Egypt - February-March 2010

Egypt was fantastic ... We spent 9 days in Cairo, Luxor & Aswan. If not for the history, Cairo would be excluded from any recommendations I might offer to anyone who cared to listen. Far too many people, insane driving, haggling/bartering for every purchase (their way of life, but really really tiresome after the first day), outright lying about prices and, the number one reason Cairo is now at the bottom of my list, the FILTH. Luxor, on the otherhand, was lovely.

We visited the Great Pyramids of Giza, saw the Sphinx, visited the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, the Luxor Museum, Habu Temple, spent 2 nights on sleeper trains (although no one really got in a lot of sleeping), spent 1 night on a felucca floating down the Nile River towards Luxor. We spent shared a meal with a Nubian family and an elder. In this region and Sudan, Nubians can be traced back to 5000 BC. We visited Abu Simbel, which was carved out of rock by King Ramses II of the 19th dynasty in the New Kingdom. Ramses II ruled Egypt for 67 years. We also visited the temple he built for his wife, Nefertari. Scott and I left the group behind and took a taxi to Philae Temple, which was dismantled and reassembled following construction of the high dam. In Luxor, we visited Karnak Temple, a vast open-air museum and the largest ancient religious site in the world. We saw Colossi Memnon, which are sandstone statutes of Amenhotep III.

Scott arranged for a hot air balloon ride, which was a great way to see the Nile and nearby ridge concealing the Valley of the Kings. The ride was smooth, that is, until we landed or crashed into a farmer's field. We levelled two fruit-bearing trees, but everyone walked away unscathed. Valley of the Kings was a marvel. It's difficult to comprehend the level of effort that went into constructing the tombs.

Back in Cairo, Scott and I went to the Imhotep Museaum & Saqqara, which is best known for the Step Pyramids. The Step pyramids are, in fact, the oldest pyramids in Egypt. We then headed to Coptic Cairo, which encompasses, among other things, the Hanging Church, one of the oldest churches in Egypt, and the Greek Church of St. George. Less impressive was Memphis, the ancient capital of lower Egypt, which dates back to the 6th century BC.

Check out additional pics at: http://s716.photobucket.com/albums/ww169/lagalag000/Egypt%20-%20February%202010/?albumview=slideshow

Dubai - 15-January-2010

We spent the day yesterday living as tourists. Exploring Dubai with cameras around neck, walking, hopping on and off buses and dhow-like boats.

The bus route included stops at most of the famous malls in Dubai, which we have yet to visit for fear of never finding our car again, as well as souks and other famous landmarks and tourist destinations.

The day's journey led up to the grand event, a visit to the Burj Khalifa, formerly known as the Burj Dhabi, the tallest building in the world. The skyscraper stands at 828m (approximately 2700'). Apparently, reservations have been received for residential/office space and tenants will begin moving in within the next 2 months. BK has 160 floors, the fastest elevator (64 km/h or 40 mph), and lots of other biggest/fastest/first of its kind stats.

Jordan - December 2009

We just returned from a 10-day journey through Jordan, which started in Jerash, a settlement dating from the period 2500-700 BC, and ended in Wadi Rum, a beautiful desert with a thriving Bedouin culture. We made the journey on mtn bike, some 200 km. and, at times, relatively grueling ~ HELLO CALVES AND HAM STRING MUSCLES, plus SAG, which turned out to be a plush bus ride. The mtn bike ride was harder than I imagined, but completely satisfying upon completion of each milestone.

Our group was comprised of a comptabile lot, constituted primarily of folks from England and refined by folks from the countries of Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, and, of course, the great USA.

Jordan was a country full of surprises. Mountains, lush, fertile grounds, robust history, tasty food, and friendly inhabitants. We had a lovely time.

Check out additional pics at: http://s716.photobucket.com/albums/ww169/lagalag000/Jordan%20Dec-09/?albumview=slideshow

Maldives ~ November 2009

Paradise ~ we just returned from a 5-day visit to the Maldive Islands, which are situated to the SW of Sri Lanka, near the equator. 1,190 islands form an archipelago of 26 major atolls. We stayed on Hembadhu and spent a couple of hours in Male. Don't waste your time in Male.

The island was awesome. The Taj Coral Reef Resort was very nice ~ extremely expensive, especially food/drink items ($12 for an ice-tea), but incredible nonetheless and well worth a visit. Water temp and air temp were just about the same, 82-84F ~ heaven. Our water bungalow included steps from the deck to the shallow lagoon. White sands, warm water, diverse and colorful fish. We spent more time snorkling than I have in my entire life. Circling the island several times during our stay. Multiple beach dives, including a night dive were perfect. The most incredible sight was a Napolean fish, which was approx. 2 meters long. He was lovely ~ vibrant, massive and ... napping when we came upon him.

We hand-fed a group of approximately 15 stingrays who frequent the island daily at dinner. Fish heads, fish heads, roly poly fish heads, and other bits and pieces keep them coming back day after day. Sleek and gentle giants.



Check out trip pics: http://s716.photobucket.com/albums/ww169/lagalag000/Maldives%20Nov-09/.

Ireland - Scotland | May-June 2009

We (Norm and me, my sister, Stacey, and her girlfriend, Tara) just returned from a 10-day adventure in Ireland and Scotland. Stacey and Tara met us in Ireland. We landed in Shannon, and visited County Cork (Blarney Castle, of course) before heading west again, travelling up the coast, and ending in the northeast corner, in Belfast. Our agenda was packed as was our vehicle. The journey was long and our nerves grew short. Despite everything, we enjoyed Ireland's fantastic heritage and landscape. The moist escape (from the desert) was super as I was able to leave the body lube at home.

Driving on the other side of the road/car was interesting - what's up with those Brits ... We managed just fine ~ only one minor incident that involved me behind the wheel. Hopefully Alamo won't look too closely at the left-side hub cabs.

The weather was spectacular. I returned to the UAE with a tan. We experienced light rain on days 1-2 in Ireland, but nary a drop until the morning of our departure. We experienced Scotland's entire week-long summer, which is a miracle I understand.

We took a ferry from Belfast to Stranraer, Scotland. There were several hiccups along the way (missing our first ferry, which resulted in our not being able to pick up our rental car in Scotland), but everything worked out. We hired a car to take us from Stranraer to Rothesay. Rothesay (the Isle of Bute) is the birthplace of Stacey's great grandmother and it was truly paradise. A haven stretching from the sea up a hillside. Architectural styles include victorian era homes and some bauhaus inspired structures. Our stay here was the highlight of the trip. We rented bikes and circuited the 25 miles around most of the island.

Ireland: stops/sites along the way included Cork (Blarney Castle), Killarney (the Ring of Kerry, Balleybarbury Castle, Staigue Fort), Dingle, Adare, Galway, Ballymote, Sligo, Donegal (Donegal Castle), Giant's Causeway, and Belfast (Belfast Castle) .

Scotland: stops/sites along the way included Dean Castle, Rothesay (Rothesay Castle [captured by vikings in 1230], St. Blane's Chapel), Edinburgh (the Museum of Edinburgh, National War Museum of Scotland, and Edinburgh Castle). The palace was closed as Prince Charles has visited the morning of our tour. During our tour around Rothesay we visited Scalpsie Bay (with the Isle of Arran in the backdrop), which is home to a pod of sea lions, stone circle of Ettrick Bay, and the stone circle near Kilchattan.

Check out our photos: http://s716.photobucket.com/albums/ww169/lagalag000/Ireland_Scotland/?albumview=slideshow

What I did with my day off

Da crib ... 4 living in happiness. Still trying to figure out how to lash down the palm. My entrance is not very sexy or practical.

I shared Arabic coffee and fresh dates today with Sama and her friend. Despite the language barrier, the crystal-clear nature of the conversation had to do with my childless existence. How could it be? Sama's friend repeatedly told me to go to the hospital. She was 36, had 4 children and wanted 6 more. The way they both spoke, 10 seemed to be a magical number, unlike the number of dates you consume, which should be at least 3, 5 or 7.

Tortoise Love

Two of the four tortoises - Sammy and Mr. T (Ms. T??). I came upon Mr. T a few months ago. He was leisurely walking on the sidewalk in front of our home. I collected him and he has been living in our courtyard ever since. About 2 weeks ago, I adopted 3 tortoises from the Al Ain Zoo: Sammy, Tortuga and Mo. These torts, along with many others, were turned over to the Zoo by border patrol. The torts were to be euthanized because of the surplus.

The clan of desert tortoises appear to be happy and healthy. I believe we have one male. At least, he is the only one demonstrating male tendencies.