Random thoughts

It’s almost three months since we returned from our great Egyptian trip – but it is still fresh in my mind. I have just completed a 4 week lecture series on The Great Goddesses of Ancient Egypt with Dr Lyn Green. Now that I know that there are seven Hathors, I am even more confused than ever. But you have to remember that we are trying to make sense of 5,000 years of history in tiny information bites. Now I am trying to learn Hieroglyphs! How crazy is that?

In the temple to Hathor at Dendara

Here are some random thoughts for future travels:
1. Always keep small bills for market shopping. If you don’t have the exact amount for a purchase, you might have a loud argument about getting your change.
2. Have change for WC visits. I didn’t mind tipping the washroom attendants, because when they were present, the bathrooms were pretty clean.
3. A good handful of Kleenex is very useful if you need more than 4 squares of toilet paper.
4. Although most tips of what to wear suggest running shoes, I found them too hot and good sturdy open sandals were much better for almost every excursion – except for a desert trek.
5. Covering shoulders and knees is mandatory in mosques, but it is considered respectful all of the time. Capris were the most popular wear for wormen tourists I found, but I liked loose, cool pants and tops that kept me from burning to a crisp under the relentless sun.
6. Here’s a great tip I got from a friend, on long hot outings, take a damp cloth in a Ziploc bag to cool your face and neck. I also brought a small spray bottle of water to mist us down during the heat of the day.
7. For a first time visitor to Egypt, I strongly advise joining a guided tour. Insight Vacations and their partner in Egypt, Spring Tours, were fantastic. We were well taken care of the whole trip – but didn’t feel stifled. Our guide was an Egyptologist, with a good sense of humour. And our fellow travellers were excellent companions on the journey.