Private Touring
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Most Intriguing Place
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Egypt Magic Newsletter

Volume 3, Issue 2

May 2008


Happy Spring!

And I say that optimistically as Spring-like weather throughout much of our country is, well, problematic to say the least. Here in North Florida we have summer temperatures (90's) but no rain in some 2 months...and then there's scorching heat in the far West, frigid, non-stop rain and winter conditions elsewhere...Of course in Cairo it's currently 77 degrees F, clear and balmy. Makes you want to book a flight!

I was in Egypt in early April and had my first real experience with the khamaseen winds...hot, dessicating and potent in their strength. But the khamaseen season is usually fairly short and actually doesn't adversely affect sightseeing much at all. But speaking of perfect times to visit...really the best month is November. The temperatures are very comfortable and the crowds are fewer...and now is the ideal time to plan for your mid-Fall tour! (Of course in my opinion, any time is the right time to plan!)

I was able to visit the mid-section of Egypt on this trip...to see both Tell el-Amarna, the site of Akhetaten, the city built and occupied for just 20 years by the religious heretic pharaoh Akhenaton, and the fantastically beautiful tombs of Beni Hassan. These tombs are from the 11th and 12th Dynasties and were constructed for the governors of this district. Their walls are covered with vibrant, glorious paintings of scenes from everyday life...breathtaking in their beauty. This section of the country isn't often visited these days...it's just been off the tourist radar screen. It's absolutely worth the trip, which takes 2 days by car from Cairo, with an overnight spent at El Minya. I'll be adding this two-day excursion to our menu of tour additions soon...and you can read about my touring experience here: http://www.egyptmagic.com/StoryElMinya.htm And of course if you're interested and want more information, please write or call!

I was also able to travel over to the Red Sea coast to the resort town of El Gouna. This town is just north of Hurghada and was built exclusively as a resort. The name “El Gouna” was somebody's “Egyptianizing” of the word “lagoon”...as the town with its dozen or so resorts was constructed around just such a body of water. The Sheraton Miramar is a lovely choice to relax for a few days after a tour, as is the newer and golf-centric Steigenberger El Gouna Resort, which is where I stayed. All of El Gouna is a private enclave with excellent facilities for beachgoers, water sports enthusiasts, shoppers and diners, and yes, golfers as well.

You'll also find a new “Story” on our site about my visit to The Brooke Equine Clinic in Aswan. The Brooke is a worldwide organization that provides vital healthcare and health maintenance for hard-working horses, donkeys and mules in 9 countries. The work they do is essential for both the animals and for the people whose survival depends entirely on their equine partners. Please take a moment to read about this wonderful place: http://www.egyptmagic.com/StoryBrooke.htm and if you would like to help this worthwhile cause, there's a link in the Story to The Brooke where you can donate. Any amount will greatly help so many lives.

Since we've introduced our two new standard itineraries which feature the cruise on Lake Nasser, our Nefertari and Isis Adventures, we had a great deal of interest in these tours. I'm hopeful that some of my recent guests will send in pictures of their Lake Nasser cruise experiences (hint/hint!!) to publish here and help supplement the photos I took that are on the website story. And thank you so very much to this newsletter's photo contributors: Geri & Roger Miller and Judith Lowery.

Wishing you all, as always, Happy Travels!

Joyce

 

Geri & Roger Miller astride
at the Pyramids.		 Geri & Roger with Hoda El Azim,
their Egyptologist guide and a very,
very dear friend of mine.

 

Judith, also an animal lover, toured The Brooke Clinic in Aswan...and made friends with some of the patients. Judith at the Sunrise Balloon on Luxor's West Bank...which she said was "Spectacular!" Judith Lowery with her Egyptologist guide, Abdul, also a close friend of mine, about to board their caleshe.

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