Sharing my perspective on the trip now and in light of the experiences of others on the same or a similar trip(s) and for those who haven’t been on this type of an adventure. The schedule and itinerary are fluid. Things may happen in a different order than what is on the itinerary and sometimes that order can change a couple times the same day. There are a lot of working parts here behind the scenes and I am so glad that I don’t have to deal with ANY of it. The guides do an amazing job to make this all appear to be seamless but sometimes things happen beyond their control and they need to PIVOT (yes I’m channeling Ross from Friends
) to give us the overall experience we came for. So just roll with it is my advice.
You will see amazing architecture, some modern some older and also abject poverty and sometimes all on the same street. After DH and I got married my MIL took us to Vietnam to meet extended family. It was my first time to a 3rd world or developing country. It was there that I learned what poverty really looked like. If you haven’t seen it before then nothing can really prepare you for that. Egypt is nothing near as bad as like what I saw in Vietnam many years ago, but I can see how some areas can come as a shock to some people.
Everywhere you go there will be entrepreneurs trying to sell you something. As the trip goes on some of the vendor gauntlets we have to go through get more intense, like leveling up in a video game. The guides warn us ahead of time. The easiest thing to do is don’t make eye contact or respond. Only once did things get a bit too intense and that was this evening. One vendor simply would not let up trying to sell a scarf to our friend who was wearing a scarf and it was borderline harassment. He didn’t let up until her husband intervened. Everywhere else and everyone else trying to sell their wares has been quite respectful if not downright funny at times with regards to their methods. I’ve come to look forward to seeing if anyone will say something more amusing than what I’ve heard so far. Great sense of humor!
At no point have we had to pull out money for tipping anyone anywhere. ABD takes care of all of that. All toilet stops, musicians during dinner, anything to do with hotel, drivers etc.
We all are using whisper sync devices and Nermeen our Egyptologist is explaining the history and background of everything we are seeing at every single site and how one thing relates to another etc. So if you are like me and do not know anything regarding Egypt beyond that there are pyramids, a Sphinx and hieroglyphics then you won’t feel out of your depth. She seems more than happy to cheerfully answer any questions anyone asks her about anything. No need to pre study anything at all.
ABD will not arrange for a camel picture as the treatment of the animals does not meet their expectations. They do find a good spot to take pictures of us in front of the pyramids without people in the background.
The up close, no one else around access to the Sphinx and the after hours, our group only, inside the pyramids is a an absolute highlight of this trip! I understand tomorrow we have after hours access in Luxor. I’ll share what that was like tomorrow.
Yes, there are many stray dogs and cats everywhere.
We have not pre ordered any meals so far. The only thing we have pre done is given the names we would like printed for an upcoming papyrus experience. We have had 2 box lunches which were both right before a flight. I’ve enjoyed all of our meals so far.
I’ve already mentioned that this trip will be challenging for those with mobility issues. So bear that in mind.
The guides: 12 ABDs and I have never had an ABD guide I didn’t like. Full stop. I’ve been on one NatGeo collab and that was Antarctica with Lindblad and NatGeo. I liked our NatGeo guides well enough but they still didn’t compare to any ABD guide I’ve ever had.
If anyone has any specific questions or concerns please feel free to ask.