Almost Home...

Andy and I are finally back in Munich and not a minute too soon if you ask me. Egypt was a great experience to do once in my life, but it's honestly not a place I'd have a burning desire to go to again. I would definitely recommend seeing the sites there though; the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings, and the Egyptian Museum top my list of things to see before you die! Anyway, I think I'm ready to come home, but not to work...hehe.

Like I said before, Egypt is dirty and hot. I wonder how it compares to other poorer Asian countries? We pretty much stayed in 3 star hotels the entire time, but by North American standards they were like a 2 or worse...kinda like a motel where you don't want to touch anything. In fact at the resort in Sharm as we were getting let into our room there was a gigantic cockroach on the bathroom door. It was no big deal to the bell man, but Andy made him hunt it down and kill it! Yuck!

Our Egypt itinerary went pretty smoothly, almost everything according to plan. We did Cairo and Aswan without a hitch. From Aswan to Luxor we did an overnight felucca trip along the Nile and then got picked up by a police convoy to go to Luxor. A felucca is a boat that Egyptians used to use to transport themselves and stuff on along the Nile in the olden days. These days it's just used to entertain the tourists. It's pretty much just a sail boat with no cabins. We had two Nubian crew members manning the ship and cooking our meals. At first the felucca was pretty neat. It's incredibly relaxing and we spent a lot of time just snoozing and talking. Things took a turn for the worst when Andy started to get a funny feeling all over. We all thought it would pass and he even took a dip with Tino in the Nile, which is very brave considering the books tell you not to...something about parasites swimming up the urethra (just kidding!). Andy didn't get any better as time went on (even with the Egyptian bud...go figure). He was definitely having an "Egyptian belly" aka traveller's diarrhea and he was feeling a bit feverish. He assured us he didn't need to be brought to the local doctor, so we went on with our boat ride. We knew poor Andy wasn't doing too good when he got off on the island where we docked for the night to use the toilet and he thought the donkeys were talking to him. He made it though and he didn't even lose any weight...double screwed! In the end we all thought it was heat stroke.

Luxor was literally like an oven! We hardly survived our first day there walking around looking at the sites. We were pretty happy to get out to Sharm and Dahab, which are resort and beach towns. I'm proud to say that I snorkled even with my fear of water! Thank god Andy was there or else I probably would have drowned! The experience was pretty cool. The coral and fishies just swim around you, although I could have sworn they were planning an attack on me in the beginning. Kill the weak one, right...hehe. Every one but me ended up getting a sun burn, but I look pretty much black now. Even Andy looks less atomic white now, except for the private bits...just ask him to show you...hehe...no nude tanning for him.

Yesterday we took a flight from Sharm back to Cairo and then Cairo to Munich at 3:30 am. We had loads of time to kill so we asked our driver to drop us off at the biggest mall in Cairo and boy was it BIG. If you read my last entry I said that most Egyptians are poor...well I take it back. The Egyptians I saw were poor. This mall was gigantic! Bigger than anything we have in Vancouver and it kinda reminds me of an Edmonton Mall minus the amusement park and water slides. Anyway, that teaches me not to make assumptions! I think there's quite a large gap between the classes though. There are definitely quite a large number of under privledged citizens in Egypt.

Well our time is coming to an end. I think Andy and I are just going to chill out here in Munich until Saturday when we fly back to Vancouver in the morning. I can't wait to see every one. I'm definitely a different person than I was when I first travelled. Before my trips used to be about "finding" myself or being enlightened some how, but not so much these days. Travelling really opens your eyes, but more importantly it makes you appreciate what you have, which unfortunately we all need reminders.

Here are some last comments and thoughts. See you guys back in Vancouver on Saturday!

- Metal detectors are every where, even some made out of wood?
- It's possible to smuggle guns in any Egypt airport. Just tell them it's your belt beeping.
- The Egyptian pounds are the dirtiest money I've ever touched. They smell like poo!
- We all road camels! Mine liked to eat garbage. Camel toes are cute.
- Every one here is almost always named Ahmed or Mohammed.
- There's police everwhere, but our guide said their guns are probably too old to work.
- Water pipes are fun! It's like blowing bubbles, but inhaling.
- My deodorant finally was destroyed. I ended up using Andy's Axe and noticed a lot more ladies checking me out...but Andy thinks they were lesbians...he's just jealous!

That's all folks! See you all soon.

The Egypt Experience...

We're still alive! It's been hard to find internet here in Egypt, but we're in Sharm El Sheik, which is a resort town. We're actually in the last leg of our trip, but I was dying to get on-line, so I bit the bullet. There's so much to say about our trip here in Egypt; Andy and I could probably write a book... I think this'll be a long blog so be forewarned! They have a North American keyboard too, so I'll probably go buck wild...hehe.

Me, Andy, Tino, and Denise took the red eye from Munich to Cairo. We didn't actually touch down until 1:30 am, but thank god we had a rep from our tour company there to meet us. Denise did some research and planned our entire Egypt trip through Lady Egypt. It's a private tour with just the four of us and we basically get all of our transfers and an Egyptologist at all of the sites. It's pretty cool. We have a contact where ever we go 24/7...thank goodness.

It's pretty nuts here in Cairo and Egypt as a whole. I don't think I've ever been this overwhelmed. I'm so thankful that we're pretty much taken care of this entire trip, cause I don't know how I could have done this on my own. This whole country is ghetto in some way or another. In Cairo alone there's 20-25 million people. It's the second largest city in the world next to Mexico City...and it sure feels like it too. There's no traffic lights here and traffic is chaotic! People cross the street by standing in free gaps in the road between cars. It's like a game of Frogger! Cars don't follow lanes and they just zig zag through the streets. They just go around honking their horns and flashing their lights to let others know to get out of their way. We had some near misses when we first tried it on our own, but we're pros now...hehe.

So Egypt in general is hot and dirty, especially dirty in Cairo and especially hot in Luxor. Every one here wants your money. The standard of living is pretty much crap for most of the Egyptian citizens. Tourism is their second biggest money maker next to the Suez Canal. People get paid next to nothing here and they pretty much rely on tips (or baksheesh in Arabic). Living in North America we know about tipping, but it's crazy here. They want tips for every thing! We even had police officers at the Pyramids getting us to climb up (which is not allowed) and helping us take pictures for a small tip! It's annoying, but people are pretty poor here. Egypt is very far behind the rest of the world. Most Egyptians, even the ones who work in tourism never leave the country because it's just too expensive. With that said they think every Oriental-looking person is from China, Korea, or Japan. It was funny in the beginning, but now it's making Andy and I totally mad! People are so desperate to sell you something that they approach you in a friendly manner, but always the same way. It's like they have this hand book or something. It's always "My Friend. Welcome. Where are you from? What's your name? China? Korea? Japanese?" Then they try to sell you something at a "special" price. It's unfortunate, but the impression that most people get, including us, is that every one is out to cheat or screw you over. On the other hand, people are pleasant and nice. There's a real sense of brotherhood here, like every one is looking out for each other (except the tourists).

Ok, I'm going to wrap things up now. We'll be back in Munich in a few days and I'll write more then. I know I haven't said much about the sites, which are amazing, but the real story is the stuff in between.

Hope every body is good at home! I can't wait to get back to Vancouver for sushi, refillable drinks, and bubble tea!

Nice to Munich

Andy and I have a flight to catch so I need to make this a quickie. We went to Monte Carlo and Cannes these last two days, which were nice day trips. There's definitely a lot of money around there and we don't have any of it! We missed both the Grand Prix and Film Festival by a few days, but we saw the remnants of it. We even got to stand on the red carpet in Cannes...how thrilling. We stood in the expensive seats above the Grand Prix (if it was still on) and Andy so eloquently said "Darren would spluge in his pants in these seats". There are yachts the size of cruise ships here...needless to say Andy has huge yacht-envy...hehe. There's expensive cars and shops on every corner and an endless supply of tourists.

So we're about to leave Nice. Overall our impression of France is great...we were pleasantly suprised! Our B&B in Nice was fabulous (http://www.nicehomesweethome.com/how.htm). I'd highly recommend it. There are piles upon piles of dog poop here (way more than in Paris) and we've seen owners just let their dogs do their business right on the sidewalk and walk away. Good thing we have good poo-dar! We've seen loads of cute Westies here too, which was a real bonus (you've got to get one Lisa)! They're so much cuter than any kids I've seen!

Gotta end off with some final thoughts...

- They use high performance tires for tire walls in the Grand Prix (that's for you Dar)
- In Cinque Terre they were charging 5 euros for 1 hr of internet on CRT monitors! I'm a snob now!
- Out of total coincidence we saw Andy's cousin in Monterosso! We didn't even know she was in Europe.
- Being in Monte Carlo feels like a Lotto Super 7 commercial.
- I think French bread, butter, and jam tastes way better here.
- Spending loads of money on food, but don't worry Andy's paying! Cheaped out a bit in Nice and bought a roasted chicken at the supermarket! Gotta love donairs too!
- No bottle recycling/deposits...what do the grannies do here then? They must be bored!
- Need to do laundry, flipping undies just not working any more...just kidding!

Happy Birthday to everyone who had or are having their b-days! Sorry we had to miss out on the BIG 30's!!!

Nice, France

Monte Carlo during Grand Prix

Oh how "Nice"...France I mean

Hello everyone! So we finally made it back into France after a short trip to Cinque Terre, Italy. Since the last update we spent our last afternoon in Paris at the Orsay Museum. It was a perfect way to end off Paris. We flew to Genoa that afternoon. On the plane Andy and I did our first reading about Genoa. Little did we know that Genoa is a bit of a dive. There were all these comments like don't walk late at night, watch out for alleys, and beware of the dangerous prostitutes! Looked like we were in for a treat. In the end Genoa was ok, but we just wanted to get the hell out of there. It was an omen that on the first morning as I was about to put on deodorant that the whole thing crumbles to pieces! I hate it when that happens... Anyway we had an awesome meal, which really saved Genoa for us. First thing the next morning we took the first train out to Monterosso, which was the smartest thing we've done so far.

Cinque Terre is absolutely gorgeous and it was scortching when we arrived. The place we stayed at, Casa Manuel (http://www.manuelsguesthouse.com/)(thanks Amber for the tip), was on the side of a hill, so it was a long sweaty hike with our packs. Manuel had the two laziest dogs I've ever seen, Chico and Nuit. Couldn't protect a fly those doggies! In Cinque Terre we did the long hike through all the five villages (Lisa, you better start practicing the Grind). I was prepared for the worst, but the conditions were great...cool and windy. We started off at 10 a.m. and didn't get back to our hostel until 6 p.m. We were just disgusting messes! We tried to role play Jen and John's romantic moment, but how could we compete? On our last day in Monterosso we did the beach thing. I love how so many Europeans are comfortable in their own skin. Both women and men just let it all hang out! It was like being in the shower at the YMCA x100. In true European form I let my hot dog belly get some rays in my 2-piece...never at home! I can't say the same for Andy...no speedo! But there were enough speedos on the beach for me to go blind. No matter what you call them, banana hammocks, marble bags, they're just wrong. You can definitely spot the Europeans though and their little kids cause dad and son would be standing side by side prancing in their skimpy suits.

So now we're in Nice. The train ride was long. We're just about to go to Monte Carlo so it's time to wrap it up. Here some last thoughts...

- Axe deodorant is a sham, just ask Andy.
- Different worries here, only pickpockets and no drive-bys.
- Gelatto everyday in Italy so far...minus 1 for the diet.
- Andy looks like a lobster...no amount of sunscreen protected his whiteness!
- I need to practice my squatting, I kinda pee'd myself a little. No friggin toilet seat...grrr
- I need to learn how the Europeans stay skinny, they eat all the time but don't gain the pounds! Must be the chain smoking and the booze...sign me up!

Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre

Vernazza, Cinque Terre

Paella at Ciak (Monterosso, Cinque Terre)

Last night in Paris...

Last night we went to this supposedly "hip" bar for a drink (www.kong.fr). This isn't my thing as you all know, but my sister and friend wanted a night out since it was their last night. The place was much too frou frou for me, but I did order a tequila sunrise instead of my usual diet coke. The drink was 12 euros, but they didn't skimp on the alcohol. I was tipsy after just one, but maybe b/c we only had bread and cheese for lunch. The place was quite nice. We had a view of the Seine River and a huge LV store. We snuck a peek at the toilet (who wouldn't?) and there was no way to tell boys from girls except for the man peeing in the urinal in plain sight. I was staring at this guy thinking he was washing his hands...oops! We ended up walking thru the rich VIP club district and Andy saw a Bugatti Veyron (that's for you Dar)...it just looked like a funky car to me? I wonder if that's expensive...hehe.

So today we woke up late from our night out. We ended up going on a 2 hr French Revolution walking tour, which was great...if you're interested in French history. Andy and I both enjoyed it for real. We saw my sis and her friend off and Andy and I headed up Montmartre, a slightly seedy part at first, but the Sacre Coeur and the view were spectacular. After that we made a B line to where the French (and tourists) have "sexy time"...the Moulin Rouge. There we ate our donair and fries gazing at the sex shops and the famous cabaret theatre. At one point we saw a tourist drop his pants exposing his tight turquoise european undies so his wife could take a picture of him and the Moulin Rouge!

Last thoughts...
- I have yet to see an overweight French man/woman
- I spent 4 euros on 500 ml of Coke zero
- Why can't we have tax included in all our prices with minimal tipping

Paris

We made it safe and sound! The flight was pretty typical, long and painful. We were lucky enough to have personal TVs on our way to Montreal, but AC cheaped out on the flight to Paris. We've done tons already. We've seen Notre Dame, walked thru the Louvre, watched the sun set on top of the Eiffel Tower, drooled at shop windows along the Champs Elysees, and stood under the Arc de Triomphe. We just got back from a day at Versailles. That's one sweet place! Our feet feel like they're going to fall off...hehe. The weather has been pretty good, rainy days are better than the super hot muggy ones. Our one night at the Marriott was great and our other hotel is definitely a huge step down. So sad. My sis tried to get them to extend our rate for more days (how Chinese!), but we were denied! We've done loads of walking and Andy hopes to lose his spare tire, but the buttery pastery, cafe au lait, and French cuisine isn't helping the cause. Paris is pretty wonderful. The ppl are suprisingly nice and friendly, go figure! We haven't bought any thing other than edibles cause things cost an arm and a leg here (sorry to disappoint girls) and I don't have a huge rock on my finger (no surpise there). I need to keep this short since the keyboards in this country aren't North American friendly.

Some key points:
- thank god for comfortable shoes and deodorant
- most French speak English
- no bed bugs so far (thinking of you Kar)
- the metro here rocks
- the police are HOT and they have big guns
- the French know coffee (sorry Timmy's)
- need to rent the Da Vinci Code
- if you're coming to Paris download Rick Steves audioguide!

Until next time. Andy's alive and well, I haven't killed him yet, not to worry!

Is it just me or is the week before holidays painful?

Four sleeps to go before our vacation starts! My excitement level is only moderate right now. I know for sure it'll go through the roof the minute the plane lifts off. My heart usually starts beating really fast and I'm overwhelmed by the feeling of how fortunate I am in my life.

But before all the warm fuzzy feelings begin, I have to get through this week. Getting organized sucks! Packing sucks! Making sure all your bills get paid sucks! This is the part I hate the most...but only four more sleeps to go. Besides, it's not the end of the world if I forget to do a few things, right? I just hope I don't have to borrow Andy's man-panties!

Probably the worst of it right now is that my brain (and wallet) have already started the vacation without me. I've already burned a hole in my credit card and I haven't even started day 1...hehe. Oh well, I'll have a shiny new bike to come home to. Sweet!