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Travel Tips Europe |
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Of course, this page is about travel in Europe – and Egypt is definitely not really in this area – but still allow me to make this little detour. Follow me, it's worth the three hours flight from Frankfurt.
Since the northern parts of Egypt have become a little risky for tourists the Nile cruises start in Luxor. (Nevertheless why not go north, no risk, no fun, and the prices are down to an all time low at the moment.) After settling down in your luxurious cabin on your cruise ship ( the "Nile Secret" is excellent!!) allow plenty of time to explore the Karnak temple which lies at the bank of the river. Enter through rows of stone rams into the forest of 134 stone columns all covered with filigreed reliefs. In ancient times this hall has been covered and would have been large enough to build the whole of Notre Dame in it. During the reigns of the XIX. Dynasty this was home of up to 82,000 people. In the evening there are wonderful light shows and the former glory of the ruins come to life again. Visit the markets and find some exciting souvenirs, but don't forget to bargain hard. It's a national sport and people will be offended if you don't do it!
It would take hours to tell you about all the exiting places you are going to visit during the next few days. The ship itself offers enough of luxurious entertainment. In the afternoon relax on the sundeck with a cup of English tea and biscuits and think about Egypt's rich history. When northern Europe still lay in the dawn of civilisation and primitive cults where worshiped, the kingdoms of Egypt had already developed a highly skilled society. The life as we know it started in Africa, here are our roots, here we may find answers to our questions that guide us to tomorrow.
"Modern" Egypt is definitely a third world country. People are poor and that makes them vulnerable to Islamic extremists, but yet you will find hospitality everywhere. Just keep in mind that you are in an Islamic country and choose your dress according to this, not to cause offence! Slowly gliding downstream watch the daily life of people unfold on the banks of the river. Don't stick to your schedule but allow yourself a stroll through the narrow lanes of the towns you are visiting. Here you will find the true spirit of Egypt.
But back to your visits. The valley of kings might be grant but the nearby valley where their workers have been buried is even more exciting. It's absolutely impossible, even with colour pictures, to describe the splendid colours that await you. Than again the river, banana plantations, little villages and log fires by night. There is nothing compared to the beauty of the night in the desert. The stars are so brilliant that you think you can touch them, the great silence of the desert and the big stream. Feel close to god and find to yourself. If you thought you could never prey, here you will be able to.
When your ship reaches Assuan you will wish never to say goodby. To end your journey with a touch of colonial elegance have a high tea at the "Old Cataract", the famous, very British hotel, where Agatha Cristy wrote "Death on the Nile". The terrace is definitely one of my favourite romantic places on this earth!!
One final comment: Don't ruin the whole trip by going for an additional week to the Red Sea. Hurgada is a horrible place with hotel ruins, lousy beaches and lots of noisy Russian tourists. Nautic life underwater might be fantastic (so if you are the underwater type, forget what I said above and check it out) but the rest just isn't. Remember my warning! However the Nile cruise is a wonderful way to start a tour through historic Europe. All civilisation started here. Oh, something else: If you are worried because of the sunlight you should choose early spring for your tour to Egypt. Then the sun will give warmth and not harm you.
Have a nice time... until next in Hungary.