Egypt

I had a "packaged" tour arranged here, and it was quite a difference having everything taken care of and being driven from place to place (almost impossible for me to not meddle in, since I'm used to doing everything myself). I spent a few days in Cairo, and got to go to the Egyptian Museum just down the street from my hotel. This photo of King Tut's golden coffin is just about the only good photo I got out of the museum, it was packed to the rafters with people.

The pyramids were very impressive, from just about any angle or any distance.

Here's a gaudy mosque built by a Caliph named Omar. Most other mosques in Egypt are much simpler and less scenic.

Once I got away from Cairo, things calmed down somewhat. I took a Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan. My tour guide kept me on a tight schedule, arriving at destinations early to get in front of the mobs of tourists.

The Valley of Kings in Luxor was quite impressive. Dozens of tombs of pharohs, all found in a remote valley. Queen Hapshetsut's gorgeous temple is found on the other side of the huge hills that surround the valley.

Here is an avenue of Sphinxes going from Luxor Temple out to what's left of the temple of Karnak. Hard to believe these things have lasted for thousands of years, and are now being worn away by acid rain, no doubt.

All in all, I was very happy with my visit to Egypt. I never heard any cross words from anybody (I was expecting at least a little bit of abuse since I look very American, even when I try to dress and act like another culture). Tourism is the #1 or #2 industry in Egypt, and most of the locals go all out to be hospitable and friendly.