Mohammed and Fathi arrive by minibus. Suitcases loaded and departure to the airport. One hour flight from Cairo to Luxor. Fathi brings two bags of mallow tea to apologize for missing the Sound & Light Show. Mohammed wants to have described again exactly the “course of events” and asks if I could fill out a questionnaire. Of course. I explain again that both tour guides were good; expertise and knowledge of the customs of the country, everything top. Only the traveler comes mostly too short. Never the question of toilet, break, coffee, or the like; the program has priority. Completeness and is trump and always finish quickly (at least in Cairo was so). Nothing individual about it. As with a group tour. However, in a group tour I have more opportunities to set myself apart. Here, Hussein or Islam is always present and politeness dictates that one listens… If someone would offer me now a return flight to Germany, I would accept. I do not like it at all…

At 12 Arrival in Luxor. Shortly before disembarking a short announcement… Nothing happens. I ask the nice gentleman on the neighboring side what is going on. “Top VIP in the airport”, he answers. Aha, top VIP – I turn around and say to him that there are a hundred of them in the cabin. He laughs. At some point, Mubarak boots up to his jet and whizzes off. Now MS 732 is also allowed to leave the cabin. The bus takes us to the arrivals hall. Mohammed (hmh, another one) is already waiting for us. Suitcases fetched and off we go to the Nile ship.

So this is it, the MS Nile Style. 5 star Nile cruise ship – home for the next 7 nights. Looks a little run down, but can also deceive. Let’s wait and see. Room 316 is reserved. The ship is populated by three tour groups and a mini-group from Cuxhaven. The room is a disaster. Spaky and very small. The bed is uncomfortable and hard. Not my cup of tea. London hotel of the three star category, nothing more. Anyway, at half past two Mohammed (oh God, another Mohammed again). arrives and wants to pick up to visit Karnak and Luxor temples.

Mohammed the third is a funny guy. He speaks good German and explains everything in great detail. I get concerns… But all panic in vain. He explains that he always gives an introduction at the beginning, explains everything and then usually retreats to a cafe at the exit and gives the time to look and take pictures. Aha, that’s exactly how it should be! Great. Either Mohammed called the first, or the first really individual guide. Best.

Karnak is very impressive. Huge complex and much to look at. You can’t get through it in two hours. But that doesn’t matter, impressed one turns to the next object.

Karnak temple

 

A funny detail on the side is the guard post in the parking lot. Solid sun protection included.

Parking lot near Karnak

The Luxor temple is smaller but also very beautifully laid out. It is slowly dawning and the lighting of the temple does the rest. Looks great.

Luxor temple

Around half past six we are back on the ship. Mohammed the third explains in passing that he will be our companion the entire time. Very nice.