Fantastic holiday at Flats in Luxor - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

 Our 93rd review on Trip Advisor from the lovely Christine.
Fantastic holiday at Flats in Luxor - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor: Me and my partner and our 2 friends stayed in one of Jane's appartments at Flats in Luxor. The appartments are in a breathtaking location on the West Bank at Al Gezera. It had fantastic views and we loved to sit on the balcony watching the sun rising. In the evening it was just as spectacular looking accross at the view of the Nile and East Bank of Luxor on one side of us and the lit up valley of the Kings on the other side. We were only there for 7 nights and packed a lot into the days. A number of the trips were recommended by Jane and she also arranged for our transport to and from where we were going. We had breakfast made for us by Jane's staff on a number of the mornings which was a great help and absolutely lovely, they also cleared everything up after we had finished. We visited the valley of the Kings, Queens and Nobles and another 2 tombs at AL-Khaukha one of which included a mummy. Two of our trips were suggested and arranged by Jane and we absolutely loved every minute of them. One was the day cruise on the Nile which included lunch and a visit to Dandara Temple and the other was a trip on a hot air balloon and we would absolutely recommend both as not to be missed. We had a lovely meal waiting for us on arrival, not only was it delicious but there was plenty of it. The appartment itself was probably one of the largest we've ever stayed in. There were 3 bedrooms all big and one en-suite, a bathroom, large kitchen and living/dining room. We also had 2 balcony's, one that looked over the pool area and the other looked to the side of the property and accross to the valley of the Kings in the distance. We spent quite a bit of time cooling off in the pool when we were relaxing in the hot afternoons. The shops were a short walk up the lane in front of the appartments and along the way we would meet very friendly and welcoming Egyptian families. We absolutely loved it here and we can't wait to return to visit more places in Luxor that Jane recommends and stay in these fabulously located appartments.

- Sent using Google Toolbar

Banish holiday worries caused by the Euro, come to Egypt

With Greece undergoing turmoil and the danger of them leaving the Euro, you may well be looking for an alternative holiday destination. Greek attractions are history and sun and Egypt has exactly the same attractions but even better. We have more history, more monuments and in better condition, there are 24 ticketed sites just in Luxor itself.. We certainly have more sunshine, we also have water sports on the Red Sea, easily reachable from Luxor, Nile sailing and cruises in Luxor and even more history on trips to Aswan and Cairo. And we don't have the Euro so you won't have to worry about a collapse affecting your holiday.

Come to Egypt with Flats in Luxor

Jane Akshar | LinkedIn

Lovely review from a guest on my LinkedIn profile. 


Jane Akshar | LinkedIn: “Pleasure and expertise? A beautiful combination in an amazing location.
Please do not rely on media hype or scare mongering.... explore the hidden wonders of Luxor now! and find out a little more about who you are in the process!
Luxor with Jane..........has everything you need.
Someone to rely on, local sound advice, and a passionate knowledge of Luxor. This is linked to an extremely supportive local communitity!
-Jane will listen and tap into what it is that you most want from your stay in Luxor. Enjoy!!”

- Sent using Google Toolbar

Fantastic family holiday is stunning surroundings - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

our 92nd review on Trip Advisor

Fantastic family holiday is stunning surroundings - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor:


The apartments was so spacious and beautiful, spotless,marvellous attention to detail; excellent value for money. The surroundings were completely enchanting. Thinking of the view from the top terrace brings tears to my eyes; it was an utterly magical landscape.

The food was fresh, healthy and delicious . The staff were smiley, helpful and attentive.

We took some of Jane's tours having first checked prices against other recommended companies- hers were around the same price, but we think the quality of what we got was much better and we were so glad we went with her. She is very knowledgeable and put together a perfect itinerary. After the first trip to Karnak and Luxor temples she called us to check everything was ok. she takes a lot of pride in what she does .

Jane, Mahmoud and their staff were so helpful and on hand to arrange whatever we wanted: taxi up the road for pennies or a trip for a pedicure .

We liked it do much that we curtailed our stay at a 5* at red sea to come back and finish our holiday at Goubli. We can't wait to go back and recommend it to anyone .

- Sent using Google Toolbar

Jane Akshar | LinkedIn

A lovely recommendation on my LinkedIn profile
Jane Akshar | LinkedIn: Jane provides a first rate service, and has a great network which enables her to make arrangements all over Egypt, not just in Luxor, in order to ensure any visit there a trouble-free, memorable and enjoyable experience. Not just a Guide; not just a provider of accommodation; she arranges transport where major tour operators have failed, tours of sites away from crowds, and many other activities which make her service unique. Having been to Upper Egypt on many occasions, and having used other local agencies, I can thoroughly recommend her service in preference to the major tour operators who rarely provide the really personal touch.”

- Sent using Google Toolbar

Come back to Egypt, travel Australian CEO pleads -

Come back to Egypt, travel CEO pleads - Wholesaler News - etravelblackboard.com: “Egypt is open for business and no one should feel unsafe travelling there,” Mr Reynolds said.

“As somebody who travels regularly and extensively, I think there are no greater risks travelling to Egypt than there are travelling to the UK. People don’t give a second thought about visiting London even though it recently experienced some fairly significant civil unrest.

“It’s time for Australians to return to Egypt with confidence and help rebuild one of the world’s greatest destinations.”

Lots more in the full article
- Sent using Google Toolbar

Travel photos of the week: your stunning images - The Globe and Mail

One of my ex-guests had this stunning photo published in the Globe and Mail travel feature.

Travel photos of the week: your stunning images - The Globe and Mail: - Sent using Google Toolbar

Hurrah we now have 91 reviews - Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

A great stay in Luxor - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor: “A great stay in Luxor”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 18, 2012 NEW

It was a pleasure to stay with Jane in her Flats in Luxor at Al Gezera for 5 nights in March. It is the perfect location, quiet, a short walk to the ferry to take you across to the East Bank and plenty of local shops to purchase food, internet etc. Jane's helper, Mahomed, prepared 2 beautiful lunches for us and we had a great dinner with Mahmoud at his impressive Tahrir Villa. Watching the hot air balloons drifting across the valley while we ate breakfast was a delight. Jane organised sightseeing trips for us during our stay and provided our driver Ahmed who was very friendly and efficient and always available whenever we needed him, as well as our wonderful guide Hussein who we found to be very knowledgeable. Jane also organised a fascinating trip for us through Middle Egypt with a very competent driver, Rageeb. We would recommend Jane and her Flats in Luxor to anyone considering a stay in Luxor.

Great location, great food and great service – Highly recommended - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor: “Great location, great food and great service – Highly recommended”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 13, 2012 NEW

We stayed 10 days in the top-floor Bastet flat at Goubli - with lovely views over the fields towards the Nile - from 2nd to 11th April 2012. This was our second time at the Goubli flats, although we had also used Jane’s guiding services on earlier visits to Egypt.

Our party consisted of two couples and two teenagers, and with three spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large kitchen, and good-sized lounge/dining room we never felt cramped. The balconies provided extra spaces for relaxing, and of course there was always the cool downstairs reception area, rooftop or poolside terrace to escape to.

The apartment was comfortable, good-sized and clean, with bedding and towels provided. Last time we stayed we suggested that it would be good if basic cleaning materials were easily available (i.e. dustpan/mop & bucket) and it was great to find these in the flat. It shows that they really do listen and act upon customer feedback and illustrates how much they care about their guests.

We found all the staff to be very friendly and approachable, and any request was met with smiles and prompt action; great service all round.

We had intended to prepare our own breakfasts, but after trying what was on offer we allowed the staff to prepare and provide breakfast for us each day in the rooftop restaurant with its breathtaking views of the Theban hill; you can even seen Hatshepsut’s temple at Deir el Bahri. They have a new cook on the staff, and the meals were truly excellent; as usual we visited the good local restaurants such as Fayrouz and Africa – but in our opinion the meals at the flat surpassed these in quality, flavour and quantity, and were very reasonably priced as well – so we ended up eating at the flats more often than we had originally anticipated!

Although we are ancient-egyptophiles, this was the first visit to Egypt for the other couple and their two teenage sons, so we asked Jane & Mahmoud if they could arrange some typical tourist activities; we enjoyed a balloon ride at dawn, a donkey & cart tour around the local village, a sunset trip down the Nile with dinner, a trip to Banana Island and Quad biking in the desert. The large swimming pool was also very much appreciated by the boys.

Although the flat is a little way from the main road and ferry this was never a problem as we could easily arrange for a courtesy car to drop us off. It was also easy to arrange taxis for our own day trips so that we could visit the sites at our own pace. A big “Thank you” must go to Captain Ali for his excellent services; a true gentleman. Local shopping is easy too.

There are still fewer tourists in Luxor at the moment, but we felt quite comfortable walking around on both the East and West banks. My sister-in-law remarked that she felt safer than walking in London during the evening.

Thank you to Mahmoud, Jane and the Goubli staff for making our stay so pleasant and memorable. We will definitely be back as soon as we can, although we may stay in the new Villa next to Medinet Habu next time – we had a quick peak at this new development, and the high standard of finish is very impressive. Can’t wait until next time.

A new Trip Advisor Review from New Zealand: Flats at Luxor - An excellent experience - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

Flats at Luxor - An excellent experience - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor: I stayed at the Goulbi flats for 4 nights in March, and I have to say it was a wonderful experience. This was my seventh trip to Egypt and Luxor and it was the first time I stayed at an independent flat as opposed to a hotel. Our flight came in very late, but we were met by Mahmoud, who was very friendly and gave us a quick rundown. The flats themselves were very clean and well kept with everything you could want. All of the furniture in the flats was very comfortable as well. All of the fellows they have working there are friendly and anxious to help you out as well.

The location was very different than the hotels on the East Bank and you'll be well away from the hassle on that side. I can only highly recommend these flats as a relaxed alternative to the hotel scene. If you need to go into the village to have dinner, Jane can recommend a great cab driver as well. Don't forget to have a BBQ on the roof one night as well!

- Sent using Google Toolbar

Theban Mapping Project AUC Library Update

As I went past my Arabesque House the other day I saw they had put up the sign for the library. This is Kent Weeks baby and should be a great resource. He said

"There will be books on. Health, child rearing, exercise and diet, agriculture, Natural history, general and middle east and Egyptian history, arts and crafts, science and technology, fiction, etc, etc. We will have a few journals, such as National Geographic in Arabic. Donations welcome

I hope for an initial minimum of 2,500 volumes, an upper limit of perhaps 7,500, but that depends on the reception the library receives. If it becomes very popular, we would consider enlarging it.

We will also continue to poll our users as to reading preferences, and will in part be guided by their needs as we acquire books. At least 75% of the collection will ultimately be in Arabic. One room of the library will be devoted to Egyptology, conservation, and archaeological site management. We already have the start of excellent collections in those areas and have already an outstanding collection of topographic, geological, and cadastral maps of Thebes.

We are buying one computer now and hope to acquire two more to provide access to our collection of CDs on archaeological subjects and online resources. (we are the only library in Egypt except for AUC to have access to Jstor).

We hope to have one female library staff member on duty to encourage girls to make use of the library and receive their father's blessing to do so.
Library hours are designed to fit local work and school schedules, so we will open 3-9 in winter, 4-10 in summer.

Our audience will include students from elementary grades through university, tour guides, antiquities department employees, Villagers, tourists, foreign residents."

Decorating your own apartment in Luxor

Michael on the roof owns the penthouse flat and has his own views on flat decoration. He started with his lounge (stars) and bedroom (grapes).




This year he decided to get his hall, dining room and kitchen. He was fascinated to see techniques that must have been used in the original tombs being used. A chalk covered piece of string to get lines for examples. Can you recognise which tombs these are from.

This is the hall.




The kitchen



and finally the dining room

Warning Akhenaton Hotel Assuit - don't honour bookings

I organised a trip for some guests and book Akhenaton Hotel, Assuit. With my driver, we confirmed the booking the day before in Arabic. When they got there the next day the hotel manager denied the booking but another member of staff told the driver the manager had decided to give away the room as the hotel was full. Be warned.

My wonderful driver managed to find an alternative hotel for the guests.

Golf in Luxor

For all you golf addicts, get your irons out and enjoy a round of golf in Luxor.

Royal Valley is superb golfing experience. Our 18– hole championship course and its elegant Clubhouse are situated on the East Bank of Luxor, 13 Km from Luxor’s city center and 8 Km from Luxor’s International airport. Royal Valley offers a wonderful combination of year round sunshine and desert golf where you are only moments away from Luxor’s spectacular ancient civilization.

Royal Valley Gold Club: - Sent using Google Toolbar

New Mobile Telephone Numbers

Mine is now 01003564540 and Mahmouds 01224155057

Mobilnil
012 XXX XXXX - 0122 XXX XXXX
017 XXX XXXX - 0127 XXX XXXX
018 XXX XXXX - 0128 XXX XXXX
0150 XXX XXXX - 0120 XXX XXXX

Etisalat

011 XXX XXXX - 0111 XXX XXXX
014 XXX XXXX - 0114 XXX XXXX
0152 XXX XXXX - 0112 XXX XXXX

Vodafone

010 XXX XXXX - 0100 XXX XXXX
016 XXX XXXX - 0106 XXX XXXX
019 XXX XXXX - 0109 XXX XXXX
0151 XXX XXXX - 0101 XXX XXXX

Now is the time to buy! Egypt to sell land to expats & cut deficit

Egypt to sell land to expats & cut deficit: - Sent using Google Toolbar

Le retour - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

Another French review from some returning guests who compare it pre and post revolution and say how safe it was.

Le retour - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor: Une fois encore nous sommes allés en congés à Louxor, que dire de plus par rapport à la dernière fois? La qualité d'accueil est restée la même, et le personnel toujours aussi sympathique. Un petit bémol concernant la qualité des repas pris sur place, même s'ils sont délicieux, le précédant cuisinier nous avait habitué à l'exceptionnel. En plus,la quasi absence de touristes à Louxor, nous a permis de profiter dans des conditions exceptionnelles des visites des sites alentours.
L'ambiance dans la région est paisible et à aucun moment nous ne nous sommes sentis mal à l'aise, et encore moins en danger !!
Destination et hébergement à recommander.

- Sent using Google Toolbar

3 Nights at Al-Gezera, Flats in Luxor - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

My second Malaysian review!!

3 Nights at Al-Gezera, Flats in Luxor - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor: We stayed at Al-Gezera flats on 29 February 2012 until 3 March 2012. We managed to book 2 apartments there.We went to Luxor as college break coinciding the mid-semester holidays.It was good choice as we were taken care of during our stay there.

We chose Al-Gezera because it is near to the Nile river and also located at the tiny town of the west bank beside the Nile.So to go for the grocery,mini-market or even local restaurant is reachable by walking or cycling.Furthermore we enjoyed the genuine and serenity of Qarna village atmosphere and the hospitality of the people.

As regard the apartments, we felt satisfed from the moment we checked in and checked out.It was cozy apartment with great decor,nice view at the balcony,functioning little kitchen and hot water was available at the bathroom.

We would like to thank Mr Mahmoud Jahlan and his team for the endless effort he made for us especially for the arrangement for the trips,barbeque at his villa,free boat transfer to Karnak and Luxor town and also for the reservation of football field at the Nile river bank.Jazakallah Khairan and thank you very much.We hope to see you again next time.

Ahmed Abid Abas on behalf of my colleagues from Malaysia.

- Sent using Google Toolbar

Fantastisk skøn ferie i Luxor - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

My first Danish review! 

Fantastisk skøn ferie i Luxor - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor: Har været på en 15 dages tur til Luxor, det har været den bedste ferie jeg nogen sinde har været på. Med skøn ridetur på æsler, en flot tur i luftballon, en romantisk sejltur på Nilen hvor vi så den flotteste solnedgang og en fankastisk sjov tur på Quad - bikes i den Hvide ørken.
Helt fantastisk guide til templer og kravkamre, han vidste hvad han talte om. Kunne tale engelsk så man kunne forstå det, dejligt.
Alt arrangeret af Jane Akshar Flats in Luxor.

- Sent using Google Toolbar

al gezera was totally awesome! - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

So pleased to see Mahmoud getting the credit for once being as he does everything behind the scenes :) al gezera was totally awesome! - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor: The apartments are spacious and comfortable with air conditioned bedrooms and comfortable beds. in the morning we can see hot air balloon sailing over, a very wonderful view!
and also, mahmud is a very kind man,try his best to fulfill our need..really,i enjoyed it!

- Sent using Google Toolbar

An update on Kent Weeks library

An update on Kent’s library, it is sort of open now with limited stock and you should contact Ahmed Hassan for opening hours etc. I have his phone number which I can email you. The provisional opening hours are late afternoon early evening.

The Getty Institute, Unesco and the World Heritage Fund are all getting involved and will be donating books, old publications etc.

Kent is buying a number of Arabic language books on archaeology and conservation, on health care prenatal and maternal heath. He is hoping that locals will use it and educate themselves. It is aimed at locals and although that is mainly Egyptians it does include ex pats living here as well

Donations are welcome and one resident has already donate a number of books which Kent was glad to accept. He wants to populate it with anything and everything from English fiction to Arabic academic works and everything in-between.

His right hand man Ahmed is the guy to contact about donations, visiting and opening hours.

OsirisNet News

OsirisNet News: - Sent using Google Toolbar

For Sale the dahabiyya, Kingfisher, owned by Dr Kent Weeks - Cruise or live on the Nile in Luxor Egypt

For Sale the dahabiyya, Kingfisher, owned by Dr Kent Weeks - Cruise or live on the Nile in Luxor Egypt
Unique opportunity to buy a unique boat. Kingfisher is 100 years old and can be used for cruises or a houseboat. Famously featured in New York Times Great Homes. Dr Kent Weeks, the famous Egyptologist is selling this wonderful boat

For Sale the dahabiyya, Kingfisher, owned by Dr Kent Weeks - Cruise or live on the Nile in Luxor Egypt: - Sent using Google Toolbar

Egypt pins hopes on tourism recovery|World|chinadaily.com.cn

I could not agree more, nothing happened in Luxor, yet people cancelled holidays here when they were flying here direct. Luxor is a 50 minute flight from Cairo. Egypt pins hopes on tourism recovery|World|chinadaily.com.cn: He added that the only reason accounting for the decline was the security situation, which was over exaggerated and stereotyped by the international media, especially from the West.

"What happened in Tahrir Square was widely reported and gave an impression that all of Egypt was unstable and insecure," he said. "That was absolutely wrong because it's not representative. In fact, tourist destinations were quite stable and peaceful."

- Sent using Google Toolbar

Map of Luxor:Flats in Luxor

Map of Luxor:Flats in Luxor: Luxor does not have names for all its streets which is why we like to meet you and take you to your apartment. If you need an address for visa purposes Flats in Luxor, West Bank, Luxor is enough unless you are staying on the East Bank of course :) . So for all of you that like to know where you are here is a map from Google Earth with all our properties on it.

- Sent using Google Toolbar

Is Egypt safe. For savvy travelers, the Middle East still beckons - CNN.com

For savvy travelers, the Middle East still beckons - CNN.com: Traveling there last fall during the uprisings, she found herself sharing the pyramids with a scattering of Chinese and Egyptian tourists instead of the usual overwhelming crowds. "If you want to check out some serious archaeological, ancient stuff, it's a great opportunity to be in the middle of history," she says.

Though violent protests continue in Egypt, O'Neill says most of Cairo is safe, as long as you don't get near the demonstrations. That means people wanting to travel to Cairo right now need to know the layout of the city more than those flying directly to Luxor to see King Tut's tomb. Or they need to hire a reputable tour operator who knows where to take them.

Even without unrest, independent travel is a constant negotiation. Gone are the days when you could walk the streets of Cairo without concern for your wallet. Pickpockets are out and about, and O'Neill had a hard time avoiding vendors trying to sell her mini-replicas of alabaster pyramids and books about Nefertiti. "People are always wanting to sell you stuff, and that's true no matter when you go," she says.

- Sent using Google Toolbar

This Is Whom You Fear

This Is Whom You Fear
This Is Whom You Fear #egypt
by Doug Baum on Tuesday, 31 January 2012 at 17:14

I’ve recently returned home from a three-week trip to Egypt and Jordan, where I work as a tour guide. One day, while shopping in the historic bazaar, Khan El Khalili, a BBC-TV reporter approached me and asked if I would mind being interviewed. The topic would be how I felt as an American visiting Egypt one year after their revolution.



With complete honesty I answered the questions, mentioning I’ve been coming to the region for eleven years, was hopeful for the Egyptian people and had been treated with nothing but warmth and hospitality on each and every trip. As the camera and microphone were set up, a crowd gathered around, listening intently, silent in stark contrast to the nearby Cairo traffic. The thirty-odd folks, mostly gentlemen, were hanging on every word I said and, short of lifting me on shoulders and dumping a cooler of Gatorade on me, I felt like the winning coach of the Super Bowl. It was evident those standing by were pleased with my answers. “Thank you so much for your kind words about our country,” one said. “We’re so afraid people in America only see bad things about Egypt on TV,” another echoed.



It’s not uncommon, as I prepare for a trip to the Middle East, to hear warnings from folks in the US to be safe, to watch out. Be careful. “You know they all hate us.” Now, for those of you who don’t get your information about the Middle East from TV news and Hollywood film, this FB Note is not for you. Bigots, the prejudiced and the ignorant, only, need read further.



Hatred, I believe, is rooted in fear. Humans fear what we don’t understand. Those among us who fear the Middle East inappropriately consider the region a homogenous whole, further mistaking the Islamic world as Arab. Indeed, the majority of Muslims live in Indonesia and Malaysia, non-Arab lands.



In his book Out Of Arabia, author Warwick Ball writes:



“At any time from about 1990 onwards, a visit to virtually anywhere in the Middle East would elicit the almost invariable response of an odd look and the remark, ‘But isn’t it dangerous out there!’ Never mind if one was just visiting, say, Turkey when there was a war in Iraq, or visiting Iran when there was a flare-up in, say, Lebanon, the response would be the same. Tourism in the Middle East certainly suffered accordingly. But a skiing holiday, for example, in Austria or a seaside holiday in Greece during the time of the war in former Yugoslavia would never have elicited the same response: few if any cancelled holidays to Austria or Greece or other countries in the vicinity of war-torn Yugoslavia. In practice, a visit to, say, Iran was just as safe as (or probably safer than) a visit to Greece. In fact it is true to say that one generally experiences more overt warmth, friendliness, genuine hospitality – and less ‘danger’- in the Islamic world than almost anywhere else, media impressions notwithstanding. The difference, however, is purely one of prejudice: Muslim Middle Eastern countries are perceived as self-evidently ‘dangerous’, European countries are not, regardless of whether there is or is not a war.”



Maybe my own simple analogy, based purely on geography, can help. When the Gulf Coast was hit by Hurricane Katrina it was bad. For people along the Gulf Coast. Folks in Des Moines, Iowa kept on shucking corn.



(Psst! Hey! I see you. Yeah, you there, the non-bigot. The open-minded one. Oh well. I probably lost the bigots at “homogenous” anyway. Read on.)





This Is Whom You Fear.



The Egyptian man on the crowded Cairo subway who offered me his seat. And didn’t try to cut my throat and put the video on the internet.



Dr. Khalid Bahrawy, animal physiologist, who was taken care of every afternoon, when just a schoolboy, by a Christian family. Khalid now lives in an apartment building next to Alexandria’s largest Catholic church with Jewish neighbors on the top floor. I’ve spent a number of days with Dr. Khalid in Egypt and in London where we were both speakers at an International Camel Conference. He’s never tried to cut my throat and put the video on the internet.



Mohammed, a twenty-five year old souvenir salesman outside Petra, in Jordan, who, upon learning my name (Douglas), asked, “Like Douglas MacArthur?” TWENTY-FIVE! Mohammed associated my traveling companion, Jimmy, with Jimmy Carter then announced he knew all the American presidents and could name them in order. Jimmy and I stopped him less than a quarter of the way through his recitation, afraid he’d realize we couldn’t disprove him! Mohammed seemed to have no interest in cutting my throat and putting the video on the internet.



This Is Whom You Fear.



Abdel Halim, bakery owner in the same Giza neighborhood, who won’t let me pay for anything I get from his bakery. In addition to throwing in an extra kilo of sweets I didn’t order, he’s never tried to cut my throat and put the video on the internet.



Adel Hamza and his entire family, in whose house I stay (along with groups I bring to Egypt). His wife feeds us, his kids and grandchildren play with us and never, not even once, has he tried to cut my throat and put the video on the internet.



Saleh bin Soliman, Bedouin of the Muzeina tribe, South Sinai, among whose extended family my groups stay while trekking the desert on camels. I’ve known Saleh and his family for eleven years, have seen his kids grow up, get married and become parents themselves and NEVER, despite numerous opportunities while sleeping in the desert, far from civilization, has Saleh tried to cut my throat and put the video on the internet.



This Is Whom You Fear.



Hajja Mileyha, grandmotherly Bedouin in South Sinai, who once treated my winter cold with the most amazing chicken soup without poisoning me OR trying to cut my throat and put the video on the internet.



Maged El Said, owner of a Red Sea beach resort I frequently stay in, who surely has a master key, yet he (nor his staff) never sneak into my room at night to cut my throat and put the video on the internet.



Two “twenty-something” Egyptian brothers who took pity on me when I once sat outside their coffee shop at a bus station in Cairo, afraid I’d miss my bus, so I got there four hours early. After watching me nervously eye each bus that came and went, they finally invited me into their shop, offered me tea and a sandwich (wouldn’t let me pay and insisted I stay in their home on my next visit to Egypt) and wanted to arm wrestle to see if the pork-eating Christian had white muscle disease. One brother took me right-handed, I hammered the other with my left. Neither brother tried to cut my throat and put the video on the internet.



This Is Whom You Fear.



An Egyptian soldier at a bus stop in Nuweiba, South Sinai (I was there early, too, afraid I’d miss that bus). I was asleep on one bench, which backed up to another bench at the bus stop. While I was sleeping the soldier arrived and sat down; I rolled over and scared him. He jumped up and I laughed. We shared a good hour of conversation ending with him, too, inviting me to stay in his home the next time I visited Egypt. Though I’m certain Egyptian army basic training includes hand-to-hand combat, this soldier didn’t try to cut my throat and put the video on the internet.



Abu Hazm, waiter at a restaurant I frequent, who insists on keeping my bags so I can walk around the adjacent shopping area without having to carry armloads of stuff. Never once has he stolen anything out of my bags nor, though surely there are knives in the kitchen of his restaurant, has he tried to cut my throat and put the video on the internet.



Mahmoud, the barber I use in Giza when I’m staying in Egypt, who puts a straight razor (yeah, old-school) to my neck. AND NEVER HAS HE TRIED TO CUT MY THROAT AND PUT THE VIDEO ON THE INTERNET!

Update on Gamal's wife

Our chef Gamal took his wife to the cancer unit is Aswan for her check up. The doctor seemed happy with her progress, he gave her another injection and more tablets. Next time they go he is going to do another scan and see how the cancer is doing. He has given her medication for her cough and breathlessness. Thank you to those that have sent money to help him or been generous with tips because of his circumstances.

Ruime accomodatie in rustige omgeving aan westkant - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

Great review in Dutch this time!! Ruime accomodatie in rustige omgeving aan westkant - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor: Als je rust zoekt en niet per se me je neus op één van de hotspots wil zitten, is dit een prima plek.

- Sent using Google Toolbar

Flats in Luxor in the Press

Flats in Luxor in the Press: - Sent using Google Toolbar

A new interview in EXPAT Info Expatriate Interviews: From the UK to Egypt

In the latest in our expat interview series we meet Jane Akshar, a UK-born expatriate who now lives in Egypt. Here she tells us what took her to Egypt and shares information about the highs and lows of life in this part of the world.

http://www.expatinfodesk.com/blog/2011/12/28/expatriate-interviews-from-the-uk-to-egypt/

Peter Greenberg: The Travel Detective: Is Egypt Safe?

Peter Greenberg: The Travel Detective: Is Egypt Safe?

The Travel Detective is never one to lead people into danger, nor is he willing to buy into fear-mongering. A frequent traveler to Egypt, Peter reports on travel safety on the ground in Cairo and throughout the country.

I've been traveling to Egypt since I was 24 and I can never get enough of it. One thing is consistent: Every time I tell friends I'm going to Egypt, they always say: "Be careful," "Be safe" or, quite recently, "Are you nuts?"

I am not crazy. I've always said that the best time to visit a destination is immediately after a civil disturbance or a natural disaster. The worst four-letter word starting with "f" is "fear," and Americans know no shortage of it when it comes to making their travel choices. They are directly motivated by it. I put my money where my mouth is...and I go.

From the moment most Americans land at the airport in Cairo, there is a certain anxious feeling that surrounds visitors. For the few American travelers visiting the Egyptian capital, the questions are somewhat obvious: Is it safe? Will the streets be occupied by Army troops?

But, it's the first question that YOU are asked that sets the tone: "Where are you from?" Guess what, when you say America, a smile emerges from the person who asked you. "We are honored that you are here. Thank you so much for coming to our country. Thank you...we NEED you!"

Within minutes, it becomes clear that Egypt is, indeed, safe. That the streets are only dangerous because of the usual chaotic Cairo traffic and you're in for a treat. Since the revolution started January 25, 2011, not a single American tourist has been killed.

What does that tell you? That when the going gets tough, the smart travelers get traveling. And they then have an amazing, affordable, life-changing experience. It's more than just being the beneficiary of a buyers' market. It's seeing a place the way it was meant to be seen, with no crowds, better deals and better service.

People are truly happy to see you and they show it. And from the moment I arrived, I knew I had made the right decision to come.

I flew in Cairo stayed at the Four Seasons hotel on the Nile. Occupancy was about 40 percent in high season. I went to the Pyramids. Nearly deserted. I went to the Khalili bazaar, one of my favorite shopping destinations, which was empty so storekeepers were more eager than ever to make me a deal on anything. Then I flew to Luxor and boarded Uniworld's MS Tosca for a cruise on the Nile.

There are about 400 ships set up for cruising the Nile, but only about 40 are currently operating. That's how much tourism has dropped since the Arab Spring began about a year ago.

"We have dropped 85 percent," Akram, my guide on the ship told me. "And in a country where so many of my fellow citizens depend on travel and tourism to feed their families, this has been a disaster."

At one point a few months ago, the MS Tosca left the dock in Luxor with only six paying passengers. "We decided to operate anyway," said one of the ship's officers, "because we needed to get the message out that we were in business, that Egypt was safe." The passenger numbers have slowly come back up, but the number of Americans cruising is still hardly registering.

Slowly but surely that word is getting out (emphasis on the word slowly). Not once during my trip on the ship did i feel in any danger. Not once did I feel threatened or compromised. Instead, I, and my other passengers (mostly German, Swiss and French) were showered with service and legendary Egyptian hospitality.

My guides on the ship -- Akram and Mohamed -- were more than mere tourist guides. They were cutting edge egyptologists who didn't just point things out at the iconic sites like the temples at Karnak, but took me deep inside to explain the granite etchings and the nuances of color still visible on the columns.

The cabins on the 3-year-old ship were surprisingly spacious (and even featured real bathtubs), satellite television and the Internet (connectivity is always a necessity for me). The food was excellent, and there's even a spa on board (and the top deck features great sun areas and a sizeable pool. And for the moment, plenty of space and no crowds.

The bottom line here: now is the time to go to Egypt. Take that Nile cruise. Bookend your trip with a stay in Cairo. Visit the Egyptian museum on Tahrir square. Get out to Giza, and, while you're at it, try the Japanese restaurant at the Four Seasons. Excellent.

And if you're friends think you're crazy for going, look at it this way: Pack some common sense, be willing to immerse yourself in the culture then realize that you'd be crazy not to go.

- Sent using Google Toolbar