Returning to Luxor, Esna Locks

Today has again been rather relaxing, with only a sneaky visit to Kom Ombo once more. I was not technically supposed to go and see this again, but it was a chance to see the temple in the day time, so i popped along. This was made easy because one of the chaps from Manchester has been sh***ing through the eye of a needle for the past few days and has basically been unable to see anything since the Valley of the Kings. So, i took his place on the tour.

After the Kom Ombo visit, i have been thinking and arranging my onward details. I have booked into a hotel in Luxor for the couple of days after i disembark the ship. The chain is called the Steigenberger, and i am hoping for traditional German efficiency, and lots of spicy sausages on the menu (whoever misinterprets that has a dirty mind!!). In true Basil Fawlty style, i will try not to mention the war....

Once booked in, i have arranged with my contact in Luxor (gosh, i sound like someone in a John le Carre novel!) to arrange a balloon ride as the sun rises over the Valley of the Kings. I will also think about going to see more of the tombs, and the Ramesseum, as I felt our first visit there was rather rushed. I appreciate we have seen the major tombs in the area, but i am a stickler for completeness!!

After i have done this, i will head back to Cairo and book myself in to a hotel there. We are now getting into the Egyptian busy season, so i will need to ensure i have forward planned, as i don’t fancy sleeping rough on the streets of Cairo!!

Anyway, i have not got much to write about, so i thought i will give you a general review of the ship. From the moment you arrive it feels palatial, with a marble entrance hall and wooden staircase. The people to staff ratio is very good, and the customer service is excellent.

The reception of the boat...........the man waiting offers
you towels for freshening up after being out in the heat

There is a gym on board, a swimming pool on top and the rooms are lovely and spacious, even my single berth is large enough to have a table and chairs in. The thing that is really great about the cruise is that i can sit here and write this, with my nets drawn back and just watch the Nile and the Egypt drift by....it is very relaxing.

My room for the past 5 nights...

....very plush, and colder that an Eskimo's fridge...

the sun deck with swimming pool for those who like to slowly roast....

On the downside, the internet connection is a bit flakey, as everytime we move, i lose the wireless connection i rely on (only because i am lazy and like lying on my bed as i type!), but i suppose i can always plug it in at the wall. If i am honest, a 7 day cruise is a bit too much for me. i much prefer to be out and doing things, not just milling around on a ship sunning myself, so i would only suggest a 7 day cruise if you want to temple hop and sunbathe, but if you just want to do one or the other, a 3/4 day cruise would suffice.

Tomorrow is my last day of the cruise - as i write this we are back in Luxor, so wont be sailing any further, but i have a couple more things to see here (Luxor Temple and Karnak), as i missed them due to all the kerfuffle at the beginning of my trip!