| Thank you for making the Egypt trip available .
I thought the trip last year to Vietnam was the best itinerary I had ever taken but that was until the Egypt trip. This trip was the most professional, well organized and accommodating trip I have ever taken. The Egyptologist is wonderful; she is knowledgeable, personable, charming and honest in what she says and does. Gihan usually accompanies Lindblad and Abercombie and Kent trips in Egypt; so, we were very fortunate! She traveled with us throughout the trip: all thirteen days. She also provided insight about Islam and the role of women. The information, history and mythology for each site we visited was discussed intelligently even for those on the trip who had the least background.
The merchants Gihan selected were high quality and fair; she provided opportunities for limited, but quality purchases of jewelry and carpets as well as other items if we wished. (She took me to purchase a high quality galabiyya in Luxor). In addition, she took us to the important souks, Khan al-Kalili in Cairo and souks in Luxor and Aswan). (I like markets for the photo opportunities but prefer the quality shopping; but obviously, I am not typical !) We took every imaginable form of transportation including a camel and felucca. The ship, Mirage I, was new; this was its second sailing. It has every convenience and the food was excellent.
In addition to the security provided by the Egyptian government, we had a security guard throughout the trip. He was our "mother." He knew all eight of us by sight and kept track of us. I felt secure at all times. In fact, I would have liked a little more freedom. But seeing the security that is normal and everyday for people who live there, I know free access is not possible in the Middle East now.
The special treats included a wonderful evening with the Blind Women's symphony orchestra and dinner as well as fruit in our rooms throughout the trip. They were more than accommodating with my flight schedule to and from Paris. I am very grateful to you for this marvelous travel opportunity. Were to next? I like the off-beat. How about the Amazon Basin? Maybe I will have enough money for India next year.
-D. Sobul of LA
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