Today, walked around the Giza Plateau, soaking in the enormity of how special it is to be standing in the shadow of the Great Pyramids, even for the third time the effect is still one of incredible appreciation for what we are fortunate to experience.
Went in to see the solar boat, it was worth the 40 Egyptian pounds to see all the historical documentation of the excavations and see the original workings now encompassed by the museum building.
Hours in the Museum of Cairo, an entire floor almost totally dedicated to the marvels found in King Tut's Tomb...weaponry, sandals, foods,jewelery....a shower head, boomerangs, medical equipment.
 
Staying at the Four Seasons Nile, overlooking one of the most historic rivers in the world...it is very lush and green, papyrus plants, palm trees (short ones with beautiful fronds), flowers, sculpted shrubs, our huge balcony overlooks a very interesting view of an old abandoned mansion across the river- overgrown with greenery....looks totally intriguing to us...cheap riverfront property????
Feluccas, dinner cruise boats, zodiacs, could sit here all day watching the goings on...very fun!!
 
Learning lots....there is a Geological Museum here....did you know that dinosaurs once roamed here in Cairo and the bones are in the museum? Whales trapped in the inland when the land suddenly rose up, they eventually died when the sea dried up and there are over 600 petrified whale remains here in the desert?  Interesting stuff!!
 
Early day again tomorrow to do site inspections on hotels here in Cairo.......operating on too little sleep so signing off for tonight!!
 
Be well!
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Testimonial about Sara Ruth Baughman, Luxury Cruises, Europe, Croatia, Exotic Vacations Travel Advisor: Africa, Windstar Cruise 

Hi Sara,  

It was wonderful! 

I will definitely be in touch when I next plan a big trip and will tell all my friends to give you a call if they are doing the same. 

Best, Caitlin--Caitlin McLaughlin

HIT Entertainment
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Testimonial about Sharon Walters, Egypt, Croatia, Exotic Vacations Travel Advisor: South Africa, Botswana 

Dear Sharon,

I just wanted to let you know that the trip that you planned for us to South Africa  and Botswana was incredible.   This trip was far from easy to plan since I had such specific requests but every aspect of the trip was perfect.  There were many suppliers of services but each one was there when scheduled and every detail was made known to each hotel and lodge.  We were met at the door of the airplane even on the tarmac, rather than inside where other travelers were met.  Our rooms were close to the reception area so that my Mom did not have to walk very far.  The lodges and hotels were excellent and the safaris were outstanding.  I have absolutely no complaints about anything.  I must admit that before we left I had some qualms whether everything would gel but I was not disappointed.  Sharon, you were so easy to work with, a true pleasure.  You are knowledgeable and professional as well as kind and upbeat..  Thank you again for a lovely vacation.  I will not hesitate to use your services again.  Sincerely, Cathy Moncrief
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Testimonial about Sharon Walters, Egypt, Croatia, Exotic Vacations Travel Advisor: South Africa, Singita Ebony Lodge, Teremok Lodge

Dear Sharon, 

We are back now and recovered from our long flight home from Africa.

We had an absolutely wonderfuk time and certainly enjoyed all of our hotels and Lodges, your recommendations for the Athol Place and Teremok Lodge were very good. Singita Ebony Lodge was among the highlights of our trip, and the service there was about the best we have ever had. I want to mention that the nights were quite cold, so we were glad to have been reminded to dress in layers, and certainly every morning at about 11am- we stripped down to our tshirts. 

Thank you for putting together such a magical trip,

Mike and Linda
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Testimonial about Sharon Walters, Egypt, Croatia, Exotic Vacations Travel Advisor: Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles Islands
 
Dear Sharon,  

What a trip.  Other than the small glitch concerning our arrival date in Nairobi (within five minutes, Pollman made that a no brainer) all went exactly as planned.  Trafalgar/Brendan was excellent in Egypt.  Our guide had a degree in Egyptology, spoke impeccable English and on top of all that was personable.  The hotels were outstanding - absolutely first class - you just can't complain about Hilton and Marriott International hotels.
Did everything we wanted and saw all the sites.  Egypt was just great and have to commend Brendan.

Brendan/Pollman/Ranger Safari did an equal job in Kenya and Tanzania.  Everything went flawlessly.  For example, to go from Nairobi, Kenya to our safari point in Tanzania took three vehicle/location transfers and were all done seamlessly.  Drivers were on time, luggage transferred, etc, etc., without any inconvenience to us.  They all did an amazing job.  The safaris were everything we expected.  The hotels were all 4/5 star which boggled our minds considering most of them were out in the middle of nowhere.  I have to retract my earlier email/comment about Brendan and Africa.  They did a great job. Their sub-contractors are outstanding.

The Seychelles were breathtaking. Go-Way and their sub Creole Tours were right on top of everything.  They looked after us as if we were children throughout our entire visit.  Did get more sunburn than we would have liked but it didn't ruin any of our good times.

The best part is we now have a great number of favorite beers and there are a lot of bartenders out there that now know how to make a Manhattan! 

Just can't say enough about the entire trip.  The only downside, and it doesn't involve you, was the 45 hour trip home.  But even that doesn't override the wonderful memories.

Thanks for putting up with us and we look forward to future trips.  Al already has us going to some waterfall in the middle of nowhere, South America, so standby!

We filled out all the surveys we were requessted to in both Egypt and Africa.

Best regards

Fred and Anne and Al and Ursula

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Feedback from our Egypt, South America and Europe Travel Advisor: South Africa, Cape Grace Hotel
 
Hi There,
The entire trip was the picture of perfection. Far exceeded our expectations. The sights and activities you planned were fabulous.  The guides were excellent. You designed the trip to be unique at every stop; so it is hard to compare one to the other to come up with a favorite. 

You were smart and we were lucky(!) to start with Skeleton Coast first and wind up at Ivory Lodge last on our safaris - - start with the roughest first and finish up in luxury. Perfect. Food was great at all camps but the Ivory Lodge was beyond excellent!!

The V&A Waterfront Hotel turned out to be a better choice than The Cape Grace. Our view from the V&A was of the entire waterfront, all of Table Mountain, and the City Centre.  It did not seem like one could get that from The Cape Grace.  Plus, The Cape Grace had lots of construction going on with LOTS of noise. So, we had the better choice, even though The Cape Grace has more luxury.  We'll be in touch soon for our winter escape. Thanks again for all your help & guidence with this wonderful trip..
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Testimonial about Linda Barber, Morocco, Caribbean, Exotic Travel Advisor: Egypt, Nile River Cruise, Cairo
Linda;

The entire trip was fantastic and we have many great stories and 1,000's of photos.  We wouldn't even discourage people from visiting the country in August -- I am NOT a hot weather type of person, but the temp in the morning/evenings, even in August, is not bad, and there really isn't much humidity (tiny bit in Cairo).  They plan around the heat very well and, if you're prepared, it's not as big a factor as I expected (of course, you do have to prepare, but it's not a big deal).  If I was able to take it without much hardship, anyone should be able to.  When we went to Abu Simbel, we prepared for sweltering heat.  But, our flight arrived in the early morning darkness, we watched the sunrise at the temple and by the time we were finished with the entire tour and gone, it had barely reached 80 degrees.  Very nicely planned.

We were also pleased with the details -- the Intercontinental was very nice (this was the one with the negative web comments, but we thought it was nice -- it's not the Four Seasons, but it provided good value; the only downside to it was that it was not very close to Cairo, but we knew that going in).  They even gave us a free anniversary cake on Aug. 2! (which I think they thought was our anniv. date; it's actually the 15th).  The Cairo portion of the trip turned out to be a "private tour," since it was only Michelle and I, which was a very nice luxury. The cruise ship was a nice upgrade -- many fellow travelers commented as to how they went to great lengths to get that ship (they were surprised we just ended up on it).  Our stateroom was very nice and on a nice, high level of the ship with a great view (and a single large bed).  We were bumped to Business Class for our flight to Luxor, which was very nice (could get used to that).  Our guides at each stop were also great -- and always on time -- and made the entire logistics of the trip quite easy.  Overall, the trip was great. 

Paul M.