DISQUS

Hope you feel better soon! Can't be easy avoiding wheat while traveling, good thing rice and potatoes are staples in the Mid East. There are some interesting rice dishes in Italy though, risotto, etc.

There's soooo much to see in Luxor. I spent 8 days there. If you want to see extra tombs at the Valley of the Kings...just buy another ticket (good for three tombs). That's what I did and it was worth it.

Good luck in the LP Awards! I voted btw. ;)

Egypt, and especially Cairo, is quite intense. I've been told that you either love it, or hate it, but you'll seldom go away indifferent.

Personally, I loved it, even Cairo.

If you see only one thing in Alexandria, go to the Catacombs of Kom es-Shoqafa. Amazing Ancient Egyptian/Roman funerary carvings and sculptures.

ClearlyEnlight: Wow 20 days in Siwa! I'm jealous :). Only got to spend 2 nights there as I found a ride across the desert to Bahariya which I couldn't pass up. Great place, very laid back and amazing scenery.

Isn't it great? :) I've had similar experiences of generous hospitality in the Middle East. Though it's so difficult convincing "people back home" that this region is populated by some of most genuinely friendly and hospitable people on the planet. They just think I'm bonkers for wanting to go back!

Congrats on the new MacBook! :) Did you get the 13" or the 15"?

I'm still on an iBook which keeps on ticking despite cracks in the case and the odd spare part. The new MacBook will likely be my next computer as well. I'm curious to see how well the new MacBooks travel, do keep us posted.

I agree with you 99%, though I feel that guidebooks still have their place and purpose, just like info from the internet.

For the first time or nervous traveler, and for some countries, with little or no tourism infrastructure guidebooks can be useful. I've often left mine with nervous family members back home, so they could read up on where I was going and follow along. I've used a guidebook as much for recommendations as for tips on what to avoid.

I disagree with the premise that knowing the source adds credibility. Information can still be dated and inaccurate even if the Pope authored LP's guide to the Vatican. All guidebook's have extensive disclaimers which kind of negates any expectation that they take full responsibility for the information they publish ("trust us, but don't blame us!"). It's no better or worse than travel information taken from the internet.

Like you and other posters mentioned, once on the ground, my #1 source of information are other travelers and locals. It doesn't get more up-to-date than that.

What an experience! Great Story.


...guess you've been cured of motorbike travel for a bit, non? ;-)

I voted...good luck!

We just a federal election in Canada and not a dimple was to be found on the ballots here. I'm sure you'd have won by a landslide. ;)

Another new reader chiming in...Great article (and web site!) and the topic couldn't be more "à propos".

I agree with Gary. If you feel you have to "wait for the right time", it will only become more difficult to leave. There's no time like the present!