Hurghada - Red Sea

We travelled across the desert for approximately 5 hours to get to the resort town of Hurghada on the coast of the Red Sea. Whilst being very touristy, I felt that it was necessary for us to visit the second most popular holiday destination in Egypt to explore the red sea. Everyone was delighted with our stay here. Some of us taking a snorkelling trip just off shore which was amazing and others heading out on a Jeep Safari, which was also a highlight.

Hurghada is a little more expensive for eating and shopping - as you would expect for a resort, but we were all glad to have the opportunity just to see a different side of Egypt.

Abu Simbel

Wake up call - 2:50AM to join to convoy of vehicles heading across the desert to the famous Abu Simbel. At the front of the convoy there is a police escort and checkpoints throughout the journey, keeping an eye on who is travelling and whether or not they have a permit.

The journey to Abu Simbel is 280k along a road boardered by desert only. Very funny (and frightening at times) as each bus competes for its place in the convoy. Every couple of minutes we would be passing someone and then that very same bus would be passing us again. They are very competitive drivers - suppose it passes the time! I decided that it was best not to look, so took the chance to grab a bit of catch up sleep, until I needed to go to the toilet that is - no toilets enroute, so the bus had to stop whilst I found a rock to hide behind. The girls had a good laugh at my expense - I've never had a very strong bladder!

Abu Simbel is something that should not be missed. We rounded the corner and there it was in all its glory..... The Great Temple is dedicated to Ramesses II and a statue of him is seated with three other gods within the innermost part of the rock-cut temple. The temple's facade is dominated by four enormous seated statues of the Pharaoh (each over 20 metres or 67 feet high), although one has been damaged since ancient times. Alongside his temple is a small temple Ramesses had built, which he then dedicated to his favourite wife, Nefertari.

On return to Aswan later that afternoon we decided that it was high time to kick back on the sundeck next to the pool overlooking the nile with a bottle of champagne.....so that's just what we did.

Cairo - Aswan

Big day today - We were met by our guide who took us to the Egyptian Museum for a couple of hours. On reflection I think you need a lot longer than that, as there is just so much to see. We managed to see all the major's, including Tutankhamen's finery & the mummy room which was kind of eery, but well worth the visit. Then it was off for a cheap takeaway lunch - yummy felafel burger and onto the Papyrus Factory to witness the making of the papyrus paper. Next on our itinerary we were to visit "rubbish city" - one of the poorest communities in Cairo, but according to our guide, the government officials had advised that it was too dangerous to go there. We opted for a drive through the "City of the Dead" instead, which I'm sure was equally as poor. Here families live amongst the Tombs and it is a sight that would not be seen to often by the average tourist.

Next stop - The famous Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, which had recently been bombed only 2 weeks prior, needless to say there was plenty of security around the place! This place is awesome - shoppers paradise. We had a great time shopping for bargains and some of us tried the Sheesha too! Once we'd finished shopping (for now!!!), we boarded our overnight sleeper train for Aswan.

Our First Day In Egypt

Well what can I say......after our 14 hour flight to Cairo we were all a little delirious, most of us having had very little sleep! We were all running on adrenilin and emotions. On our arrival we went straight to the "bank" where we paid our US$15 and received our visa stamps, changed some money, went through immigration and were met by our Kumuka Representative Mohammed. Everything went as smooth as silk through at the Airport which was great and on arrival at the Pyramisa Hotel we were pleasantly suprised. None of the buildings look to flash from the outside in Cairo, but when we stepped inside the Pyramisa we were suitably impressed. This five star hotel was great! A few of us went for a stroll around the local streets near the hotel then we hopped in a taxi (boy that was exciting!!!!!! whoa) and went downtown for a shopping experience followed by some local cuisine at the Felfela takeaway. Kebabs - awesome and cheap. The place was full of locals - good sign. On our way back we had a driver who had no idea where he was taking us...he had to ask several locals and all the while Cathy one of our girls was telling him the directions, but he just wouldn't listen. Pyramids tomorrow.

10 Adventurous Women about to Embark on Egypt!

Well it's almost here.....only 4 more days until 10 Adventurous Women take off for our next adventure...and it's destination "Egypt"....I must say the excitement is building and we have a great group of women on board.

We should be easy to pick out at the Perth International Airport, as each girl will be sporting her new bright orange Adventurous Women T Shirt with the slogan "Life is an Adventure - Are you living Yours" on it - look out here we come!!!

Speaking of Egypt - today by chance, I met a lovely Egyptian couple at a quaint little coffee & gift shop they own in Hillarys. (Dunesliving) They have just returned from their home country and were happy to share their travels & tips with me. As I was in a mad rush, I said that I will return on Friday and have a chat whilst practicing my Arabic language skills with them. I spotted a Sheesha in their shop and made comment that I would be trying this for sure whilst in Egypt, so Rania said she'll bring some tobacco in for me on Friday whooooooo - hope I don't choke!

I'll be blogging whilst away to keep everyone up to date with our adventures, so please tune in for the latest.

Press Release - The West Australian 13 Oct, 2008

Adventurous Women Take on Egypt

Ancient Egypt, is a destination many women would love to explore, but not necessarily alone or even with a male companion.

Sue Hile, Director of Australian specialist women's travel company, Adventurous Women, takes travelling in her stride and therefore wants to encourage other women to step outside their comfort zone and feel the freedom she has, through travel, adventure and life experiences......Continue

Egypt 28 Feb 2009 - Fully Escorted Women Only

Follow the golden footsteps of ancient Egypt's most famous Queen, Cleopatra on a classic cruise up the River Nile, explore the great Pyramids of Giza, and cross the Sahara desert to the beautiful coast of the Red Sea. This magical adventure ensures you have plenty of time to embrace the major sites of Egypt, grab a bargain at the local markets, relax at the beach, scuba dive in the sea or ride a camel in the desert. read more