I bet the entire country is in a state of Dee-Nile.

I hope Iris gets to see the Valley of the Kings and the Cairo Museum.

I have another friend just leaving Egypt who writes

We have all seen or read about the great pyramids and the glory days of Egypt. But those were in books or on the movie screen. Being there and seeing these grand reminders from four and 5000 years ago literally strikes one into silence and respect.

My mother went to Egypt during better days and wanted to take me back with her before she was physically unable.  She already needed an assistant cognitively at that point, I suspect.  I am of two minds now about discouraging the idea for financial reasons, because I have always been 'into' Egyptian history and would so love to walk the Valley of the Kings and gaze on the actual faces of long ago Pharoahs.

Iris, I hope you are back soon, because you are my vicarious world traveller.  I can't wait to hear all about it.

I've been back from Egypt for a few days, but I came back with King Tut's Revenge, aka "mummy tummy." I was still in distress until yesterday.  For the past week I have not been able to eat food, only bread and crackers and applesauce and tea and water.  The trip itself was wonderful, seeing all the ancient temples and tombs.  But unfortunately I can only recommend Egypt at the risk of your health.  

Part of our trip was a river cruise on the Nile.   There seemed to be no awareness of hygenic practices or of how to attempt to avoid food-borne disease.  In contrast, a few years ago  I was on a large cruise ship that did have on outbreak of Noro virus, and the crew was diligent in enforcing hygienic measures, such as hand-washing and hand sanitizer and stopping the  buffets--all food was served by staff.  In addition, the crew was scrupulous in cleaning and sanitizing public surfaces in order to contain the outbreak.  At least half of our group came down with gastro-intestinal distress and our group was the only group on the boat.  

Several passengers had to remain in their cabins and missed parts of the tour, and at least one passenger had to call in a doctor from town.  There was no doctor or nurse on board.  I'm glad I went but I won't risk this again.  

On the other hand, the tour buses were well protected from human danger.  All of our tour buses had armed security, and all of the tourist sites had tourist police.  We felt safe at all the sites.  There were absolutely no disturbances.

This is all I can write now.  I'll write more later.  I still have some jet lag. Egypt is nine hours ahead of me.

Iris

Iris!  You're back!  Have you guessed I'm happy to see you yet?  ☺

Sorry about the traveller's ailment, though.  It will pass, no pun intended.

Did you get to see King Tut's tomb?

Thanks for the welcomes!  I got to see King Tut himself!  I saw his 3500 year old mummy!  He looks good for his age and condition.    I have photos; I'll post when I can.  Question:  can I post a photo from a smartphone?

Iris

Glad you are back. Sorry that you got sick. I hope it only happened after you left.