Egypt

Egypt

I spent two weeks in Egypt in January 2011 and left five days before the revolution started. Had the trip been planned for a week later I would have been standing on a tank in Cairo (so I count myself lucky). Hopefully the revolution will ultimately yield a free society, but historically Egyptians learned to live under and with varying types and forms of tyrannical rule for a long, long time. Ancient Egypt was unified in 3150 BC and it is really hard to comprehend 5000 years of history. If you go to Egypt I would highly recommend 10 days to include Cairo with it’s magnificent pyramids and classic (though not very well maintained) museum and a cruise from Luxor. A day side-trip to Abu Simbel (25 miles from the border with Sudan) is a must as are the Valleys of the Kings and Queens (do a balloon ride here!) and numerous historical sites. DO get a knowledgeable guide and DO some homework before you go; otherwise it is all just too much to comprehend and keep straight. I don’t like group tours, but this is one country where it makes sense (for most people).