After several years of thinking about going, Claire and I eventually got round to visiting Egypt. We joined a tour, which was a bit slower than our usual holiday pace, and we both gained stomach bugs, but the trip was definitely worth it. We started in Cairo to visit the Sphinx and pyramids, caught a sleeper train down to Luxor, where we got on a cruise ship to take us down the Nile, took a day trip by plane over the Tropic of Cancer and Lake Nasser to visit Abu Simbel, before finally returning by sleeper train to enjoy sun bathing and luxury at a swish hotel in Cairo.
The sights were fascinating and as awe inspiring as anticipated. Modern Egypt was an experience in itself. We got quite expert at speed walking through shopping areas and avoiding all eye contact to minimise the amount of hassle we got. I have never heard the phrase 'How now brown cow' used so much, nor have I had my eyes compared to the blue eyes of Cleopatra before! Sorry to everyone expecting souvenirs and postcards - I was too scared to buy anything. I am very glad that I was part of a tour - we would never have done anything otherwise.
The towns and countryside were strikingly different from the UK. Many buildings in the poor areas did not have roofs, so as to avoid having to pay the tax for completed home. Traffic was insane. There were no rules and car horns are used in abundance. I was really impressed at how well drivers knew the size of their car and was very glad that I wasn't driving. I was particularly amused by pedestrian crossings in Aswan, because the green man moves: It walks leisurely at first, but as the time to cross reduces the man starts to sprint - I think that they should be introduced in the UK!
My highlight has to be the views of the countryside across the Nile. It was very alien, yet beautiful. I now have a wealth of inspiration for some new paintings - watch this space!
