The last leg...

We walked across the border from Egypt to Israel where we stopped off for lunch with Dong and Jan.
Then we taxied to the border of Jordan where Hollywood was crowned Prince (mine of course!).

 We over-nighted in Aqaba on the Red Sea, then headed north to Petra with Jan and our new "friend"  taxi driver Mussa. 

Hollywood 'hanging' out at the Sacred High Place.

This 'little' guy was inching along on his millions of legs...biggest I've ever seen!

At the end of the day Hollywood, Jan and I allowed ourselves to be talked into a donkey ride out of Petra.  But only with the bonus of having a cup of tea with our Bedouin guide Mohamed, and the chance to see............

BABY CAMELS!!! Soooo Cute!






Our second days visit to Petra led us down the same path but further....




Where we discovered the Monastery and the Grand Canyon... which wasn't quite like ours... 

Along the way we observed a Bedouin boy selling rocks-

Morning came with the excitement of heading north to Amman via Karak Castle and the Dead Sea....we had no idea just how exciting it would be...

Hollywood with Mussa, who was kind enough to offer to take us up to Amman.

Yours truly - chilling at Karak Castle.

After our visit to Karak Castle, which sits high atop a mountain range, we hopped back into Mussa's cab to head for the Dead Sea.  Half way down the hill we hit a little gravel on the road and went for a ride!  The first fishtail aimed us for the mountain, the second for the cliff!  Luckily there was a big truck heading up the hill to stop us!  But we missed... Instead the third fishtail swung us back toward the road and after a few more squiggles we settled down into quiet "Amens"....  To say the least it was an adventure we could have done without!


Once we had survived the trip down the hill we found ourselves on the shore of the Dead Sea.  We paid a hefty 'use fee' to use of showers after our bath, but since Hollywood became a Dead Sea mud monster it was worth it.

The water was very salty and full of minerals that stung the eyes, tasted terrible and floated us more then we had ever experienced before.

Hollywood found his own Dead Sea Mud under the think salt layer on the bottom of the Sea.  His skin was so supple and soft after...

Having survived the trek to Amman, we settled in then headed out to explore.  The Theater was a quiet venue from which to take in the rolling hills of the city.  From there we headed up to the top of the hill, through neighborhoods, and along paths mostly utilized by locals.  Which means we missed the entrance to the Temple of Hercules but not the ruins themselves. 
We explored and goofed around til sunset then headed off to find a delicious dinner.


The next day we joined up with 2 other travelers and the guide from our hotel and set out on a tour of the north country. 

First stop was the hilltop ruins of Ajloun Castle, which was built to protect against the Crusaders.

From there we visited Umm Qays, at the northern border of Jordan.  It was lush with winter green, bugs, lizards, and butterflys.  A striking contrast to the grays and browns of the ruins.

 "Rome away from Rome" was the next stop on our fieldtrip.  After a hearty meal at a local restaurant, we entered the extensive Roman ruins of Jerash; the oval piazza, colonnaded walks, temples, theaters, and the hippodrome.  The highlight of the day was when Hollywood and I climbed into the chariot and the driver urged his horses into a sprint down and back the track. What a rush! 

Our last night in Jordan, Hollywood made falafel for all the travelers, under the guidance of our gracious host.  The delicious meal, festive air of travelers telling their stories, and the production of musical instruments led to an impromptu party. 

'Til next time...

Greetings from Egypt!

Our departure from Europe found us in the sandy realm of Egypt.  We started our exploration in Cairo, where we found millions of people (about 25 to be exact), eager vendors with colorful wares, and amazing sights simply waiting for the world to notice...

Hollywood and I encountered our first 'helpful' local people when we found ourselves bedecked in 'native' attire and aboard a couple rather unwilling camels...the sounds they made were obviously plaintive!  As were the noises we made when our new 'friends' demanded monetary recompense for our unsolicited adventure with them...but to say the least, the Great Pyramid at Giza and the camel ride was worth a few bucks!

A short meander toward Cairo found us at the feet of the famed Sphinx.  We also experienced our second opportunity to baksheesh (tip) a helpful local.  He colored our visit with a bit of 'history' and snapped a couple pics for us... It would not have occurred to me to 'walk like an Egyptian' without his encouragement! 

Everywhere we went, even in the heart of the city, we found donkeys pulling wagons full of wares and people.  This man must have been quite rich, having so many water buffalo!

The Step Pyramid at Saqqara was impressive, as it was one of the very first pyramids built, and it was still standing proud!

Hollywood found a new friend in Ramses II while we were visiting Memphis, just south of Cairo.  Somebody felt short for the first time in years... ;]

The Citadel in Cairo sits proud atop a hill, gazing across the city toward the pyramids.

 Hollywood and I spent an enjoyable dinner with Julian, the father of Ilona, whom we couchsurfed with in Palma de Mallorca.  We took in the view from the top of the Cairo Tower and dined on delicious fare paired with great "Egyptian" wine! 

Our adventures in the city market were full of bartering and colorful items inspiring us to look and buy.  The spices were abundant and varied, and had the ability to attract you with their delicious smells wafting through the streets. 

When we purchased First Class tickets on the overnight train from Cairo to Luxor, we had no idea what we were in for.  We arrived at the train station early, played cards til our train arrived and boarded when it pulled in.  Then we sat...and sat....and sat.......IN the station.  We waited, chatting with our cabin mates and playing cards, til we all got drowsy, turned down the lights and closed our eyes.  Soon thereafter, we were awakened and told we had to change trains...this after 2 hours sitting.  So we disembarked, dragged our stuff to the next platform and boarded a new train and claimed whatever seat that was available.  Off we went, finally headed for Luxor, fitfully napping along the way.  In the end our 9 hour trip took a solid 12, but hey, it is an adventure - right? ;]

Luxor Temple and Hatshepsut Temple both regaled us with their grandeur and history.  Behind the hills of Hatshepsut Temple we also visited The Valley of the Kings.  We don't have any pictures because they are forbidden. Has anyone seen an empty tomb before?

I was amazed at the 'artwork'.  The colors that have stood the test of time, as well as the symmetry and clarity.  From the smallest detail to the grandest of carvings, still they tell their stories and declare their beliefs and allegiance.

These guys were dismantling this fence/wall.  The guy on the left is standing on the pillar he is destroying...and the only guys wearing hard hats - were on motorcycles!

Hollywood hanging out with his Criosphinx friends at Karnak.

If I had a camel, I'd hang out with him too! :]

Hollywood and I spent a lovely afternoon on the Nile in a Felucca, a traditional wooden sailing boat.  Without a motor, it was a peaceful glide along the Nile, where we could observe the locals, both human and animal!  Ibis entertained us with their presence as well as herons, kingfishers, camels, water buffalo, and bananas...

OMG aren't they CUTE!!! Twin bananas!

Sunset is a glorious affair on the Nile, and a perfect way to finish an Egyptian day.

From Luxor we taxi'd, bussed and ferried our way to Dahab, Egypt. Located on the Sinai peninsula of the Red Sea.  We had planned to stay for just a couple days so we could do some snorkeling, but we ended up staying over a week!  While checking out prices for snorkeling gear, we inquired after the price of SCUBA lessons at several of the local PADI dive shops.  We ended up completing both our Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses, and apparently, we did it in one of the best dive areas on earth!  I'd have to agree with that, although I wasn't all that impressed with the Blue Hole...

 Hollywood found more friends, locals of the Sphinx (the shop that was our educational headquarters).  Li'l Mr. Kitty loved to get rubbed, and the puppies under his chair loved to play 'til they passed out!

This is our training ground... eh - water.  The Lighthouse of Dahab is a quiet entry area to a beautiful reef, but strangely...does not have a lighthouse...

Our crew: Salaka, our Sphinx instructor and Tatyana was Salaka's assistant and our part-time photographer.  Dong and Jan (John) were from Norway, Dong was our other part-time photographer, while Jan was taking the class with us. 




 Another twin banana, I'm soooo darn lucky!!! :]

And here we are, suiting up for another day under the sea!

 Learning...by investigation. There were so many creatures to observe! It was a wonderful distraction from our lessons...but don't worry, we got it all!

After our last bit of lessons, and before our leisurely dive along the reef, Hollywood and I celebrated with a kiss!

We really were lucky to be diving in the Red Sea. We saw lots of wonderful sea life.


Like Yellowtail Baracuda!

Colorful fishys -

small

and BIG.

And this is a Blue Spotted Stingray.

We also saw Moray eels, turtles, tuna, slugs, parrots...unicorns....and wee little hermit crabs!  Aside from all of the countless fish of course!

And my personal favorite!!! 

The Lionfish.  They had several types, and each one was amazing in its creation.  This one is getting a bath from two cleaner wrasse.  And yes, he was hanging vertically under a lip of coral, not holding on to anything...

Oh, and speaking of cleaner wrasse, Hollywood and I both had our teeth checked while in the deep blue...it sure does feel funny to have a fish poking around in your mouth! ;]

We hope you enjoy the penultimate blog from our European Adventure.  We have arrived home in California and are now resting in Napa.  Our next trip won't be for another week!