Are these two beauties sisters??????

Yes this is Bridget's sister Audrey (John's wife). Their daughter Charlotte is a very keen horse rider. We were blown away with her confidence on a horse and felt very humbled since we have only advance to a donkey. Hahaha!! John has also taken up riding two weeks ago and all I can say is move over Mark Todd.

Dubai skyline. WOW!!!!!!

We were picked up at the Dubai airport by John our brother-in-law who has lived in Dubai with his family and managed the Dubai HP organisation for the last 5 years. As he pointed out features of what made up the Dubai skyline we could only say, 'WOW'. Pity about the desert dust however you soon appreciated that alot of this dust is generated by the ongoing building of motorways and further skyscrapers. Thank goodness our vehicle has air-conditioning. 40 degrees outside!!!

Canal loch on the Nile

It was a surprise to wake on our last day on the Nile to find we were moving into a loch. A bigger surprise was finding they could fit two Nile Cruise boats in at one time. Once in the loch pumps pumped out the water and drops the cruise ships down 10 meters before we continue on our way.

A four wheel drive into the Sahara

Undertaking a 10 hour four wheel drive advanture into the Sahara Desert after completing a 10 hour train ride might sound a big ask and you are B... right!!!!!! However we hung in there and the rewards of the Sahara made the trip worthwhile. One can never underestimate the raw and rugged beauty that mother nature has crafted.

Reflections from the Nile cruise

Beautiful sunsets enhanced by my beautiful wife; quality staff who have an enthusiastic sense of fun and the effort of 12 people from all over the world to respect and support each other through the challenges of Egypt. A nile cruise should be considered a great learning experience for all.

A view from a roof top pool

We had an afternoon resting at a hotel pool in Luxor before undertaking our 10hour train trip back to Cairo. Yes 10 hours !!!!!! I will alway remember the beauty, the mystic and the wonder that Egypt has to offer a traveller. My other fond memory is no matter how far you are out in the country or where ever you look in the city everyone has a digital satelite dish on their roof. The power of TV should never be underestimated in influencing globle development, attitudes and perceptions.

Jeannie Coutts move over

Not that I'm saying I'm an Expert....yet!!!!! but I have started my bid to develop the required skills in order to lead our school's equestain team. The essensial information from this novice is pick a small donkey so mother earth isn't too far from your feet. Photo two shows a view from the top. At all times if your front view looks like this you know you are still on the donkey. Having a slow donkey does have an advantage that you can take photos however there is also the issue of never making your destination before night sets in. Be afraid Jeannie... be very afraid!!!

A lesson in donkey riding from Bridget

The first step is to talk to the donkey to become it's friend. Second is to tell all of those around you in a loud voice 'I think he likes me'. (Ensure the donkey hears this so he knows about this developed friendship). Thirdly when beginning the ride put on a happy smile to show those around you that you have faith in this donkey/ human friendship. The secret is never show any outward signs of your inside thoughts of FEAR!!!!! Hahaha

Buggy ride to the Temple of Horus

This buggy ride allowed one to take in the smells of a big city on a hot sunny day, plus enjoy the smells of a very old and exhausted horse. However travel is about moving out of your comfort zone and we certaintly did when the horse decided to unload his catcher. Hahaha!!!

First record of medical instruments being used

Nurse Bridget was amazed to view the wall carvings proving the Egyptains used medical instruments 3000 years ago. Our biggest surprise was a stethascope carved on the wall.

The wonders of Edfu Temple. 400 years to build

There is always something to catch your eye on a Nile Cruise

Adults playing party games is entertaining for all

Beautiful Bridget never stopped smiling

Nile Cruise Party

The traditional Egyptain Nile party took some time in the craft markets and the make up cabin before we all contributed to a fun filled night. I am still wearing my make-up....Yeah Right!!!

Night out at the Aswan Markets

The markets in all the tourist towns stay open until 11.00 pm because everyone want your tourist dollar. Surprise , surprise we discovered an Egyptain cafe serving Sheesha which is the Egyptain version of Arglia which we tried in Istanbul. Yes more coughing but alot of fun!!