Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Buying Land in Egypt
Business Feed Article | Business | guardian.co.uklots of encouragement from the Egyptian government towards foreign property investors
Friday, April 17, 2009
2010 bookings are racking up
Wow it is hard to believe after just 6 years now we are consistently getting bookings months in advance. Today I took a March 2010 booking from be my favourite Finns 5 years running with us now. We have loads of Christmas bookings and a complete tour booking January.
Although we love these advanced bookings we still have plenty of room for last minute ones as well. Credit crunch holidays are a speciality as our summer season price is $50 for a three bedroom flat, yes that’s right less than $10 dollars a person per night.
Although we love these advanced bookings we still have plenty of room for last minute ones as well. Credit crunch holidays are a speciality as our summer season price is $50 for a three bedroom flat, yes that’s right less than $10 dollars a person per night.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Baksheesh or tipping, some guidelines
In the West, we call it "tipping" or "service." But those words don't fully express the breadth of flexibility and purpose of the practice known as "baksheesh." Egypt appears to run on baksheesh and the protocol of the practice becomes evident quite quickly once in the country.
Basically, there are three kinds of baksheesh. The first is baksheesh as "alms giving." One of the 5 tenants of Islam is the giving of alms to the poor. The giver is made more holy by the action.
The second type is baksheesh as "for services rendered." This is the closest to the western tipping practices. Except it goes further. There are people at the airport whose only job appears to be opening doors. Of course, they require baksheesh. And every bathroom has an attendant, who expects a little for keeping the place clean (supposedly). One is continuously passing out a few pounds here and a few there. Guides and drivers use it as feedback and like others their basic pay only covers simple food.
The third kind of baksheesh is "for the granting of favours." Want to see what's in the tomb which is posted as closed? A few pounds will see a key miraculously produced. Want to see an excellent photo location? Want to see a forbidden mummy? The amazing thing is that you don't even need to ask for the services. Upon identifying a mark, even the museum guards will follow you around and provide services and grant favours. Interestingly, after getting over the initial adverse reaction to the practice, it becomes expected and even pleasurable.
Yes, I know it is strange but we pay it too. Everyone seems to expect it, though even I was surprised when Mahmoud paid the Doctor a hefty baksheesh when I was ill recently.
Toilet money 1LE
Small service 5 – 20LE
Medium Service 20 – 50Le
Big Service 100Le upwards
The biggest tip one of my drivers got was $1,500 USD, the lady concerned sent it after she returned home as she wanted to help him send his child to a good school
Please be generous, many rely on these tips for doctors and medicine, schooling and books etc.
Basically, there are three kinds of baksheesh. The first is baksheesh as "alms giving." One of the 5 tenants of Islam is the giving of alms to the poor. The giver is made more holy by the action.
The second type is baksheesh as "for services rendered." This is the closest to the western tipping practices. Except it goes further. There are people at the airport whose only job appears to be opening doors. Of course, they require baksheesh. And every bathroom has an attendant, who expects a little for keeping the place clean (supposedly). One is continuously passing out a few pounds here and a few there. Guides and drivers use it as feedback and like others their basic pay only covers simple food.
The third kind of baksheesh is "for the granting of favours." Want to see what's in the tomb which is posted as closed? A few pounds will see a key miraculously produced. Want to see an excellent photo location? Want to see a forbidden mummy? The amazing thing is that you don't even need to ask for the services. Upon identifying a mark, even the museum guards will follow you around and provide services and grant favours. Interestingly, after getting over the initial adverse reaction to the practice, it becomes expected and even pleasurable.
Yes, I know it is strange but we pay it too. Everyone seems to expect it, though even I was surprised when Mahmoud paid the Doctor a hefty baksheesh when I was ill recently.
Toilet money 1LE
Small service 5 – 20LE
Medium Service 20 – 50Le
Big Service 100Le upwards
The biggest tip one of my drivers got was $1,500 USD, the lady concerned sent it after she returned home as she wanted to help him send his child to a good school
Please be generous, many rely on these tips for doctors and medicine, schooling and books etc.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Flats in Luxor launches multilingual website 欢迎你！Willkommen Bienvenido
An especial welcome to our Chinese, Spanish and German visitors from Flats in Luxor, Egypt. Our website has been translated just for you and we hope to have other languages shortly for Russian, French and Portuguese. .
The Flats in Luxor website goes multilingual reaching out to visitors from all over the world.
Everyone knows that China is becoming a serious new tourism market and we wanted to make a special welcome to visitors from that country. Independent travel is still a new concept for the Chinese and we are the first to make them feel that independent does not mean lack of support. We welcome Chinese visitors and hope to encourage them to find the real Egypt beyond the group tour. http://www.flatsinluxor.co.uk/language/chinese/index.html
German guests are common in Egypt and there are many facilities on the West Bank that they can relax in, restaurants run by Egyptians with German partners and even a German cultural group. Our new German website http://www.flatsinluxor.co.uk/language/german/index.html makes sure potential German guests understand our offering and find us in the search engines easily. We have had German guests in the past and we look forward to welcoming even more.
Spanish is one of the most common world languages and we want to increase our exposure to South America, which has so many common historical monuments. Jane says “I am sure South American visitors will find Egypt a fascinating place to visit. Hassan Fathy the famous architect built a village in Mexico as well as Luxor so we have links throughout the ages.” http://www.flatsinluxor.co.uk/language/spanish/index.html
Jane continues “We are going to be developing the website in other languages, there are many Russian visitors to the Red Sea but few visit the historical sites. By putting our website in Russian we will bring our offering to this large tourism market. Both Japanese and French versions are also planned.
Since 2003 we have been providing accommodation and tours to people all over the world but most of our guests have been English speaking from America, Britian, New Zealand and Australia. We hope putting our website into other languages we will increase the number of international guests.”
Flats in Luxor was founded in 2003 by Jane Akshar and Mahmoud Jahlan, their mission to provide high quality flats or apartments for the tourist market and to enable them to enjoy a unique and individual tour of this fascinating and historic country.
Having rented a flat in Luxor, Egypt themselves and been disappointed by the standards of cleanliness and lack of facilities they perceived a demand for Western standard flats in Luxor. For both those guests and those staying in hotels they also provide guided tours and all aspects of holidaying in Egypt.
Jane was a computer specialist by background and an Egyptologist of 40 years. She utilised her IT contacts to set up a professional website with availability calendar and booking database. Jane says ‘I was over the moon when I found the domain name FlatsinLuxor was available. However I wished I had realised that Americans have no idea what a flat is. They would call it an apartment and being as our market is international this often leads to confusion.’
Although Jane has plenty of IT, sales and marketing experience she had never worked in tourism before. That was Mahmoud’s side of the business, as a local he had worked with tourists in Luxor since he was young, knew everything there was to know and had all the contacts. The internet was an ideal medium for their business and utilising her Egyptology expertise Jane built up a dedicated following in the online Egyptology community which she used to publicise their business. Jane goes on ‘Mahmoud taught me everything about tourist, tourism and renting flats. We made a few mistakes at the beginning, the flats today are not the same as those early days and the swimming pool came later but everyone was supportive of the business. We still have repeat bookings from those early guests and we are in touch with many of them
Now some 6 years later their company Flats in Luxor Group, which is registered in Egypt, have 4 apartment blocks with 21 flats and lots of land for development, some sold but the majority are available for holiday rentals. They feature in the Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, Responsible Travel, Tour Egypt, Trip Advisor and Virtual Tourist. They offer exciting and unusual tours which include the more remote places in Egypt, like Tel el Amarna and sailing holidays on traditional feluccas through www.sailthenile.com
The Flats in Luxor website goes multilingual reaching out to visitors from all over the world.
Everyone knows that China is becoming a serious new tourism market and we wanted to make a special welcome to visitors from that country. Independent travel is still a new concept for the Chinese and we are the first to make them feel that independent does not mean lack of support. We welcome Chinese visitors and hope to encourage them to find the real Egypt beyond the group tour. http://www.flatsinluxor.co.uk/language/chinese/index.html
German guests are common in Egypt and there are many facilities on the West Bank that they can relax in, restaurants run by Egyptians with German partners and even a German cultural group. Our new German website http://www.flatsinluxor.co.uk/language/german/index.html makes sure potential German guests understand our offering and find us in the search engines easily. We have had German guests in the past and we look forward to welcoming even more.
Spanish is one of the most common world languages and we want to increase our exposure to South America, which has so many common historical monuments. Jane says “I am sure South American visitors will find Egypt a fascinating place to visit. Hassan Fathy the famous architect built a village in Mexico as well as Luxor so we have links throughout the ages.” http://www.flatsinluxor.co.uk/language/spanish/index.html
Jane continues “We are going to be developing the website in other languages, there are many Russian visitors to the Red Sea but few visit the historical sites. By putting our website in Russian we will bring our offering to this large tourism market. Both Japanese and French versions are also planned.
Since 2003 we have been providing accommodation and tours to people all over the world but most of our guests have been English speaking from America, Britian, New Zealand and Australia. We hope putting our website into other languages we will increase the number of international guests.”
Flats in Luxor was founded in 2003 by Jane Akshar and Mahmoud Jahlan, their mission to provide high quality flats or apartments for the tourist market and to enable them to enjoy a unique and individual tour of this fascinating and historic country.
Having rented a flat in Luxor, Egypt themselves and been disappointed by the standards of cleanliness and lack of facilities they perceived a demand for Western standard flats in Luxor. For both those guests and those staying in hotels they also provide guided tours and all aspects of holidaying in Egypt.
Jane was a computer specialist by background and an Egyptologist of 40 years. She utilised her IT contacts to set up a professional website with availability calendar and booking database. Jane says ‘I was over the moon when I found the domain name FlatsinLuxor was available. However I wished I had realised that Americans have no idea what a flat is. They would call it an apartment and being as our market is international this often leads to confusion.’
Although Jane has plenty of IT, sales and marketing experience she had never worked in tourism before. That was Mahmoud’s side of the business, as a local he had worked with tourists in Luxor since he was young, knew everything there was to know and had all the contacts. The internet was an ideal medium for their business and utilising her Egyptology expertise Jane built up a dedicated following in the online Egyptology community which she used to publicise their business. Jane goes on ‘Mahmoud taught me everything about tourist, tourism and renting flats. We made a few mistakes at the beginning, the flats today are not the same as those early days and the swimming pool came later but everyone was supportive of the business. We still have repeat bookings from those early guests and we are in touch with many of them
Now some 6 years later their company Flats in Luxor Group, which is registered in Egypt, have 4 apartment blocks with 21 flats and lots of land for development, some sold but the majority are available for holiday rentals. They feature in the Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, Responsible Travel, Tour Egypt, Trip Advisor and Virtual Tourist. They offer exciting and unusual tours which include the more remote places in Egypt, like Tel el Amarna and sailing holidays on traditional feluccas through www.sailthenile.com
Monday, March 16, 2009
Hathor Flat Sold, Luxor, Egypt
We are delighted to announce that we have sold the Hathor flat at Goubli. The new owner does not intend to be there all the time so it is still available for rent but this welcome injection of cash will enable us to set up our own electric substation which will make a terrific difference to the a/c at Goubli. Especially as summer is coming.
Mahmoud has already bought some land, within 40 minutes actually, :), next to Goubli and intends to develop some more property as well as a Nubian eco village on our existing land. So he is going to busy for the next year.
The new owner had taken the precaution of checking with Samir Farag, the governor of Luxor, who confirmed that our land was not scheduled for redevelopment and was a good position to buy. Which was nice confirmation for any other potential buyers.
Mahmoud has already bought some land, within 40 minutes actually, :), next to Goubli and intends to develop some more property as well as a Nubian eco village on our existing land. So he is going to busy for the next year.
The new owner had taken the precaution of checking with Samir Farag, the governor of Luxor, who confirmed that our land was not scheduled for redevelopment and was a good position to buy. Which was nice confirmation for any other potential buyers.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Giving to the poor
Recently I was asked about children begging and what to give them. The writer was upset about it and wanted to give appropriately. So I thought I would give a general reply.
I live on the West Bank and my husband is a local. Many members of his family are poor. His sister is married to man who gets work on the roads and fields and could not break into tourism as he speaks no English. She had 5 children, four living and one died in a tragic accident. There is no running water in her house, they share communal toilet. But they never go hungry because my husband, her brother always buys extra and give her some. This is the way the West Bank works, a neighbour would always help you out, generally that neighbour is also a relative.
In her family an illness, the beginning of the school year when books have to be bought, the children growing out of clothes is a burden. It is hard for her family and we have to help out, I feel it is a privilege to help her. She does not let her children beg and would be mortified if they did.
However some families do, and the children make good money which they bring back to the family. This will buy much needed medicines, books for school, meat, clothes but being kids some of it will go on sweets.
If you really want to give money I would suggest giving it to the mosque, they will pass it to poor families, widows, orphans etc that you will never see. With the children at the sites I would give sweets, pens, hair slides AS YOU LEAVE.
I live on the West Bank and my husband is a local. Many members of his family are poor. His sister is married to man who gets work on the roads and fields and could not break into tourism as he speaks no English. She had 5 children, four living and one died in a tragic accident. There is no running water in her house, they share communal toilet. But they never go hungry because my husband, her brother always buys extra and give her some. This is the way the West Bank works, a neighbour would always help you out, generally that neighbour is also a relative.
In her family an illness, the beginning of the school year when books have to be bought, the children growing out of clothes is a burden. It is hard for her family and we have to help out, I feel it is a privilege to help her. She does not let her children beg and would be mortified if they did.
However some families do, and the children make good money which they bring back to the family. This will buy much needed medicines, books for school, meat, clothes but being kids some of it will go on sweets.
If you really want to give money I would suggest giving it to the mosque, they will pass it to poor families, widows, orphans etc that you will never see. With the children at the sites I would give sweets, pens, hair slides AS YOU LEAVE.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Cheap Flights
There are some great cheap flights around at the moment on www.charterflights.co.uk
Glasgow to Sharm El Sheikh, 15 March, 14 nights, £164 return
Manchester to Sharm El Sheikh, 29 April, 4 nights, £187.50 return
Bristol to Sharm El Sheikh, 16 March, 14 nights, £216.50 return
Luton to Sharm El Sheikh, 16 March, 14 nights, £201.50 return
Gatwick to Luxor, 16 March, 7 nights, £216 return
Gatwick to Marsa Alam, 18 March, 7 nights, £260 return
Manchester to Marsa Alam, 18 March, 14 nights, £290 return
Glasgow to Sharm El Sheikh, 15 March, 14 nights, £164 return
Manchester to Sharm El Sheikh, 29 April, 4 nights, £187.50 return
Bristol to Sharm El Sheikh, 16 March, 14 nights, £216.50 return
Luton to Sharm El Sheikh, 16 March, 14 nights, £201.50 return
Gatwick to Luxor, 16 March, 7 nights, £216 return
Gatwick to Marsa Alam, 18 March, 7 nights, £260 return
Manchester to Marsa Alam, 18 March, 14 nights, £290 return
Friday, March 06, 2009
Meena Team Office
It has been great fun accommodating the Dr Melinda Hartwig and the TT69 Meena tomb team. They have converted their lounge/dining area into a lounge office area. chock full of technology. I was chatting with her and we were discussing how much Egyptology has changed these days with the advent of so many technologys and what they reveal. Especially in a non destructive way, it is certainly an interesting time for Egyptology.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Luxor Forum: Flats in Luxor/Trip review - TripAdvisor
Luxor Forum: Flats in Luxor/Trip review - TripAdvisor
We are quite happy to do tours for people not staying at the flats and here is a review of a tour. They used our guide Hussein who is really popular with my guests families and Egyptologists, pretty good
We are quite happy to do tours for people not staying at the flats and here is a review of a tour. They used our guide Hussein who is really popular with my guests families and Egyptologists, pretty good
documentography
documentography
A heart warming story about the people of Gurna and especially Mohammed Ismail. Thanks the Andie Bryne Egyptology News for bringing to my attention
A heart warming story about the people of Gurna and especially Mohammed Ismail. Thanks the Andie Bryne Egyptology News for bringing to my attention
Sunday, February 08, 2009
A review of one of our sailing cruise by one of our guests
This guest did a big tour with us, including a sailing holiday on a Sandal ( a smaller boat than a dahabiyya). If you want to contact him for a reference I will give you his email address but don't want to put it on the net because of spam.
In October 2008 my wife turned 50. As a surprise for that memorable event I arranged a surprise trip to Egypt for the two of us. Neither of us had previously been to Egypt so making the arrangements was a challenge. I started by registering on the official Tourism Egypt site, which resulted in me being bombarded by e-mails with a wide variety of different options. I could not compare these so I used these as a basis for what I thought would be the ideal trip within Egypt. I got a wide variety of bids on this basis but I also got a message declining to bid from Jane Akshar, noting that what I proposed was too much and would strain the relationship between my wife and myself. Intrigued I communicated further with her and, as a result, she designed the dream trip for us, which consisted of 3 days in Cairo with hotel and guide and airport pick-up, 3 days on a Sandal (a private boat with 7 wonderful Egyptian men taking care of us), and then 3 days in Luxor staying at one of her flats with guides for the usual sightseeing as well as a memorable trip into the desert. Everything was arranged, everything was perfect (she and her husband even met us when we flew into Aswan – they had to drive 4 h each way to do so – with a bottle of champagne). I cannot recommend Jane highly enough. You have my personal guarantee that you will not be disappointed by her arrangements or her personnel, they are all first rate and authentic. And her prices are very reasonable. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you want further details. Peter Chapman
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Welcome Ma'at Tours to Flats in Luxor
Ma'at Tours www.maat.com.au are friends of ours for a long while having the same ethos about helping the people of Luxor. They organise tours to Egypt from Australia and have always used the Mena Palace Hotel. Sadly this quaint hotel is being demolished part of the Luxor 'improvements' so they were looking for a new home and selected Flats in Luxor. We are delighted to welcome this group and hope for a long and happy relationship.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
:: Luxor Caravaserai ::
:: Luxor Caravaserai ::
Remember me blogging about a new shop by Medinet Habu, well they have a website now. They are also support local women with their handicrafts as well as the charity the Small Pyramid.
Remember me blogging about a new shop by Medinet Habu, well they have a website now. They are also support local women with their handicrafts as well as the charity the Small Pyramid.
Another Xmas 2009 for Flats in Luxor
This is amusing me no end. I have never had Xmas bookings early than about September and now I have three. Well Flats in luxor is the nicest Xmas place to stay, plenty of room, plenty of fun, plenty of frolic and a real family atmosphere.
But book early ROFL
But book early ROFL
Sunday, January 25, 2009
The Guardian recommends sailing holidays
The extra Nile: An Egyptian cultural cruise | Travel | The Guardian
A great recommendation for sailing holidays like www.sailthenile.com
A great recommendation for sailing holidays like www.sailthenile.com
Monday, January 12, 2009
Flats in Luxor - Official Home of the Menna TT69 Tomb Project
We are very excited at Flats in Luxor; our first archaeological team is staying at the flats. I am hoping like mad to get to have a chat with them about their work. Melinda Hartwig is leading the team and they are working at the tomb of Menna TT69. They will be staying at Flats in Luxor for 6 weeks at our Goubli building. So now we are Official Home of the Menna Team
With 2 bathrooms and three bedrooms, swimming pool and in-house restaurant this is a great location for group bookings. Not only dig teams but tourist groups book one or more flats. Flats in Luxor are also used by other companies offering Egyptian holidays.
With 2 bathrooms and three bedrooms, swimming pool and in-house restaurant this is a great location for group bookings. Not only dig teams but tourist groups book one or more flats. Flats in Luxor are also used by other companies offering Egyptian holidays.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
International Luxor
Dear Valued Guest.
Please excuse any mistakes in this translation as I used an online translator http://translate.google.com/ I am hoping to get my website translated soon.
I wanted to let you know about the holidays we offer in Egypt. Although we are only small we care about our guests and welcome visitors from all over the world. Please look at our website www.flatsinluxor.com if you would like to see a more individual and independent view of Egypt especially Luxor. Egypt has guides in many different languages and given enough notice we can arrange this for you. If you prefer to cook your own food then a holiday apartment or flat is the perfect way of staying in the country.
Arabic
عزيزي الزائر.
يرجى عذر أي أخطاء في هذه الترجمة كما استخدمت الترجمة http://translate.google.com/ وأنا على أمل الحصول على موقعي المترجمة قريبا.
أردت أن نعلمك عن العطل نقدم في مصر. وإن كان صغيرا إلا أننا نهتم نرحب بضيوفنا والزوار من جميع أنحاء العالم. يرجى الإطلاع على موقع www.flatsinluxor.com إذا كنت ترغب في رؤية مزيد من الفردية والمستقلة نظرا لمصر خاصة لمدينة الاقصر. يمكنك عرض عليه بلغتك باستخدام أداة الترجمة. وقد توجه مصر في العديد من لغات مختلفة ، وإعطاء مهلة كافية يمكن أن يرتب ذلك لك. إذا كنت تفضل ذلك لطهي الطعام الخاصة بك ثم عطلة شقة أو شقة هي الطريقة المثلى للبقاء في هذا البلد.
English » Russian
Ценные Уважаемый посетитель.
Прошу прощения любые ошибки в этом переводе, как я использовал онлайн переводчик http://translate.google.com/ я надеюсь получить перевод моей веб-сайте в ближайшее время.
Я хотел бы сообщить вам о праздниках, мы предлагаем в Египте. Хотя мы только небольшие Мы заботимся о наших гостях и приветствовать посетителей со всего мира. Посмотрите, пожалуйста, на нашем сайте www.flatsinluxor.com Если вы хотели бы видеть более индивидуальной и независимой мнению Египта особенно Луксор. Вы можете просмотреть его на своем родном языке, используя инструмент перевода. Египет гиды на разных языках и с учетом достаточно уведомления мы можем это организовать для Вас. Если вы хотите приготовить ваши продукты затем праздник квартиры или квартиры это идеальный способ остаться в стране.
English » Chinese (Simplified)
亲爱的观众。
请原谅任何错误，这是我用翻译在线翻译http://translate.google.com/我希望让我的网站翻译很快。
我 希望让您了解我们提供的假期在埃及。虽然我们只是小我们关心我们的客人，并欢迎游客来自世界各地。请看看我们的网站 www.flatsinluxor.com如果您想看到更多的个人和独立的意见，特别是埃及卢克索。您可以在您自己的语言使用的翻译工具。埃及导游在许多 不同的语言和给予足够的通知，我们可以安排您进行此动作。如果您希望在您自己的食物煮熟然后假日公寓或持平的最佳方式是留在该国。
English » Dutch
Beste Gewaardeerde bezoeker.
Gelieve excuus eventuele fouten in deze vertaling als gebruikte ik een online vertaler http://translate.google.com/ Ik hoop voor mijn website vertaald binnenkort.
Ik wil u informeren over de vakanties die wij aanbieden in Egypte. Hoewel we slechts kleine we om onze gasten welkom en bezoekers van over de hele wereld. Kijk op onze website www.flatsinluxor.com als u wil graag een meer individuele en onafhankelijke oordeel van Egypte vooral Luxor. U kunt het in je eigen taal met behulp van een vertaling tool. Egypte heeft gidsen in verschillende talen en voldoende mededeling we kunnen regelen voor je. Als u liever uw eigen eten koken vervolgens een vakantie appartement of flat is de perfecte manier van verblijven in het land.
French
Cher visiteur.
S'il vous plaît excuser les erreurs dans cette traduction que j'ai utilisé un traducteur en ligne http://translate.google.com/ je suis l'espoir d'obtenir plus rapidement mon site Internet.
Je tenais à vous informer sur les vacances que nous offrons à l'Egypte. Bien que nous ne sommes que de petits, nous nous soucions de nos clients et d'accueillir des visiteurs de partout dans le monde. S'il vous plaît consulter notre site Web www.flatsinluxor.com si vous voulez voir un individu et indépendante de l'Égypte en particulier Louxor. Vous pouvez le visualiser dans votre propre langue au moyen d'un outil de traduction. L'Égypte a des guides en plusieurs langues et de suffisamment de préavis, nous pouvons organiser pour vous. Si vous préférez faire cuire votre propre nourriture, un appartement de vacances ou un appartement est le moyen idéal de rester dans le pays.
German
Sehr geehrter Besucher.
Bitte entschuldigen Sie einen Fehler in dieser Übersetzung habe ich eine Online-Übersetzer http://translate.google.com/ Ich hoffe auf meine Website bald übersetzt.
Ich wollte Sie wissen lassen, über die Ferien bieten wir in Ägypten. Obwohl wir nur kleine wir kümmern uns um unsere Gäste und Besucher aus der ganzen Welt. Bitte schauen Sie auf unserer Website www.flatsinluxor.com, wenn man möchte, um zu sehen, eine individuelle und unabhängige Sichtweise von Ägypten vor allem Luxor. Sie können es in Ihrer eigenen Sprache mit einer Übersetzung Werkzeug. Ägypten hat Führer in vielen verschiedenen Sprachen und genügend Hinweise, die wir organisieren das für Sie. Wenn Sie es vorziehen, Ihr eigenes Essen kochen dann eine Ferienwohnung oder Wohnung ist die perfekte Art und Weise der Aufenthalt in dem Land.
Hindi
प्रिय आगंतुक लिए बहुमूल्य है.
के रूप में मैं एक ऑनलाइन अनुवादक उपयोग कृपया इस अनुवाद में कोई गलती बहाना http://translate.google.com/ मैं जल्द ही अनुवाद मेरी वेबसाइट पाने के लिए उम्मीद कर रहा हूँ.
मैं तुम्हें हम मिस्र में की पेशकश की छुट्टियों के बारे में बताना चाहता था. यद्यपि हम ही हम दुनिया भर से अपने मेहमानों का स्वागत करते हैं और दर्शकों के बारे में ध्यान छोटे हैं. यदि आप विशेष रूप से लक्सर मिस्र की एक और अधिक व्यक्तिगत और स्वतंत्र दृश्य को देखने के लिए चाहेंगे कृपया हमारी वेबसाइट www.flatsinluxor.com को देखो. आप अपनी भाषा में अनुवाद उपकरण का प्रयोग कर यह देख सकते हैं. मिस्र और कई अलग अलग भाषाओं में गाइड है हम आप के लिए यह व्यवस्था कर सकते हैं पर्याप्त सूचना दी. यदि आप तो एक छुट्टी मकान या फ्लैट देश में रहने का सही तरीका है अपना खुद का खाना पकाने के लिए प्राथमिकता देते हैं.
Italian
Cari Valued visitatori.
Vi preghiamo di scusare eventuali errori in questa traduzione, come io ho usato un traduttore online http://translate.google.com/ spero di avere il mio sito web tradotto al più presto.
Volevo farvi conoscere la nostra offerta vacanze in Egitto. Anche se ci sono solo le piccole abbiamo cura dei nostri ospiti e di accoglienza visitatori provenienti da tutto il mondo. Si prega di visitare il nostro sito web www.flatsinluxor.com se volete vedere una più individuale e indipendente, vista in particolare d'Egitto Luxor. Potete vederlo nella tua lingua utilizzando uno strumento di traduzione. L'Egitto ha guide in diverse lingue e dato abbastanza avviso possiamo organizzare per voi. Se si preferisce cucinare il proprio cibo poi un appartamento o appartamento è il modo migliore di soggiornare nel paese.
Japanese
訪問ユーザーの価値を愛する。
私は、オンライン翻訳を使用してください、この翻訳には任意のミスを口実http://translate.google.com/私はすぐに私のウェブサイトの翻訳を取得したいと思っています。
私 はあなたに提供し、エジプトでは、休日を知らせようと思いました。しかし私たちは、世界中のお客様や観光客を歓迎する気に小さい。特にエジプトのルクソー ル場合は、より個々の独立したビューをみせてください。 www.flatsinluxor.com弊社ホームページをご覧ください。自分自身の言語の翻訳ツールを使用して表示することができます。エジプト、多 くの異なる言語のガイドをしている私たちがこの通知を十分に配置することができます。休日の場合はアパートやフラットをその国での滞在方法ですが完璧に料 理を作って自分の方が好きだ。
Portuguese
Prezado visitante.
Desculpem eventuais erros nesta tradução como eu usei um tradutor online http://translate.google.com/ estou esperando chegar o meu site traduzido em breve.
Eu queria que você saiba sobre o que nós oferecemos férias no Egito. Embora estejamos apenas pequenos nos preocupamos com os nossos hóspedes e visitantes boas-vindas de todo o mundo. Por favor, olhe para o nosso site www.flatsinluxor.com se você gostaria de ver uma visão mais individual e independente do Egito especialmente Luxor. Você pode vê-lo em seu próprio idioma usando uma ferramenta de tradução. Egito tem guias em diversas línguas e deu aviso suficiente nós podemos mandar isso para você. Se você prefere cozinhar sua própria comida, em seguida, um apartamento ou flat é a maneira perfeita de permanecer no país.
Spanish
Estimado visitante.
(Ruego disculpen los errores en esta traducción, ya que he utilizado un traductor en línea http://translate.google.com.) Estoy esperando que mi sitio web sea traducído en breve.
Me gustaría darle a conocer las vacaciones que ofrecemos en Egipto. Aunque somos un grupo pequeño, cuidamos a nuestros huéspedes y recibimos visitantes de todo el mundo. Por favor, échele un vistazo a nuestra web http://www.flatsinluxor.com si desea tener una visión más individual e independiente de Egipto, especialmente Luxor. En Egipto hay guías de muchos idiomas y nosotros podemos arreglarlo para usted. Si prefiere cocinar su propia comida, un apartamento es la manera perfecta de alojarse en el país.
Ukrainian
Цінні Шановний відвідувач.
Прошу прощения будь-які помилки в цьому перекладі, як я використав онлайн перекладач http://translate.google.com/ я сподіваюся отримати переклад моєї веб-сайті найближчим часом.
Я хотів би повідомити вам про свята, ми пропонуємо в Єгипті. Хоча ми тільки невеликі Ми дбаємо про наших гостях і вітати відвідувачів з усього світу. Подивіться, будь ласка, на нашому сайті www.flatsinluxor.com Якщо ви хотіли б бачити більш індивідуальною і незалежної думку Єгипту особливо Луксор. Ви можете переглянути його на своїй рідній мові, використовуючи інструмент перекладу. Єгипет гіди на різних мовах і з урахуванням досить повідомлення ми можемо це організувати для Вас. Якщо ви хочете приготувати ваші продукти потім свято квартири або квартири це ідеальний спосіб залишитися в країні.
Finnish
Hyvä vieras
Haluan kertoa sinulle tarjoamistamme Egyptin lomista. Olemme pieni järjestäjä, mutta välitämme suuresti vieraistamme ja toivotamme vierailijat joka puolelta maailmaa tervetulleiksi. Ole hyvä ja tutustu sivuihimme osoitteessa www.flatsinluxor.com mikäli haluat yksillöllistä ja riippumatonta näkemystä Egyptistä ja erityisesti Luxorista. Egyptistä löytyy kielitaitoisia oppaita ja kunhan annat meille tarpeeksi aikaa, järjestämme sinulle haluamaasi kieltä taitavan oppaan. Mikäli haluat valmistaa itse omat ruokasi on lomahuoneisto tai asunto sinulle täydellinen valinta.
Please excuse any mistakes in this translation as I used an online translator http://translate.google.com/ I am hoping to get my website translated soon.
I wanted to let you know about the holidays we offer in Egypt. Although we are only small we care about our guests and welcome visitors from all over the world. Please look at our website www.flatsinluxor.com if you would like to see a more individual and independent view of Egypt especially Luxor. Egypt has guides in many different languages and given enough notice we can arrange this for you. If you prefer to cook your own food then a holiday apartment or flat is the perfect way of staying in the country.
Arabic
عزيزي الزائر.
يرجى عذر أي أخطاء في هذه الترجمة كما استخدمت الترجمة http://translate.google.com/ وأنا على أمل الحصول على موقعي المترجمة قريبا.
أردت أن نعلمك عن العطل نقدم في مصر. وإن كان صغيرا إلا أننا نهتم نرحب بضيوفنا والزوار من جميع أنحاء العالم. يرجى الإطلاع على موقع www.flatsinluxor.com إذا كنت ترغب في رؤية مزيد من الفردية والمستقلة نظرا لمصر خاصة لمدينة الاقصر. يمكنك عرض عليه بلغتك باستخدام أداة الترجمة. وقد توجه مصر في العديد من لغات مختلفة ، وإعطاء مهلة كافية يمكن أن يرتب ذلك لك. إذا كنت تفضل ذلك لطهي الطعام الخاصة بك ثم عطلة شقة أو شقة هي الطريقة المثلى للبقاء في هذا البلد.
English » Russian
Ценные Уважаемый посетитель.
Прошу прощения любые ошибки в этом переводе, как я использовал онлайн переводчик http://translate.google.com/ я надеюсь получить перевод моей веб-сайте в ближайшее время.
Я хотел бы сообщить вам о праздниках, мы предлагаем в Египте. Хотя мы только небольшие Мы заботимся о наших гостях и приветствовать посетителей со всего мира. Посмотрите, пожалуйста, на нашем сайте www.flatsinluxor.com Если вы хотели бы видеть более индивидуальной и независимой мнению Египта особенно Луксор. Вы можете просмотреть его на своем родном языке, используя инструмент перевода. Египет гиды на разных языках и с учетом достаточно уведомления мы можем это организовать для Вас. Если вы хотите приготовить ваши продукты затем праздник квартиры или квартиры это идеальный способ остаться в стране.
English » Chinese (Simplified)
亲爱的观众。
请原谅任何错误，这是我用翻译在线翻译http://translate.google.com/我希望让我的网站翻译很快。
我 希望让您了解我们提供的假期在埃及。虽然我们只是小我们关心我们的客人，并欢迎游客来自世界各地。请看看我们的网站 www.flatsinluxor.com如果您想看到更多的个人和独立的意见，特别是埃及卢克索。您可以在您自己的语言使用的翻译工具。埃及导游在许多 不同的语言和给予足够的通知，我们可以安排您进行此动作。如果您希望在您自己的食物煮熟然后假日公寓或持平的最佳方式是留在该国。
English » Dutch
Beste Gewaardeerde bezoeker.
Gelieve excuus eventuele fouten in deze vertaling als gebruikte ik een online vertaler http://translate.google.com/ Ik hoop voor mijn website vertaald binnenkort.
Ik wil u informeren over de vakanties die wij aanbieden in Egypte. Hoewel we slechts kleine we om onze gasten welkom en bezoekers van over de hele wereld. Kijk op onze website www.flatsinluxor.com als u wil graag een meer individuele en onafhankelijke oordeel van Egypte vooral Luxor. U kunt het in je eigen taal met behulp van een vertaling tool. Egypte heeft gidsen in verschillende talen en voldoende mededeling we kunnen regelen voor je. Als u liever uw eigen eten koken vervolgens een vakantie appartement of flat is de perfecte manier van verblijven in het land.
French
Cher visiteur.
S'il vous plaît excuser les erreurs dans cette traduction que j'ai utilisé un traducteur en ligne http://translate.google.com/ je suis l'espoir d'obtenir plus rapidement mon site Internet.
Je tenais à vous informer sur les vacances que nous offrons à l'Egypte. Bien que nous ne sommes que de petits, nous nous soucions de nos clients et d'accueillir des visiteurs de partout dans le monde. S'il vous plaît consulter notre site Web www.flatsinluxor.com si vous voulez voir un individu et indépendante de l'Égypte en particulier Louxor. Vous pouvez le visualiser dans votre propre langue au moyen d'un outil de traduction. L'Égypte a des guides en plusieurs langues et de suffisamment de préavis, nous pouvons organiser pour vous. Si vous préférez faire cuire votre propre nourriture, un appartement de vacances ou un appartement est le moyen idéal de rester dans le pays.
German
Sehr geehrter Besucher.
Bitte entschuldigen Sie einen Fehler in dieser Übersetzung habe ich eine Online-Übersetzer http://translate.google.com/ Ich hoffe auf meine Website bald übersetzt.
Ich wollte Sie wissen lassen, über die Ferien bieten wir in Ägypten. Obwohl wir nur kleine wir kümmern uns um unsere Gäste und Besucher aus der ganzen Welt. Bitte schauen Sie auf unserer Website www.flatsinluxor.com, wenn man möchte, um zu sehen, eine individuelle und unabhängige Sichtweise von Ägypten vor allem Luxor. Sie können es in Ihrer eigenen Sprache mit einer Übersetzung Werkzeug. Ägypten hat Führer in vielen verschiedenen Sprachen und genügend Hinweise, die wir organisieren das für Sie. Wenn Sie es vorziehen, Ihr eigenes Essen kochen dann eine Ferienwohnung oder Wohnung ist die perfekte Art und Weise der Aufenthalt in dem Land.
Hindi
प्रिय आगंतुक लिए बहुमूल्य है.
के रूप में मैं एक ऑनलाइन अनुवादक उपयोग कृपया इस अनुवाद में कोई गलती बहाना http://translate.google.com/ मैं जल्द ही अनुवाद मेरी वेबसाइट पाने के लिए उम्मीद कर रहा हूँ.
मैं तुम्हें हम मिस्र में की पेशकश की छुट्टियों के बारे में बताना चाहता था. यद्यपि हम ही हम दुनिया भर से अपने मेहमानों का स्वागत करते हैं और दर्शकों के बारे में ध्यान छोटे हैं. यदि आप विशेष रूप से लक्सर मिस्र की एक और अधिक व्यक्तिगत और स्वतंत्र दृश्य को देखने के लिए चाहेंगे कृपया हमारी वेबसाइट www.flatsinluxor.com को देखो. आप अपनी भाषा में अनुवाद उपकरण का प्रयोग कर यह देख सकते हैं. मिस्र और कई अलग अलग भाषाओं में गाइड है हम आप के लिए यह व्यवस्था कर सकते हैं पर्याप्त सूचना दी. यदि आप तो एक छुट्टी मकान या फ्लैट देश में रहने का सही तरीका है अपना खुद का खाना पकाने के लिए प्राथमिकता देते हैं.
Italian
Cari Valued visitatori.
Vi preghiamo di scusare eventuali errori in questa traduzione, come io ho usato un traduttore online http://translate.google.com/ spero di avere il mio sito web tradotto al più presto.
Volevo farvi conoscere la nostra offerta vacanze in Egitto. Anche se ci sono solo le piccole abbiamo cura dei nostri ospiti e di accoglienza visitatori provenienti da tutto il mondo. Si prega di visitare il nostro sito web www.flatsinluxor.com se volete vedere una più individuale e indipendente, vista in particolare d'Egitto Luxor. Potete vederlo nella tua lingua utilizzando uno strumento di traduzione. L'Egitto ha guide in diverse lingue e dato abbastanza avviso possiamo organizzare per voi. Se si preferisce cucinare il proprio cibo poi un appartamento o appartamento è il modo migliore di soggiornare nel paese.
Japanese
訪問ユーザーの価値を愛する。
私は、オンライン翻訳を使用してください、この翻訳には任意のミスを口実http://translate.google.com/私はすぐに私のウェブサイトの翻訳を取得したいと思っています。
私 はあなたに提供し、エジプトでは、休日を知らせようと思いました。しかし私たちは、世界中のお客様や観光客を歓迎する気に小さい。特にエジプトのルクソー ル場合は、より個々の独立したビューをみせてください。 www.flatsinluxor.com弊社ホームページをご覧ください。自分自身の言語の翻訳ツールを使用して表示することができます。エジプト、多 くの異なる言語のガイドをしている私たちがこの通知を十分に配置することができます。休日の場合はアパートやフラットをその国での滞在方法ですが完璧に料 理を作って自分の方が好きだ。
Portuguese
Prezado visitante.
Desculpem eventuais erros nesta tradução como eu usei um tradutor online http://translate.google.com/ estou esperando chegar o meu site traduzido em breve.
Eu queria que você saiba sobre o que nós oferecemos férias no Egito. Embora estejamos apenas pequenos nos preocupamos com os nossos hóspedes e visitantes boas-vindas de todo o mundo. Por favor, olhe para o nosso site www.flatsinluxor.com se você gostaria de ver uma visão mais individual e independente do Egito especialmente Luxor. Você pode vê-lo em seu próprio idioma usando uma ferramenta de tradução. Egito tem guias em diversas línguas e deu aviso suficiente nós podemos mandar isso para você. Se você prefere cozinhar sua própria comida, em seguida, um apartamento ou flat é a maneira perfeita de permanecer no país.
Spanish
Estimado visitante.
(Ruego disculpen los errores en esta traducción, ya que he utilizado un traductor en línea http://translate.google.com.) Estoy esperando que mi sitio web sea traducído en breve.
Me gustaría darle a conocer las vacaciones que ofrecemos en Egipto. Aunque somos un grupo pequeño, cuidamos a nuestros huéspedes y recibimos visitantes de todo el mundo. Por favor, échele un vistazo a nuestra web http://www.flatsinluxor.com si desea tener una visión más individual e independiente de Egipto, especialmente Luxor. En Egipto hay guías de muchos idiomas y nosotros podemos arreglarlo para usted. Si prefiere cocinar su propia comida, un apartamento es la manera perfecta de alojarse en el país.
Ukrainian
Цінні Шановний відвідувач.
Прошу прощения будь-які помилки в цьому перекладі, як я використав онлайн перекладач http://translate.google.com/ я сподіваюся отримати переклад моєї веб-сайті найближчим часом.
Я хотів би повідомити вам про свята, ми пропонуємо в Єгипті. Хоча ми тільки невеликі Ми дбаємо про наших гостях і вітати відвідувачів з усього світу. Подивіться, будь ласка, на нашому сайті www.flatsinluxor.com Якщо ви хотіли б бачити більш індивідуальною і незалежної думку Єгипту особливо Луксор. Ви можете переглянути його на своїй рідній мові, використовуючи інструмент перекладу. Єгипет гіди на різних мовах і з урахуванням досить повідомлення ми можемо це організувати для Вас. Якщо ви хочете приготувати ваші продукти потім свято квартири або квартири це ідеальний спосіб залишитися в країні.
Finnish
Hyvä vieras
Haluan kertoa sinulle tarjoamistamme Egyptin lomista. Olemme pieni järjestäjä, mutta välitämme suuresti vieraistamme ja toivotamme vierailijat joka puolelta maailmaa tervetulleiksi. Ole hyvä ja tutustu sivuihimme osoitteessa www.flatsinluxor.com mikäli haluat yksillöllistä ja riippumatonta näkemystä Egyptistä ja erityisesti Luxorista. Egyptistä löytyy kielitaitoisia oppaita ja kunhan annat meille tarpeeksi aikaa, järjestämme sinulle haluamaasi kieltä taitavan oppaan. Mikäli haluat valmistaa itse omat ruokasi on lomahuoneisto tai asunto sinulle täydellinen valinta.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
In Egypt, Living on a Farm - NYTimes.com
In Egypt, Living on a Farm - NYTimes.com
Great story about a lady I know of. I have had some of her guests come to my apartments and rave about her wonderful horses. Interesting comments about how foreigners can own land in Egypt
Great story about a lady I know of. I have had some of her guests come to my apartments and rave about her wonderful horses. Interesting comments about how foreigners can own land in Egypt
Saturday, January 03, 2009
New Year at Flats in Luxor 2009
Flats in Luxor had a great New Year party. A few more than Xmas as we had 60 people. We went for a very Egyptian theme with all the food and entertainment being traditional Egyptian. While people ate an enormous buffet cooked by our chef Gamal traditional musicians played. The buffet was Lentil soup, various salads, vegetarian dishes, a whole roast sheep and items from the grill, finishing with fresh fruit and Egyptian pastries. Then the entertainment really started.
We had a Whirling Dervish who entranced the guests.
Especially when he went amongst them, the kids were mesmorised.
One of guests had a birthday so Gamal presented him with a birthday cake while I sang Happy Birthday in Arabic, my one accomplishment (the Arabic not the singing!!!!)
Our belly dancer was a great success with the kids who loved joining in.
The star of the evening, only 2 and see proud Dad looking on.
I am afraid the birthday boy was set up and had to wear his own costume and dance along.
The drummer and the dancer worked well together and look at the little apprentice learning the trade. The cutest little Nubian boy.
After some 6 acts we finished with Nubian dancers. This one was completely new to me, so colourful and many of our Egyptian guests joined the dancers.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Xmas Party 2008
We had a fabulous time on Christmas night, numbers were down on last year (the credit crunch is affecting bookings) so rather than giving our guests a low key time we combined with Nile Valley Hotel and took our guests there.
We had our own table right at the front. They laid on a fabulous spread salads, soup, barbecue grill, hot food and deserts. We even got presents of local pottery which was a lovely touch.
The belly dancer was excellent and really got everyone involved. Apparently she is American and she really knew her stuff. The little girls loved it as did the men lol. The local drummer and her did a bit together and were really playing to each other.
The whirling dervish got them involved as well. Great fun I do find that act amazing. If you looked at his feet they do not move from the spot.
The entertainment finished with a local band who could have done the back for the Egyptian Diva Umm Kulthum. I totally loved it, put in loads of requests and even gave them baksheesh and bought the CD. We have booked them for our New Years party.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Cairo Eyes-Cairo Egypt.
Cairo Eyes-Cairo Egypt.
My man in Cairo has changed his website address. I have worked with him for 5 years and he is totally honest and reliable so for all your Cairo needs, speak to Waleed
My man in Cairo has changed his website address. I have worked with him for 5 years and he is totally honest and reliable so for all your Cairo needs, speak to Waleed
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Last Minute Holidays
We welcome last minute bookings for our flats and apartments in Luxor. There are some fantastic cheap flights at the moment and by booking last minute you can get a great deal. I just had someone book on Sunday for a flat and they are coming on Wednesday. Some of our flats are sold or on long term lets but currently we have 13 flats for rent with another 5 flats planed for 2009 so we can always find you a great apartment. Luxor is a fantastic place to visit all year round with constant sunshine, cheap food and drink and lots of history and culture to visit.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Boston Globe recommends Flats in Luxor
http://www.boston.com/travel/getaways/africa/articles/2008/12/14/wonders_and_warmth_greet_visitors_to_luxor/
LUXOR, Egypt - The tomb of the boy pharaoh Tutankhamun lies on the west bank of the Nile River. So do a host of other awe-inspiring remains of ancient Egypt, sights that help draw as many as 2 million visitors a year to the area.
Most tourists, though, stay on the more developed east side, in Luxor, an area also not without historic interest. It's where one finds the magnificent Luxor Temple, with its avenue of sphinxes, and the enormous complex of obelisks and ruins known as Karnak.
But as more of a tourist haven it's also where one finds McDonald's and the legions of taxi drivers, souvenirs hawkers, and street peddlers who inspired one guidebook to declare Luxor the "hassle capital" of Egypt.
That's why visitors seeking a more authentic experience tend to gravitate toward the west bank where one particularly good option for accommodations can be found in the sleepy village of Al Gezira.
Getting there is simple: Take the ferry, which leaves from the center of Luxor, across from the ruins of Luxor Temple. The ride takes three or four minutes and costs one Egyptian pound, or about half a dollar.
The village, which lies on the road to the Valley of the Kings and other sites, is home to Flats in Luxor, where you can stay in a clean three-bedroom apartment overlooking the green fields of the Nile valley, with the massive temple of Queen Hatshepsut visible in the distance.
Run by British expatriate Jane Akshar and her Egyptian husband, Mahmoud Jahlan, Flats in Luxor offers 21 air-conditioned apartments of various sizes at rates from around $50 a night. With plenty of room for a family, a quiet location, and a small pool, the apartments provide a good base for exploring the area's antiquities, as well as a chance to get a feel for village life.
One big draw of Flats in Luxor is Akshar herself, an enthusiastic and knowledgeable amateur Egyptologist and licensed guide, who can show visitors a side of Luxor's antiquities usually missed by the large tours.
At the nearby Hatshepsut's temple, for example - a spectacular edifice at the foot of the Theban hills built by the queen who ruled Egypt as a pharaoh some 1,500 years before Cleopatra - busloads of tourists streamed up the imposing main ramp. Akshar, however, shepherded her charges around to the colonnaded porticos at the side. There, with nary a tourist in sight, she took them on a leisurely exploration of a series of wonderfully-realistic frescoes showing the queen in the marshes surrounded by wildlife.
While Akshar is happy to guide guests through the sites for their entire stay, she's often booked. But the archeological sites in the area are easy to visit on one's own, with the help of a good guidebook. Akshar is happy to make suggestions about what to see and can help arrange transportation to various sites.
The Luxor Museum (admission about $15) is a good place to start. Located on the east side, it contains some of the area's finest antiquities, yet is a manageable size. A quick tour of its contents, including King Tut's war chariot, and haunting statues of Akhenaton, the heretical pharaoh who ruled just before King Tut, can be made in under two hours.
Close by stands the Karnak complex of temples (admission $10), for centuries the center of worship in ancient Egypt. A list of its assets from the time of Ramses III includes 65 villages, 421,662 head of cattle, 83 ships, and 81,322 workers and slaves.
Back in the center of the city is the stunning Luxor Temple, which in 1799 reportedly impressed Napoleon's soldiers so much that they spontaneously offered a salute when they saw it. Constructed by generations of leaders from Hatshepsut to Tutankhamun to Alexander the Great, the temple was once connected to Karnak, nearly two miles away, by an avenue of sphinxes.
On the Al Gezira side of the river, visitors have a wealth of impressive archeological sites from which to choose, starting with the fabled Valley of the Kings, honeycombed with more than 60 royal tombs, including that of King Tut. Don't expect to see Tut's riches here, however. Most of the treasures that were buried with him are in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Some of them are on exhibit at museums in Atlanta and Dallas, and will travel to San Francisco and Indianapolis next year.
Near the Valley of the Kings lies the temple of Hatsheput with its graceful colonnades, and the two famous Colossi of Memnon. Also worth visiting is Deir el-Medina, a village that housed the craftsmen who built the royal tombs, those in the Valley of the Queens, and many of the smaller, but still fascinating, Tombs of the Nobles.
Besides dispensing useful advice on visiting antiquities, Akshar can recommend interesting places to eat. After a visit to the temple of Hatshepsut, she might take visitors to the nearby Ramesseum Resthouse, run by the grandson of one of the workers who helped Howard Carter, the English archeologist, excavate Tutankhamun's tomb.
Back in Al Gezira, Akshar sent visitors off to Tutankhamun Restaurant, a rooftop bistro with a Nile view, south of the ferry landing. There, the genial owner, Mahmoud Sayed, formerly a chef at a five-star hotel in Luxor, offered a choice of interesting dishes. If he's making it, try the chicken curry with apples, banana, and coconut.
After detailing the evening's choices, Sayed is happy to chat with guests about their home country and their experiences in Luxor.
Those sorts of conversations happen often in Egypt. Egyptians are a warm and welcoming people, and seem genuinely friendly toward Americans. Despite terrorist attacks against tourists over the years here and elsewhere, Luxor feels safe. (Egyptian police patrol all the big tourist sites.) And Akshar scoffs at advice that venturing out on your own in Luxor is dangerous. Those who take that advice are missing a chance to taste a true slice of Egypt and have some fun, too.
LUXOR, Egypt - The tomb of the boy pharaoh Tutankhamun lies on the west bank of the Nile River. So do a host of other awe-inspiring remains of ancient Egypt, sights that help draw as many as 2 million visitors a year to the area.
Most tourists, though, stay on the more developed east side, in Luxor, an area also not without historic interest. It's where one finds the magnificent Luxor Temple, with its avenue of sphinxes, and the enormous complex of obelisks and ruins known as Karnak.
But as more of a tourist haven it's also where one finds McDonald's and the legions of taxi drivers, souvenirs hawkers, and street peddlers who inspired one guidebook to declare Luxor the "hassle capital" of Egypt.
That's why visitors seeking a more authentic experience tend to gravitate toward the west bank where one particularly good option for accommodations can be found in the sleepy village of Al Gezira.
Getting there is simple: Take the ferry, which leaves from the center of Luxor, across from the ruins of Luxor Temple. The ride takes three or four minutes and costs one Egyptian pound, or about half a dollar.
The village, which lies on the road to the Valley of the Kings and other sites, is home to Flats in Luxor, where you can stay in a clean three-bedroom apartment overlooking the green fields of the Nile valley, with the massive temple of Queen Hatshepsut visible in the distance.
Run by British expatriate Jane Akshar and her Egyptian husband, Mahmoud Jahlan, Flats in Luxor offers 21 air-conditioned apartments of various sizes at rates from around $50 a night. With plenty of room for a family, a quiet location, and a small pool, the apartments provide a good base for exploring the area's antiquities, as well as a chance to get a feel for village life.
One big draw of Flats in Luxor is Akshar herself, an enthusiastic and knowledgeable amateur Egyptologist and licensed guide, who can show visitors a side of Luxor's antiquities usually missed by the large tours.
At the nearby Hatshepsut's temple, for example - a spectacular edifice at the foot of the Theban hills built by the queen who ruled Egypt as a pharaoh some 1,500 years before Cleopatra - busloads of tourists streamed up the imposing main ramp. Akshar, however, shepherded her charges around to the colonnaded porticos at the side. There, with nary a tourist in sight, she took them on a leisurely exploration of a series of wonderfully-realistic frescoes showing the queen in the marshes surrounded by wildlife.
While Akshar is happy to guide guests through the sites for their entire stay, she's often booked. But the archeological sites in the area are easy to visit on one's own, with the help of a good guidebook. Akshar is happy to make suggestions about what to see and can help arrange transportation to various sites.
The Luxor Museum (admission about $15) is a good place to start. Located on the east side, it contains some of the area's finest antiquities, yet is a manageable size. A quick tour of its contents, including King Tut's war chariot, and haunting statues of Akhenaton, the heretical pharaoh who ruled just before King Tut, can be made in under two hours.
Close by stands the Karnak complex of temples (admission $10), for centuries the center of worship in ancient Egypt. A list of its assets from the time of Ramses III includes 65 villages, 421,662 head of cattle, 83 ships, and 81,322 workers and slaves.
Back in the center of the city is the stunning Luxor Temple, which in 1799 reportedly impressed Napoleon's soldiers so much that they spontaneously offered a salute when they saw it. Constructed by generations of leaders from Hatshepsut to Tutankhamun to Alexander the Great, the temple was once connected to Karnak, nearly two miles away, by an avenue of sphinxes.
On the Al Gezira side of the river, visitors have a wealth of impressive archeological sites from which to choose, starting with the fabled Valley of the Kings, honeycombed with more than 60 royal tombs, including that of King Tut. Don't expect to see Tut's riches here, however. Most of the treasures that were buried with him are in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Some of them are on exhibit at museums in Atlanta and Dallas, and will travel to San Francisco and Indianapolis next year.
Near the Valley of the Kings lies the temple of Hatsheput with its graceful colonnades, and the two famous Colossi of Memnon. Also worth visiting is Deir el-Medina, a village that housed the craftsmen who built the royal tombs, those in the Valley of the Queens, and many of the smaller, but still fascinating, Tombs of the Nobles.
Besides dispensing useful advice on visiting antiquities, Akshar can recommend interesting places to eat. After a visit to the temple of Hatshepsut, she might take visitors to the nearby Ramesseum Resthouse, run by the grandson of one of the workers who helped Howard Carter, the English archeologist, excavate Tutankhamun's tomb.
Back in Al Gezira, Akshar sent visitors off to Tutankhamun Restaurant, a rooftop bistro with a Nile view, south of the ferry landing. There, the genial owner, Mahmoud Sayed, formerly a chef at a five-star hotel in Luxor, offered a choice of interesting dishes. If he's making it, try the chicken curry with apples, banana, and coconut.
After detailing the evening's choices, Sayed is happy to chat with guests about their home country and their experiences in Luxor.
Those sorts of conversations happen often in Egypt. Egyptians are a warm and welcoming people, and seem genuinely friendly toward Americans. Despite terrorist attacks against tourists over the years here and elsewhere, Luxor feels safe. (Egyptian police patrol all the big tourist sites.) And Akshar scoffs at advice that venturing out on your own in Luxor is dangerous. Those who take that advice are missing a chance to taste a true slice of Egypt and have some fun, too.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Cheap flights, cheap holidays
Wow just had some people come out here for £135 GBP, add that on to the price of a flat. £250 GBP for a week for 6 people and you have a super cheap holiday. Lots of last minute bargains for the new year. Definately a credit crunch holiday in lovely sunshine.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Details of Christmas and New Years 2008 Events
Flats in Luxor
Christmas & New Year Events
Christmas Party
7pm
25th December
Roast Turkey Open Buffet
-0-
New Year Eve
8pm
Egyptian Dinner
with
Whole Barbecued Sheep
and
Traditional Egyptian Dishes
Vegetarian Options
-0-
Entertainment on both nights includes
Belly Dancer
Sufi Dancing
Drum Band
Nubian music
Price 300LE
Children Half Price
Christmas & New Year Events
Christmas Party
7pm
25th December
Roast Turkey Open Buffet
-0-
New Year Eve
8pm
Egyptian Dinner
with
Whole Barbecued Sheep
and
Traditional Egyptian Dishes
Vegetarian Options
-0-
Entertainment on both nights includes
Belly Dancer
Sufi Dancing
Drum Band
Nubian music
Price 300LE
Children Half Price
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Tours of Upper Egypt now there is no convoy
Such good news as from yesterday the convoy system ceased around Luxor. This means you do not have to leave at a set time, travel at breakneck speed with no stops, visit the sites at the same time as 100's of other people or only have a short time.
For sites like Abydos this will mean lots of time and an opportunity to visit the entire site and no compulsory visit to Dendera.
For Aswan instead of just being able to visit Edfu and Kom Ombo on route you will also be able to stop at Tod, Moalla, Esna, Gebel Silsila and El Kab
I understand the Aswan to Abu Simbel convoy still operates but who knows that might change as well
For sites like Abydos this will mean lots of time and an opportunity to visit the entire site and no compulsory visit to Dendera.
For Aswan instead of just being able to visit Edfu and Kom Ombo on route you will also be able to stop at Tod, Moalla, Esna, Gebel Silsila and El Kab
I understand the Aswan to Abu Simbel convoy still operates but who knows that might change as well
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Currency Woes
We have decided that all our payments will be in Egyptian pounds in future. The current exchange rates are crazy and our margins are so small we can not take the hit. So in future please make your payments in local currency. Our three bedroom flats are 1,650 LE per week low season; 2,200 LE high season. Private guided tours 400LE per person including guide, tickets and transport
Monday, November 10, 2008
Flats in Luxor Poolside Restaurant
Just to make you all jealous this was Luxor, Egypt a couple of days ago. We definitely have winter sunshine. We now have a nice poolside restaurant and we were enjoying a meal and a drink there.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Cheap flights to Luxor
Check out this site Charter Flights. I was emailed by a guest who has found loads of cheap flights in December and January. Get some cheap winter sunshine with a holiday in Luxor.
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