, it gets what. Departs at 7.30 am train to Aswan and we can not miss. The journey lasts 14 hours, apparently we had wind, because we kamen to 20.45, and that saves still have more than one hour. Fortunately, The comfy chairs and the legroom is quite broad. Neill has been that time off from his place ye, that it was a mazzeltje them with tea and other beverages came along. If at a station was stopped vendors also came with chips and thus train. All in all it was so bad, it was a normal travel day with a bit of reading, eating, drinking and the occasional nap. The hotel in Aswan was only a small part of the station, but the van was not because we were too early. Caja called the driver and when we were still pretty quick. The hotel Djoser was not really in style, because there were quite a luxury (It's annoying but it is no different, we offer our be on). Each room was a semi-detached bungalow in the garden, with its own terrace in front. This was despite the air conditioning which was to run very hot in our room. After the bags in the room have thrown we went with the group in Aswan Moon food. The prices there are really very low, only the beer is European standard as everywhere on this planet. After dinner enjoy back to the room, it was still very warm, it seemed the air was a stove. So to the reception to ask what could be done, because it was not really unbearable. Half an hour later showed that we had to move, there was no technician available. OK, even at midday you can also swap rooms. After lugging a beer made with Peter and Barbara on the terrace The hotel on the Nile.


Tuesday, August 1

We can sleep again, wake-up call at 7.00. With a felucca across the street to visit an old monastery. It was a ruin, but worth it. Caja said it would be a walk approximately half hour, so some looked quite reluctant given the heat, even at this time of day. Ultimately it proved to be more than 10 minutes. Caja said later: " or could it just be easy.. come top of a turned part of the group not wanting to enter, most likely still need to get used to the fact that you must everywhere pay. Still it was fun, certainly by the guide who is 4 words spoke English but pointed us everywhere and literally took the hand of the monastery. After the "whole" again to have made descent we went with The felucca to the next stop: a Nubian village on an island in the Nile. As we walked, visited the school and a cup of tea. On to the next stop: the Botanical garden on Kitchener's Island. Also nice, but very quiet nice because we went for a walk without the group. It was not big, but a resting place for not only tourists, but for Egyptians. After we went back to the group we started dividing. The company entered into an authentic Nubian village for lunch and we went back together. The captain of the felucca was so kind enough to bring us back to our hotel. Here refresh and so restore together. But first lunch in Aswan Moon, which was finally liked yesterday. After the walk to the Nubian Museum. That proved to be closed (for sure not the information board at the hotel looked Caja). Through the cemetery So we went back. It was extremely hot that day, we therefore have a couple of times in a cottage sarcophagus at the cemetery shelter for the Sun Later that day we heard it was 56 degrees, and that is even shown in Aswan is very hot. A nice dive into the pool and half an hour sleep. When looking for the ATM, we are finally going to Abu Simbel tomorrow and that should what cost (350.00 ± ƒ pp). Together with Panorama restaurant meal. When asked if we cold beer could get was the outrage comment "In this restaurant we only work with fresh ingredients and serve so we only have good stuff, so no alcohol, but fresh juices. "It must be said that there was also delicious and so incredibly cheap. On time bed, early in the morning. We are almost there in bed at the Piet door or we will go along to the sound and light show of Philea, but we skip over here.


Wednesday, August 2

Wake-up call 03.30 hours! We go to Abu Simbel. Caja is risen (which really is not wise) to us and Ank, Piet and Barbara from swinging. After a cup of coffee or tea and ceremony a breakfast box (it looks like a Happy Meal) we go on path with a small van. Arrived at the airport by the airline guide distributed. It is a card with blank, no flight number and departure gate. The guide us down the heart to keep the card because it is our ticket to flight. There are no chairs discussed the plane, so that is line up for a nice spot to get. The guide had said for a spot on the left to search for the best view. For now it is still too dark and it's only a half hour flight, so we we're curious. Instead of a meal or something get we are a pack of fruit juice. The juice of Piet is still frozen so who actually has an ice cream. It's not like we already defrosted Weather countries. Our guide was not at the airport, it is again great. We get on the advice of a guide from another group in a general bus, our guide will be on the site, he asserts. Indeed we are at the site will be met by a guide who loudly that he was Djoser. He buys the cards, now is the "all" 06.15 am. We walk to the temples (the fakes by Piet, they are finally moved) where the guide on a terribly dull way to start tell. Because it is too expensive, too beautiful and too short in time feel I am not called to be social and that man story to continue listening. We say goodbye and agree how let us go back to the bus to the airport to go. With book in hand and cameras in Ready visits we first temple of Ramses II. It is very much impressive. There are beautiful things to see large images (Ramses II of course) and pretty fantastic paintings and changes in the walls and the pillars. The size of this is very impressive, you really do not understand how they This 4500 years ago to create, and how well it after still looks much time. The story about the screen reflection on two days per year is more puzzling when you see how deep the temple built in the mountain is. At 08.30 hours (one time) we were already back to the bus for our return flight. Upon arrival I was not that Piet realized that the ticket for the flight was, and had his ticket on the plane on the outbound left. Only when showed coincidence really exists. During the outbound flight had Piet found a ticket and thought it might be nice in the scrapbook would fit and therefore captured. Peter (and of course Barbara) thrilled, we could not collectively back problems. Back in Aswan we have the van at the Nubian Museum market (second attempt), while the rest went back to the hotel for a late ontbijt.Ook in the museum we looked our eyes out, it's unbelievable how many cultural treasures they Here across the country and there are also so proud of. From the museum we went back and have it go back to Aswan Moon eaten. After a dip in the pool I went one hour of sleep and Piet to walk. He has some that afternoon walked through the souk. He was of course different Sellers lured into the store, but you know, with the excuse that I 'm not at all to escape. For dinner we went walking on the same course souk where Piet was recognized and back into a shop was allowed to enter. After a while negotiate, we bought a cup of Tutankhamun vensterbank.Voor the second time on the delicious meal at the Panorama restaurant.Na (despite the afternoon nap), a rather tiring day bright and early to bed.


Thursday, August 3

Morning first home but still figured I had at the hotel stay, I burst from the stomach cramps. Because the bus too late and now my stomach calmed could I (thankfully) still with it. First to the Unfinished Obelisk, we have these days a female guide who can tell fascinating. At the Obelisk I stay in the shade to enjoy some rest to keep the Guide listen while walking back to Piet course goes. However, such a nice site for obelisks, again impressive to how this type of work 4500 years ago did not to take advantage of our modern tools. The guide told (somewhat annoyed, or so played) that only a half century ago the French on the obelisk Champs d'Ellysee standing up and there have therefore reported on the obelisk made. "But we (the Egyptians) that all 4000 years did before, because you do not hear ". After the visit to the Unfinished Obelisk, we continued to the High Dam. This is an example of modern technology and work. This very large dam and the lake through it originated. It is the second largest artificial lake the world and has other problems. This is namely the lake where the temples of Abu Simbel disappeared would (and as some nice things). After the visit to the Dam, which we as a group behind Djoser the dam and there have been not to just have been for across the lake to look, we went to the Temple of Philea. Tried to give the guide 45 minutes to go and tell, so We just took leave of the group and were in turn walking with the Planet in hand. It is a terrible beautiful temple, we will see many more. In the evening we took a boat picked up in the Nubian village to eat. Peter was so ill that he could not come, Barbara was there with. Furthermore, the group is small, the family was not, but Jurgen and his daughters. During dinner, which was very nice but not special, have We laughed terribly with the local village idiot. On the way there was a drum band with vocals on board the boat who brought us home. A lot of noise on the boat and everyone began to dance. I got the terrible stomach cramps and was there pretty cranky from.


Friday, August 4

Wake up at 8.00 am, the weather is luxurious sleep. Ships Today we discuss the felluca's. While boarding is almost a shoe in the water, had become an even more expensive trip, they still cost ƒ170.00 each. We've got the right people on the boat, Peter and Barbara, Erwin and Simone, Petra and Audrey, Ank, Piet and me. Enjoyed the whole lazy day, a little food, drink, read and sleep. The better day in my mind. No toilet on board, so if someone Captain Mohammed had been warned then that the boat to the side which sent everyone who needed it in the bushes could sit. In the evening we are together on the other boot up (at least they did not have cold beer) and have song. Even "the Century" came along. Then again gedold while on their own boat and at last go anyway sleep after the "Scooby-act" of Audrey. 4:30 For we are all wake of the cold, except Ank, which has one of the boatswain Dean received. (Piet and Piet were at a quarter past 3 awake, neighborhoods that were already together). We are yet to be all fallen asleep to ± 6.00 hours. Another breakfast on the boat and but then again struck. That was good, because then came at least we in the sun and we were nicely warmed up.


Saturday, August 5

One piece was the captain, who was assisted by Barbara row because there was no wind, but we were still also in the right place at the temple of Kom Ombo. Not very very big, but beautiful. There was certainly a toilet that each time after someone had been by the toilet was Mr. cleaned. That was the first (and last) time we have seen. After visiting Kom Ombo, we are convoy with more buses and trucks to the Temple of Edfu gone. It is really a huge complex, again very impressive. Especially the image of Horus on the Temple Square is beautiful. Then we went in convoy to Luxor. Also in this hotel was The first room is not in order, the toilet kept walking. The second room was top order, so we could back a while. It is not as fancy as in Aswan, but otherwise fine, they have in every case cold Sakara. To 6:01 a.m. briefing the roof, where we met a very special method of cooling beer, in a wine cooler filled with ice cubes. Nice long it stays cold. After the briefing we went with Piet and Barbara eat in garden, very nice. They are 8 or 9 tables at a very small square between two major streets and the people are terribly nice. Anyway I do not think most people our group a hate Egyptians because what trying to sell. If you did you deal with it with humor (And sellers too) has just enjoy it. We look with a carriage and went back with a service van for 25 piaster per person. We laughed terribly with the driver of the bus that is only too anxious to hear him a horn had all animal sounds such as chickens and pigs. He had such fun that he almost collided with another car. He had so hard braking on the neighbor landed on my lap.


Sunday, August 6

Sleeping out for 8 hours, one day for sure. After breakfast We went to the Luxor museum walk. They have really pieces are very beautiful. In 1995 there are under the great temple of Luxor still images found, while there already millions People walked and it was thought that there really anything was off. On the way back we visited the Luxor Temple. Also again very large, beautiful and impressive. It is almost monotonous, but you can really say anything about what you see here. We had lunch together in the garden and then with a coach (what a luxury for little money) to the hotel returned. Once there is still a good beer in or around the pool and then a bath. In the evening we made a small snack in the Kings Head Pub we had that afternoon been extensively eaten in the garden. To bed, because tomorrow is an excursion and Djoser We now know what that means for the time of the wake-up call.


Monday, August 7

4.30 wake-up call, it's been holiday for sure. We went to the Valley of the Kings and we should be asked to pack for be. You'll go on a motorboat and we Continue with two vans. We have tickets to three tombs. The first two tombs of Ramses IV and Ramses IX Whaa a guide. He explains it well, but as usual, We again no patience. The third tomb we could itself figure out who it was Toethmoses III. We first had a high aluminum stairs and a further wooden stairs into the mountain. It was really terribly hot, but very beautiful. Quite unlike the other tombs, it seemed like drawings i.p.v. the paintings. Then back in the vans to way to the temple of Hatsepsoet. We also have a path over mountain can walk, but there was not enough time. The Temple seemed very recently built in a very modern style, but was very old. Most illustrations of the first female pharaoh were destroyed by her jealous brother Toethmoses III because they had more power than he. After that We visited a working village, where graves were very nice. All the colors were still intact because the newly discovered graves and are open to the public. Moreover, if there (Without flash) no photo opportunity. We are after all this beauty with the local ferry back to the other side went quiet and walked back to the hotel. Once there thought it was too early to do nothing So that day and have a sandwich and drink taken. Bikes rented at the hotel. With the bike lying on the gemakje to the temple of Karnak. This is even greater than that of Luxor. Between these two temples were once a way to flanked by a row of rams and sphinxes. In the temples you see there is still a large part of the road and you will occasionally also some remnants of these rows against. After visiting Karnak, we went back through the villages way and upon arrival we have a beer on the rooftop done. We got out of compassion but a tip given to the waiter who the stuff (in a cooler full of ice wine) came to give up. He was soaking wet from sweat and spilled ice. For six hours we collect, we will eat together because of the 30-year marriage of Annie and Joop. Everyone is, except Ron and Ria, who had turned out in the wrong sat garden restaurant because they could not find. They gave each of Djoser a scarab and a group of cake that we all have eaten. All in all nice. Then the bike back to the hotel will even tried to get money from an ATM, just failed.


Tuesday, August 8

Although we own and stand alone on the road we're on at 5.30. We eventually discovered that it is better in this climate to get up early and the daily schedule to the heat to apply. With the bike and the local ferry we went to the ticket office at went across the street for tickets to the Valley of the Queens and Medinet Habou now. The festival is again, a queue for tickets and another row for the photo tickets. First to the Valley Queens. We have two beautiful and a (slightly) less beautiful tomb visited. They were the tombs of two of Titi and her children, a daughter and a son. All three tombs Of course we got a "free" tour of the guard. Then Piet saw a ladder up the mountain and we went to the top for a "nice viewing point". Halfway through it was very nice, but cocky as he is, he wanted to continue where the prompt less was very beautiful, but far. It is again quite obvious that the condition substantially consists of all sports. As high off were good all the inputs of the various dig to see. When we saw the tombs and the stairs we had had on the bike Medinet Habou stepped to go, one of the temples of Ramses (he returned). En route we stopped to take pictures of Colossi of Memnon. Yesterday we were already stopped, but when there were big flags of some promotional campaign for. When we first arrived we Medinet Habou a beer done on the hotel terrace in the Planet was Habou recommended. Quiet, unlike the "Tourists terrace" a little further. As we left the temple were seen at the hotel we could leave our bikes stand, they would have to fit (they were also surely locked). The temple of Medinet Habou is very beautiful, it is not so large as Karnak or Luxor but has lovely hieroglyphics. After the tour we have taken a beer on the terrace the hotel. They are very friendly and were impressed by their mention in the Lonely Planet. On our gemakje we cycled back through the villages on the way and have the local ferry back again. It was after all paid our way and we had evidence through a note which hand vice versa was written. Moreover, it remains fun to this busy between Egyptians on a boat to cross the Loire and see how they achieve these across as an idiot want to get rid of the boat. They climb over the banks, and if necessary on the bikes, to be the first to land can go. It looks like a match. Back at home in the hotel (it was now about 2:30) nice here by the pool and one hour of sleep. In the evening we have Peter, Barbara, to Erwin and Simone Across from Tutanchamon eaten. Of course we went on the bicycle, the local ferry, because we did our bikes All the next day to surrender. When we got there they asked if we were Djoser, happy we realized there was another group and that the table not reserved for us. We have a lovely meal, it was dark so we know what it was still not In any case, various meat and vegetable stews. Come back we had a nightcap at King's Head Pub done so went to bed. Tomorrow we can sleep late, we're going not with the group, who are crazy wake-up call for 4.30 Temple of Karnak view. Fortunately, we have already seen.


Wednesday, August 9

I slept, we only started eating at 9.00. The bread was starts at 5.00 pm and you could even taste, but who whines say about it if you've just slept. Then we with a van went into the city. All the shops were still closed, So there was not much. Still here and pinned like that large flaps inside the bank but for what money handier changed. After that we just went walking, until we a teahouse saw. It did not matter, but meanwhile I do feel like a and the tea cup was always half hours cooking, so we only dared to. There were two men at tea checkout and when Piet saw that one pound was given for that two tea. When we had our tea at the owner gave Piet also one pound. He looked a little weird, "how do they know Well what it costs, "but let us just go through. While walking, we came suddenly on a local vegetable market correctly. It remains great fun, especially because the people not really doing their best to sell you something, but very friendly. Especially the meat and fish stalls were again apart.Op meat stalls were also the tails of the beasts, so you could see what animal you bought a piece. The fish at the booths, as usual, again with make extra meat in the form of a thick layer of black fly. We go there but from flesh, the fish in the restaurants is a refrigerator, or at least good by baked. At gemakkie went back to the hotel, where the now standard ritual took place. Relaxing at the pool. Caja we had gotten a tip that at the end of the street, just around the corner, a large supermarket was. Good thing we not previously known, they have too many good things. Evening review, we are half to run away with Amoun what to eat. We want to pictures of the night Luxor Temple before the lights go out again for 10 hours. After taking the pictures we took Peter, Barbara, and Petra Audrey to the sound and light show of the Karnak temple. It is very nice, especially if you can follow the story. We ran with the story and view it through the temple and sat for the last and largest section of a grandstand to watch and luisteren.Nogmaals made a nightcap at King's Head Pub, it remains tent.Bij a nice packing the bag for our departure tomorrow Piet through his back (it will not be so again, there should be any holiday something happen).


Thursday, August 10

6.30 wake-up call, we go in convoy to Hurghada and may therefore not too late. In retrospect it appears that we still had one hour wait until the convoy was complete. En route we stopped at a roadside restaurant where they 5E £ for a plastic cup of tea questions, but not so, we have enough drinking in the bus. The toilet also asked them for a 1E £, I found a half enough and came away, but others were not really. Arrived at the hotel we found that the tradition of chamber exchange but better able to maintain, this time did not Piet and Barbara and we only problem. They had a Double want and that we had. Given our line breaks (preferably two single beds) have We swapped back of room. Piet became more and more in his back and we have the afternoon therefore good in the room spent some reading and socializing. He received suppositories of Simone, who are a bit heavier and work rather than ordinary tablets. Afternoon went most of the group swimming. Barbara swam against a sea urchin and had to be treated in the hospital. She had quite a lot of pain and would later also considerable fever. When we heard we only briefly been sick. In the evening we took a group dinner at Portofino (An Italian restaurant, we were finally in Egypt). Erwin birthday was and was told by a caftan with matching turban Djoser. We both had calimari, prepared in different ways. The weather was very good. We are also caused by the pain of Pierre, did not concur when they were in a bar, a beer at his expense were going.


Friday, August 11

Piet seems increasingly suffering from his back to get, so we spend the whole day at the hotel a little hanging. Barbara still many problems with her foot, so they remain "at home". The rest of the group goes on a snorkeling excursion. We slept, read and hung around a bit. In the morning we went to the supermarket for the trip tomorrow a snack and drink to take. Way back we met Piet at the pharmacy that had been context. We have three of us have a cup of tea made. After the afternoon quiet later in the afternoon we went a pint in the hotel pool, nicknamed "the Bathtub "(he really was not much larger). Later, Piet and Barbara still there and we did another one. Two beers a pint in a row is quite a lot. Enjoyed a little sleep, the evening are two of us to The Italian went back and we have a wonderful visfondue taken. What cost, but then you have some. It was delicious.


Saturday, August 12

Wake-up call 06.00 am, it's the holidays. We are heading to Sinai, first with a super fast boat crossing Hurghada to Sharm el-Sheik. This boat is ± 100 km per hour, so that should be nice and get along. The bags were for the boarding by the scanner. Is logical, but the way in The bags were thrown ensured that Piet (Probably caused by the pain in his back and annoyance that someone else always had to carry his bag) railed against the terrible staff. On board a number of people still wanted a Primatourtje. Caja took fourth tablet because they never take drugs. It was noticeable too, they seemed to be tripping, complete with half closed eyes and thick tongue. Eventually she fell a little sleep. After the bus trip back towards Catherine Monastery. Tried to give the room is not of the highest quality, but everything worked. Piet went to see his back very painful back in a warm bath and snapped it in some different things on. Then we wanted a cup of tea, but when we found out that They are 4 E£ each for asking, but we have them returned. To 6 hours there was a delicious buffet, but our group, there was a group of South Africans present. That were all older than sixty (in my opinion) and engaged in a tour of one month by a part of Europe and Egypt. The Most had the intention that night in the mountain climb, so it could be fun. After dinner we went go to the supermarket for some water and then run on time (Every eight hours) to bed at 02.00 hours, the wake-up call for climbing Mount Sinai, Mount Moses.


Sunday, August 13

Is it Sunday?, It is still pitch dark and the alarm is on 02.00. It is terribly frustrating, but Piet can not count because of his back. He has twice tried, but can barely walk, let alone in the dark on a carved staircase climbing a mountain. 2:30 For we, after a cup of tea or coffee on the road. The first piece, we put in the van. From the start does it really happen. The first part of the walk is dark, but also a little flat. Despite it not being paved and littered with problems and bricks in the "road" we go and we have not really a lamp. I walk with Caja ahead, and the group remains reasonably together. Pretty soon began to climb (still a kind of road / dirt road) and the group falls slightly further apart. This is not a problem because there is only one way up is. It's amazing, after three minutes we make our first stop for a sip of water. I have no problem with class increasing the exercise did me good. After the first break is a little steeper and the group falls further apart. I'll get more of the flashlight. Together with Petra stop I have 2 or 3 times a sip, also in March to look at the fantastic starry and moonlit mountains. It is so clear that even galaxies like. For example, they Enterprise also see from the (still some fungi in the space, it will be time well). Halfway to the stairs we South Africans against the group, they have already left us for two hours and take all the time. It is still an achievement to do that at this age, most are not very thin so we also have a lot to them tote. Still being asked if we are not a camel to top want, "it is at least two hours walk." (It is about another quarter, but those guys you can not blame them want to make money). At the tea house for the last stage we are waiting for each other, Only Audrey, Melanie and Karin are already on your way. Never mind go, they are young and energetic and find the top surely, it is Finally a way / staircase. After the last break we go up the stairs, it really climbing and scrambling, tiring but very fun. Stopping Petra and I have a four times or not too tired, I finally got time enough people, there are still a lot left in me. I have since called the torch Caja, because mine was already on. She says they do not need it. If we are almost there, we hear a group sing, it turns a group of believers, it has something to hear (You have them again, definitely raised Catholic). It is delicious over fresh, I'm glad I got my sweater included. It's not that big top, and there are a lot of people so it's just searching for a place that I still sunrise to see. It is quite cold and sometimes I not to push my legs get cramps. It's a mixed bunch, some people sing, pray or just "talk. A group of Egyptian young people making a lot of noise and are therefore a few times by other visitors called to order. It helps, but all they are not quiet. In total we have an hour wait for the onset and progress of the sunrise, but it is beautiful. Once the ball is completely visible, we can relax to run down, it is incomprehensible that we in the dark have done with a small flashlight. We walk among people of all nationalities, there are a lot Japanese. Many the people are not quite at the top before, but have since another beautiful spot the sunrise. We have done about a half hour to return to down to where Piet, Peter and Ank are waiting. Piet rode the bus driver was to pick us. Petra and Ank had dropped out somewhere along together and had a seat wait. We are now waiting for the rest, which in gemakje aandruppelen come. We are all going back into the van back to the hotel for a hot shower and a delicious breakfast. The food is a lot better if the rooms, but if we do not forget we're already in the desert and do not have De Boer and Wendel hotel, then is it bad. At half past nine we leave for Nuweiba. After a tea break at the Bedouins we find ourselves in Tarabin, another village about 10 km from Nuweiba. The hotel consists of a reception area and restaurant for breakfast and a number of prefab bungalows, which are defined in the Planet as "horrible". It is, after a while getting used to, so bad. We just no hot water, but we are still in the Sinai and there just is no water. All there is to be supplied by tanker or salty (brackish) water. First I made an appointment with a diving school for a diving day, we will not happen not to dive, It is finally the Red Sea. Then on the terrace and a pizza a cold beer, then to Peter Piet fins for rent. Peter has a tent on the beach of the hotel where you can rent snorkel gear, a pot of tea and a game do. If you drink a pot of tea, he comes to you to For example, a game to contain. He has no tables and chairs, but you are sitting on rugs on the floor on your back with pillows. Talk about relaxing, everyone has all the time, we do here nothing to see and travel days are not for now. After renting the snorkelling gear for the first time, the is incredibly beautiful. Near the coast, many beautiful coral and so many different large and small fish. In the evening we entered the village Tarabin to eat. Time has stood still, as everywhere in the tent of berths Peter on the beach. All quiet on, the waiter comes to You sit down to ask how you go, you comes and oh yes also his order. Everywhere! hanging around relaxed people and the music is of course Bob Marley. Great food with a half liter bottle of coke and plastic cups. But the fish was your fingers to eat. As a guest I got offered a plate of white rice, but I only repulsed, I could not really.


Monday, August 14

Nothing done all day, except on the beach, snorkeling and a game with Piet. In the evening we have Peter, Barbara, Erwin, Simone and Caja in Tarabin eaten. In the restaurant you were mad dogs, but the food was a nice bonus. We had shrimp that taste is always taken and though. Unfortunately they had no beer (more).


Tuesday, August 15

Today we dive. We are (for a change) in time met by a minibus to the resort. The instructor starts course been plenty to talk, he is also the one who will last to the dive site. In our first dive we seek things together, this is the dive with the best stuff of all our vacations so far. During the fit is of course clearly it'd be a hot and heavy sport. If we and have everything taken care of (we are not here anymore back) we leave. There are 6 divers and a instructor. Arrived at the dive site, dressing and water. It is a roteind walk before we have some depth so I am already pretty tired when we get there. Nevertheless, I feel also here that I do do more exercises. If we go under show I was not so easy to fall, I had only been given 8 pounds of lead, that was sufficient. After going through what had to sink (But not straight downward swimming) and the instructor take a while to the hand was held because he thought my eyes to see that I slightly panic-stricken, we enjoy round swimming. Later I tried to explain that with me no sense of panic, but I do not know if he it took me. When leaving the water, Piet very heavily through his back pain. Halfway through the walk back to the beach (it was still an end), the instructor then his jacket with bottle is gone and so it towed to shore. At lunchtime enjoy some soup and bread and ate some fresh drunk. Course again in a tent with carpets on the floor and pillows in your back. For the second dive was Piet's jacket by the instructor and Piet had brought it only to put in deeper water. That went a lot better. When did we (Just now), we swam to an area called Towers. That is really wonderful, a great forest of high coral. You see the soil, but it's like swimming up a bunch. Of all types and colors mixed together. Of course there was also fish, koraalbos but it was really special. This should why people places a diving holiday in the Sinai do. After we brought back a few drinks on the terrace of the hotel with a group from the group. In the evening we ate shrimp together in Tarabin. I wanted still want dessert and asked for a melon. Initially and they had entire (large) pieces of watermelon, but I gave half of it back. When I was about fourth had eaten the rest I gave to Petra and Audrey in the same restaurant sat on the terrace.


Wednesday, August 16

6.30 wake-up call, we go back to Cairo. Along the way we stopped at the Catherine Monastery. On the way we could not visit because it was Sunday and then closed the monastery. It was very busy, but still pretty. We could not many visitors. The church of the monastery was very beautiful, with many old icons that are likely to be worth a fortune. On the way back to the bus we walked in the area of the a little monastery in the ossuary. There are all skulls and bones of the monks kept. They are simply sorted stacked. Only if you as abbot of the monastery had been given a separate overblijfselen.Toen box for your late afternoon we arrived in Cairo early Caja who Sufis are still coming along to a dance performance. The show was free, but you had to be in time. We went with a small team and were there at half past seven.


Thursday, August 17

The last full day in Egypt, we'll have a nice sleep. Risen to 8 hours (and yes, that's sleep when you travel Djoser with you). We can at least in our leisurely breakfast, we have the day to ourselves, because we do not turn with the trip to Dahshur and the tour of Josri. After breakfast we went to the Egyptian Museum and made the there until 2 hours walking around. A great number of beautiful and (for us) less beautiful cultural treasures. Too bad it's not totally structured 'premises, but How could it be, they find new things and would then again throughout the museum should put on its head. Rooms which items from the tomb of Tutankhamun were filled with whole nice stuff. The mummy room was very impressive. That's where the real mummies of Seti and Ramses II for example (from the many and major temples and images of themselves). It is still always understand why at that time she mastered the techniques their deaths in this period (4000 years later) still presentable to show. Having broken and filled with culture from the museum came we went to the hotel while I went and got one hour slept, Piet went one last time only by Cairo walking. In the evening we are not going to eat with the group, despite being the and last night was the anniversary of the "baby" of the family. Together we have a nice walk along the Nile and as our eyes re tired of the hustle and bustle of many Egyptians who it also stopped. You could take a boat on a disco boat. That was decorated with all sorts of carnival-like lighting, with cushions on the shelves in the most horrible color combinations you can imagine and a good (Or at least powerful) sound. What a racket came from there! We ended up at Peppers Restaurant, which was also on the list of Djoser. It was a bit expensive, but also very tasty. After dinner we went to the hotel and walked back We went to bed on time, we need to again for two hours are departing. When we got up two people from the hotel yet group photos taken with our cameras, then it was really Time to leave for the airport. At the airport, the last Egyptian pound of coffee made (Scandalous time), under the "pleasure" of the rattle of Barbara and the Egyptians who were lured into a save time on that thing. All in all, a great holiday, mainly because of the freedom the program and the many beautiful things to people egypt that culture, but also relax.