The excursion in Egypt was the longest (and most expensive) I went on.

We began by driving through Alexandria (where the ship was docked) and it seemed to be littered with garbage. But since we only drove through a small area this may be an unfair comment.

I was surprised by how flat the country was during our thre-hour drive to Cairo. I had imagined dunes everywhere, I suppose. We began with a trip through the Cairo Museum, where we went through tight security, and the soldiers seemed to have a strange interest in Swiss Army knives (which none of us had). Many of us were intrigued by the numbers of police/army around, but it seems they are the Tourist Police. Some terrorists killed tourists a while back, and those in charge are determined that tourists are going to be safe!

There were mobs of people at the museum, and I abandoned my tour and wandered about alone. We were always told where to meet after a tour. The museum is fascinating, filled with mummies and things from tombs.

From outside the museum the top of a pyramid can be seen, but after our lunch at the Nile Hilton we were taken to the viewing spot, from which you might think you were miles from civilisation! The city can be seen, but the haze is so strong it could be a mirage! We were told how much to pay the camel owners for getting on, or having a ride. I rode a camel about fifty yards in central Australia once, and I thought that was about forty-nine yards too far, so I didn't bother. I just took lots of photos.

The light was blindingly bright, and it was hot. It became tiring refusing to pay people for rides, photographs, or anything. I also did not line up to enter the "smaller" pyramid, and those who did did not enjoy it. Air conditioning had not been invented two thousand years ago, the passage got gradually smaller, and it was roasting hot.

This is one of the scanned pictures, so the colour may be off.

Bob Picardo at the Sphinx, and my roommate Richard.

Obligatory picture of the Sphinx.

And Charles Datin, the organiser of Cruise Trek enjoying a look at the Sphinx.

One problem I had with Egypt was that, again, I didn't take money, not intending to buy anything, but even in the Hilton there are attendants in the lavatories who are expecting to be paid something. I carried around some small money afterwards, but never needed it later.