Monday, March 26, 2007

Egypt - Alexandria and the Nile Valley



Salaam 'alaykum,




After the safari, we took a train to Alexandria and spent a few days on the beautiful Mediterranean. We loved it there since it wasn't too touristy. However, they are more conservative there than we had thought and Kar had to get a scarf to cover her hair. After that, only the women stared since I think she tied it wrong.








Next, we met our group for the tour. We learned so much Egyptian history. The guide called Kar an amateur egyptologist (kiss up - Haig). We visited Abu Simbel, Aswan, Luxor, Cairo, and the Pyramids at Giza for those of you that like to know where we were exactly. We were amazed at how everything has lasted and loved learning all about it. We won't bore you with all the temples and history but if you're interested, Kar would love to give you a brief lecture when we get back. Tips are appreciated (as is the custom in Egypt). We also did a hot air balloon ride over the Nile River at Luxor and had dinner in a Nubian village.








We had a nice group (10 total) and all were under 35 mostly from London and Australia. There were a lot of women in our group and Haig was always walking with at least 4 of us. Many of the men, said he was a lucky man for having so many wives and he should share :) He was loving it!!!!





Now, we're on the Red Sea on the Sinai peninsula. We're staying in Sharm el-Sheikh and doing 2 dives tomorrow at Ras Mohamad Park. We hope to see many large fish! Then we'll head up to Dahab which we hope will be less touristy and less expensive.





We are doing great and can't believe one month has already passed. Kar has gotten homesick twice but Haig has done a good job cheering her up as have your updates and comments! Keep them coming. Miss you guys!





-Kar and Haig




8 comments:

Annie said...

Hi Guys! Sounds like you're doing well and having a blast!!! These pictures are amazing!!! I'm so glad that you guys are safe and that you are doing well. Just wanted to say hi! We miss you!!! Take care of yourselves and I look forward to seeing/reading more about your trip!

Annie

Master Pee said...

great update!! no surprise here that haig was surrounded by the ladies. growing up with all sisters has some pretty obvious advantages, i'd say.

you guys look great - i just wish i could've seen kar's attempt at a headwrap. nice! speaking of nice: the eyebrows are still looking pretty good, kar. how do you like trying to keep up with those suckers when you don't have the superblast lighting of the u.s.? how are the legs holding up? i hope you've just given up at this point - i know i would've.

enjoy the next leg of travel. give updates on the invasive spp situation in the red sea. i haven't heard good things. until then...

- daphne

Jo said...

Neato! You guys covered a lot of ground in Egypt along the Nile! Have you seen Schnappi?

Jo said...

Schnappi: The little crocodile from Egypt.

Unknown said...

Karineh and Haig, jan, I am glad that you are fine and are having fun. Karineh jan, you'll be glad to hear that San Francisco passed a bill for plastic bags. They can only use plastic bags that disintegrate quickly; no more plastic bags that last forever and fill up our landfills. Recyclable paper bags are also still okay.

Jo said...

You got it, Artineh! I'll put up new links every time we hear from Haig and Kar.

santoukht said...

Hey Haig and Karinh, were so happy to read your news about all the great places you're experiencing. I loved the vibrent colors in the background behind the low round table, perhaps in Alexandria...keep the news coming. love, mom

Simon Wood said...

I hope you're having a miserable time and I'm glad I'm not there.

Hate you.

Hugs,
Simon