Caravanserai

I took one of my guests to this fabulous shop the other day. I have blogged about it before. She bought this gorgeous galabeya which we wonder if it would have been a wedding dress.

Pork in Luxor

Pork in Luxor
You have always been able to get pork at Christian run restaurants like the Gaddis but now we have direct supplies from Germany from Luxor Foods. They had their launch party with lots of delicious samples.


Snippets from Egypt Property for Sale:

Some products needed cooking and the schnitzels, curry flavoured bacon were really tasty, others were cold meats like ham and Parma ham.






This is just a selection from their range and very welcome addition to the Luxor food front. When I first moved here it was hard to get cheddar cheese, sliced bread, sugar free cereals now with Arkwright’s, KZ and 40 we have great supermarkets with a good range of products. See below for the current product/price list




This is the current product price list in Egyptian pounds


OUR PRICE LIST.
511869 GRILL SAUSAGE 10 PER PACK. 1KG EP 162,50
67306 GOULASH FROM THE SHOULDER, CUT 2X2X2. 2KG EP 330,--
67305 GYROS,2KG EP 303,--
57313 COLLAR STEAK, 160 GR. P.P. EP 27,--
67304 MINCED MEAT, 18%FAT, 2KG EP 282,--
67309 ESCALOPE (BREADED) 120 GR. P.P. EP 18,--
67310 CORDON BLEU, BREADED, 140 GR. P.P. EP 22,50
67311 MINI KNUCKLE, READY COOKED, 180 GR. P.P. EP 34,50
67308 HAMBURGER/MEATBALLS, PACKED 10X 25 GR.(T.250 GR) EP 30,--
MEAT.
24097 CHOPS, COLLAR, IN SLICES, 1KG EP 123,--
25031 BELLY, AS GROWN, FLANK, IN PIECE, 800 GR. EP 69,--
26017 FILET, 2 PIECES/PACK, 650 GR. EP 163,50
27098 SPARE RIBS, 2 PIECES/PACK, 1900 GR. EP 187,50
23037 COLLAR/NECK, BONELESS, 2.500 GR. EP 349,50
23037 COLLAR/NECK, BONELESS, 1.250 GR. EP 147,--
21617 TOPSIDE WITH CAP, 1 PIECE, 2.500 GR. EP 349,50
24267 LOIN BONELESS/ SLICES, 600 GR. EP 93,--
SMALL PACKAGES.
511866 COOKED HAM/SLICES, 200 GR. EP 37,50
511851 COLD CUT OF SMOKED ROAST/SLICES, 100 GR. EP 24,--
511864 CRUSTED HAM/WESTFALIA STYLE, 200 GR. EP 54,--
FAMILY SIZE.
511854 RAW SMOKED HAM, 500 GR. EP 144,--
511846 SMOKED BACON, IN SLICES, 500 GR. EP 133,50
511847 SMOKED BACON, SERRANO STYLE, IN SLICES, 500 GR. EP 220,50
511849 BREAKFAST BACON, IN SLICES, 500 GR. EP 117,--
511850 SALAMI/WESTFALIA STYLE, IN SLICES 90 MM. 500 GR. EP 96,--
PIECES.
511867 COOKED HAM, NOT SMOKED, 2000 GR. EP 369,--
511859 RAW SMOKED LOIN, 1800 GR. EP 360,--
511859 RAW SMOKED LOIN, 900 GR. EP 180,--
511861 COOKED HAM, PRAGUE STYLE, 2.200 GR. ½ PIECE, EP 459,--
511861 COOKED HAM, PRAGUE STYLE, 1.100 GR. ¼ PIECE, EP 220,50
511863 COOKED HAM IN STRIPS, 500 GR. EP 73,50
SMOKED PIECES.
511868 P SMOKED LOIN, BONELESS, 1900 GR. EP 313,50
511868 S SMOKED LOIN, BONELESS, 600 GR. EP 99,--
511860 BACK PIECE, PRE COOKED/SMOKED. 2500 GR. EP 418,--
511860 BACK PIECE, PRE-COOKED/SMOKED. HALF PIECE, 1250 GR. EP 209,50
511858 COLLAR, NECK, BONELESS, PRE-COOKED/SMOKED, 2500 GR. EP 396,--
511858 COLLAR, NECK, BONELESS, PRE-COOKED/SMOKED, 1250 GR. EP 198,--
511862 ROAST WITH CRACKLING, PRE-COOKED/SMOKED, 3800 GR. EP 570,--
511862 ROAST WITH CRACKLING, PRE-COOKED/SMOKED, 1900 GR. EP 285,--
511857 SQUARE CUT BELLY, BONELESS, PRE-COOKED/SMOKED 1750GR. EP 228,-
511856 P TENDERLOIN CHOPS, PRE-COOKED/SMOKED, 1000 GR. EP 133,50
511856 S TENDERLOIN CHOPS, PRE-COOKED/SMOKED, 550 GR. EP 73,50
511855 RIBLETS, 1 PIECE, PER-COOKED/SMOKED, 800 GR. EP 90,--

ITS EASY, PHONE YOUR ORDER IN, 01110123158, OR EMAIL LUXOR.FOODS@GMAIL.COM AND WE SEND YOU A CONFIRMATION.ORDER PLEASE BEFORE THURSDAY, THEN YOUR ORDER IS WAITING FOR YOU ON SUNDAY A WEEK AFTER (11 DAYS) AT OUR OUTLET “BROODJE HOLLAND”
EL RHODA EL SHARIFA STREET, OPP. THE LOTUS HOTEL. (known locally as Little Britain St)








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Restaurant Review - Pizza Roma

Had a meal at Pizza Roma last night and I can thoroughly recommend it. It is traditional Italian pizza and there were about 6 pages of different options. I had the Gorgonzola and aubergine, hubby a spicy vegetable mix and the children shared a chicken one. The place is owned by an Italian however she was on holiday but she has obviously trained hhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifer staff well as the meal was exactly what it should be, I have been to Rome and it was just like that. Not stuffed crust monstrosities but a thin almost biscuit like pizza base with scrummy toppings. There was also a range of pasta and main dishes. They try and have everything as fresh as possible I was told, and in fact grow their basil on the roof. For desert I had the chocolate mousse yummy. The staff we spoke to Mohammed Peter the manager and Alaa the chef were all charming, in fact when I asked for coffee and they offered cappuccino, espresso and Nescafe. I said I wanted Egyptian coffee so they sent a boy to the local coffee shop! Now that is what I call service. The website with a map and contact detail is www.pizzaroma-it.com and it is located very near the St Joseph hotel.

Shopping in Luxor.

Went out with a guest shopping. Caravanserai is by Medinet Habu, the pictures speak for themselves. I adore this place, so much better than the souk. Even the entrance is interesting.



As for the inside, so many lovely things. Hand woven scarves, pottery, glass, little dolls.










These were a couple of pieces at Selket alabaster that I liked.

Dancing lessons

I have been contacted by a lady offering dancing lessons. Here are the details she sent.


Discover the Goddess within you

For our special Oriental Dance classes we want to invite
Christina Maria http://studioazaharchristina.com/. She is a well known
international Dance Teacher, living in El Gouna and Spain.
Happy hips and graceful arms and hands will be part of the classes
as well as it contains relax breathing, Pilates, exercises of the
pelvic bottom and more?.

We are a nice international women group, living in Luxor. Our ladies
are of all ages and not all models. If you are interested to enjoy with
us the pleasure of DANCE, yallah yallah habibtis!
Offer: 4 days (continuous) a 1,5 h. Price: 300 LE
Beginning: 12. Dec. 2010

For reservation: phone to 0020 121 730 736 or better mail to odance_christina@hotmail.com

New shop Caravanserai @ Medinet Habu

I just found this lovely shop on the road to Medinet Habu. It is full of lovely bits and pieces from all over Egypt. Hand embroidery, weaving, pottery all sorts a real Aladins cave. It is run by Khairy Mohammed Ibrahim Tel +20123278771 khairydaly@yahoo.com the website does not seem to be working but is www.caravanserailuxor.com

Hurrah Sofra is back

Dear All,

Sofra Restaurant & Café in Luxor has finally opened after 2 months of renovation work.

After a lot of hard work, we are excited to welcome back our guests to Sofra Restaurant and Café.

See you soon.

Kind regards,

Sofra Restaurant & Café
90, Mohamed Farid Street
Luxor, Egypt
Phone: 0020 95 2 35 97 52
E-mail: info@sofra.com.eg
Website: www.sofra.com.eg

Egypt Shoes, Customizable Egypt Keds Shoes

Well summer is the silly season, here is something funEgypt Shoes, Customizable Egypt Keds Shoes: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Exhibition by Marianne Bryand

This was held at the Mubarack Public Library. Dr Samir Farag officially opened the exhibition. Marianne is handicapped since birth and confined ot a wheelchair. She communicates by computer or by pointing her nose at a card with phrases and the alphabet. She paints with a brush strapped to her nose. Not only does she paint but she also write poetry and children's stories.

More Art in Luxor

I have been informed that there is an exhibition that is being opened tonight at 7pm at the Susan Mubarack Library, apparently Marianne Brandt is a handicapped lady living in Egypt who paints with her nose and writes children's stories. The exhibition is for week

News from Sofra

Sofra Restaurant and Café is closed from Tuesday the 1st of June 2010 until Thursday the 15th of July 2010.



Sofra Restaurant and Café in Luxor, Egypt will be closed for renovation commencing Tuesday the 1st of June 2010 to make improvements to the kitchen, hoping to make the most of the space. We hope that the renovation will give our chefs the opportunity to improve their culinary skills.



Sofra Restaurant and Café will re-open on Friday the 16th of July 2010.

Art in Luxor part 3

Some details about the exhibition at the Faculty of Fine Arts. translation courtsey of Gooogle Translate

Mission to Egypt: "Mission to Egypt
February 6 to April 9, 2008

I spent 2 months in Egypt to teach drawing and painting. I taught at the Faculty Fine Arts South Valley University of Luxor. The objective is to establish an exchange program between Superior School of Decorative Arts in Strasbourg and the Faculty of Fine Arts in Luxor. In this era of confrontation of cultures, it was a challenge to open an artistic dialogue, to use just the culture and to forge creative links. I found a great thirst for shares and a real need to trade."

Art in Luxor part 2

I was told on Friday there will be a exhibition of painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Luxor. Opening on the 7th at 7pm

Art in Luxor Part 1 Lehnert and Landrock

There is a exhibition of old photographs in the Old Winter Palace at the moment. It opened with a small reception and lecture on Friday by the step grandson of one of the original photographers. They were both born in 1878 and toured Northern Africa taking wonderful photogrpahs on glass plates. When the tomb of Tutankamun was discovered this spured them on to visit Egypt on a Dahabeyya, their collection includes many photos during the innundation.

The exhibition closes on April 8th but many of these photographs are available in the Khan el Khalili Mall in the Lehnert and Landrock Bookshop and Art Gallery which is owned by the step grandson Dr Edouard Lambelet

Arkwrights New Deli Counter

Arkwrights the English supermarket in St Josephs street has just opened a new deli counter with a superb range of cheese and cold meats. I am really pleased to say that since this shop opened it has gone from strength to strength. Standards have not slipped at all. Well done to Angie, Yassar and the staff

The Lantern Resturant

When ever I fancy anything English this is the restaurant I always go to. Debbie is always so welcoming and the food is really fantastic. I had fish and chips the other night and the batter was so light and non greasy, proper chips made from fresh potatoes and even mushy peas. Washed down with an ice cold beer. Yummy

They now have a website http://www.thelanternluxor.com/index.htm

New Banana Island

Well that is what they are calling it. On the West Bank just opposite the Sheraton Hotel,

it is a charming little resturant with a small hassle free bazaar, animal attractions and a laid back atmosphere. Hubby and I went there the other day for lunch and had a really nice time.

:: Luxor Caravanserai ::

Remember me blogging about a new shop by Medinet Habu, well they have a website now. They are also support local women with their handicrafts as well as the charity the Small Pyramid.

:: Luxor Caravaserai ::

Vernissage in Luxor - Art

Thank you so much for this contribution from Dr Klaus Muller

Egyptian artist, Ammar Abo Baker with one of his latest works
Collage by Ammar

All great events of modern Egyptian art take place in the capital Cairo. Well, not always! The exception to the rule was a magic vernissage in Luxor's Marsam Hotel on 15th January. It was a symphony of paintings, children's and adults' drawings, primitive art, sculptures, photos and a documentary film. The Marsam Hotel on the Westbank, more famous as "Sheikh Ali's Hotel" and it's lovely garden gave a nice frame for the Egyptians and expats of a dozen nationalities who attended – just before the archeologists of the Italien, Belgian and Spanish mission will take over this meeting point for artists and egyptologists for the usual excavation campaign mid-January to mid-April.



The folk music, played on traditional instruments by Awlad Manmool and his group was enthusiastically applauded.
The exhibition was organized by the "Art From People to People Movement", an international initiative to break the idiological and geographic barriers and bring people together through art. The members keep the door wide open to anyone who would like to get involved. There are the novelist Assem Abd Alhamed and the painters Dr. Mohamed Oraby, Prof. Roger Dale, Ammar Abo Baker, Ashraf El Sweeny. I personally liked the genial hand of the promising painter Ammar Abo Baker – particularly the expressiveness and vigor of his portraits – and his strong personal radiation.



He has already passed on much of his spectacular style to his student Ashraf El Sweeny (photos of old men above). Being very fond of kids, I spent a long time in front of the impressing Mahrosa photos of a painter with some youngsters and of children holding candles, their faces varying from those of imps to little saints (photos below).
The event was one of the few perfect things in our imperfect world.
The exhibition will last until 18th January.

Klaus G. Muller

More backdates

All change at the ferry port
The public ferry that links East and West Luxor is having a few changes on the West Bank at the moment. In fact the new development is causing chaos as there has been no provision made for the removal of the service car park. So when you land it is a nightmare. Hopeful when it is finished it will be all worth while

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 24th, 2008

More from Dr Samir Farag
After less than one year from the beginning of its launch!!!

Wireless Internet service in Luxor wins the annual prize for innovation in the Middle East

The wireless Internet service which launched in Luxor less than ten months ago win the anniversary of innovation prize in the field of telecommunications and information technology. Organized by a prominent institutions in the field of communications and information technology in the Middle East, which is the first wireless service for wide-ranging be implemented nationwide.
Dr Samir Faraj the president of luxor Supreme Council said that the draft provide Internet service is one of the forms of cooperation between the Supreme Council of Luxor, and the Ministry of Communications and USAID in order to enable tourists and visitors to Luxor to stay in touch with their relatives during their presence always especially in Luxor temple and karnak temple, one of the most important Tourist areas in Egypt and the world visited annually by more than 2 million tourists for this to be the availability of all services and amenities to attract tourists and revitalize the tourism industry particularly since the Luxor are currently implementing several projects aimed at developing archeological sites and opening the door to a tourist investment to establish the number of Hotels and tourist villages east and west bank and is also currently working on a project to implement the latest electronic site for the city to called luxor portal

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 24th, 2008

Convoys - the end in sight?
Our regular mini bus driver Rageeb who many of you know has been attending the first course for drivers in preparation for the end of the convoys. One of the first questions they asked was when this was going to happen and the top guy from Cairo said ………………………….we don’t know it could be tomorrow or it could be next year.

But at least with this course we know it is planned. The idea is there will still be check points but instead of going in a big group with a police escort at the same time every day you would go when you liked and your driver would have d to have been on this course and have a special pass. Wouldn’t it be nice to go to Abydos and actually spend a decent length of time there.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 24th, 2008

Flats in Luxor gors Green with Responsible Travel
Flats in Luxor is officially recognised by Responsible Travel as Luxor’s first eco friendly or “green” tourist accommodation.

Luxor, Egypt 14th July 2008 – Flats in Luxor goes green and maintains its unique position as No 1 for accommodation, apartments and flats in Luxor.

Jane Akshar announced ‘Its official we are now GREEN. Flats in Luxor were the first to offer apartments in Luxor of tourist standard. Now they are the first to go green. We are very excited about this new aspect to our business.’

Jane did a holiday herself through Responsible Travel and liked the concept so much she decided to apply to her own business and make it eco friendly. Having spent time reviewing their business practices, tours and accommodation they made changes in accordance with the latest ecological practices. Staff terms and conditions, environment, fittings and furniture, even their tours had to make changes in order to meet the high standards required.

Jane continued “We have always believed in keeping the tourist dollar in the local economy and this is just an extension of that kind of tourism or travel. There were areas we had to review staff, consumables, recycling, etc. For example our staff are 100% Egyptian, from Luxor itself. We take our responsibilities to them seriously, we recently helped 2 members with their wedding expenses and we always cover sickness. Another example is our consumption of electricity, which is all hydro electric; using low energy bulbs, timed lighting in communal areas, and providing fans so reduce the use of air conditioning. There is lots, lots more’

With many people looking to reduce their carbon footprint, initiatives like this are very welcome to eco tourists. Having travelled to Egypt to see it’s unique historical sites and local culture you then want to make sure you do everything you can to reduce your impact on the environment.

Even our some of our tours are green using bicycles and donkeys for transportation to the sites and walking tours with local guides.”

So whether it is the Valley of Kings, temple of Queen Hatshepsut, buying an alabaster pyramid or a week by a pool you can do it the green way with Flats in Luxor.

Flats in Luxor http://www.flatsinluxor.co.uk/ is owned by Jane Akshar and Mahmoud Jahlan, recommended by the Lonely Planet and Rough Guide. It provides unique independent holidays and tours to visitors to Egypt. Whether you want a full holiday arranged or just a camel trip in Luxor they can help you. They also provide Nile Cruises on sailing boats via Sail the Nile http://www.sailthenile.com/

Jane Akshar is also the author of the popular blog http://www.luxornews.net/ which is hosted by Tour Egypt, the premier guide on the web to holidays in Egypt.

The Flats in Luxor page on Responsible Travel is here http://www.responsibletravel.com/preview.asp?Entity=Accommodation&ID=900688

This entry was posted on Monday, July 14th, 2008

Heliopolis

I am really sorry but don’t bother going there. It is a tiny park in the middle of a very insalubrious part of town. You need an extremely reliable taxi driver to get you there. I have no idea of the opening times I had to shout and scream and jump up and down and eventually (after 45 minutes) they let me in on my SCA card. So I have no idea about prices either. The obelisk itself was covered in scaffolding and the other objects in the ‘open air museum’ were few and not particularly good examples. Still I have done it.


osirisnet.net wonderful resource
I noticed the following through EEF. OK it is not Luxor but it has loads of Luxor tombs, fantastic resource.. Next post, another Luxor story, Heliopolis

Hi,
It has been more than 70 years since the last publication (incomplete) of the mastaba of Mereruka in Saqqara, which nevertheless could have seemed well known, since it is open to the public. We are therefore particularly happy and proud to be able to present to you the first complete publication of this beautiful monument, which includes
21 surface rooms and a funeral chamber (those belonging to Mereruka himself). Thanks to more than 150 colour photographs and many drawings and plans (often original), you will indeed be able, we think, to have a different view of this mastaba. The current coverage took nearly one year’s work to Jon Hirst. This will be extended by the production of the portions of the monument belonging to his wife Watekhethor, and to his son Meryteti.

http://www.osirisnet.net/mastabas/mererouka/e_mereruka_01.htm

Enjoy the visit.

Thierry BENDERITTER
www.osirisnet.net
Monuments of Egypt
Presidents and delegations in Luxor after the Sharm el-Sheikh summit
From the Press Office of Dr Samir Farag


Mr. Laurent Gbagbor, President of the Republic of Côte Difoarbziarh visited Luxor on Wednesday after the Sharm el-Sheikh summit with also a group of official delegations from African participants in the Sharm el-Sheikh summit from several states who were keen to watch the various archaeological sites in Luxor before leaving Egypt to return to their country
Gbagbor began his tour accompanied by Dr. Samir Faraj President of the Supreme Council of Luxor, during which he visited the Temple of Luxor, the Museum of Mummification watched and watch the presentation of sound and light at the Temple of Karnak
He also expressed his deep admiration for the beauty of the ancient Egyptian monuments the pharaonic tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Queens in the West Bank of the Nile as he visited the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut in the monastery Marine and two statues of memnon

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 3rd, 2008

Presidents and delegations in Luxor after the Sharm el-Sheikh summit
From the Press Office of Dr Samir Farag


Mr. Laurent Gbagbor, President of the Republic of Côte Difoarbziarh visited Luxor on Wednesday after the Sharm el-Sheikh summit with also a group of official delegations from African participants in the Sharm el-Sheikh summit from several states who were keen to watch the various archaeological sites in Luxor before leaving Egypt to return to their country
Gbagbor began his tour accompanied by Dr. Samir Faraj President of the Supreme Council of Luxor, during which he visited the Temple of Luxor, the Museum of Mummification watched and watch the presentation of sound and light at the Temple of Karnak
He also expressed his deep admiration for the beauty of the ancient Egyptian monuments the pharaonic tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Queens in the West Bank of the Nile as he visited the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut in the monastery Marine and two statues of memnon

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 3rd, 2008

Benz closes for 3 months
Benz the best resturant in Luxor IMHO is closing for 3 months, Ben the owner has to go back to the UK to sort out some stuff. He will cme back in 3 months probably in a new location.

This entry was posted on Saturday, June 28th

TT46 TT49
Had a mini update on the excavations going on here. The Redfords are leading a field school, lucky students, and excavated the front of these tombs which had been entered via a robbers entrance. By excavating the original entrance and courtyard they hoped to learn more about the owners. Not a lot of luck there but they have found some nice stuff, including some beautiful 18 dyn carving of hair. What an opportunity for these students to be on an actual dig.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 27th, 2008

Takeaways from Arkwrights
Some recent guests of mine got a lunch box takeaway from Arkwrights. It was roderedthe night before and picked up at 6:40am in time to catch the Aswan convoy. I got a report back this morning.

Highly recommend Arkwrights - Delicious, Fresh & VERY Yummy!

So anyone doing a day trip can get a nice lunch from there. Great if you are not staying in a hotel and can not use their services

This entry was posted on Monday, June 23rd, 2008

Hot Air Balloons in Luxor
Last week there was a major accident at one of the balloon companies, Viking, storage depots. You may have read about it on the news. There have been a number of other accidents recently involving tourists. I have long been an advocate of not choosing your balloon ride on price but checking safety records, insurance etc as well.

Hod Hod Soliman have recently published this response to the accident and I have invited other balloon companies to also respond. If I have missed any company, apologies and I would welcome your response. Please email me and I will publish it on this site.

This is Hod Hod Soliman’s comment BTW the quotes are from EgyptMad http://www.egyptmad.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9292&hl which is an open discussion forum and other balloon companies can make comments.

“Hod-Hod Soliman Balloons built a compound to store their balloons and refuel on farm land on the west bank about 9 years ago. It was completely isolated.
Over the course of the last few years many illegal villas and blocks of flats/small hotels have been built in the area, finally right next door.
So Hod-Hod Soliman moved their gas to privately owned land on the east bank where they have a temporary custom built refuelling and storage building. It is near the middle of a 5 acre garden, with an unimpeded slope of about 100 metres towards the river boundary. Nitrogen, which is of course inert, and no fire risk was stored at the original site until it was discovered that locals thought it was butane gas. It has now been removed.
No smoking and no fires are allowed on the present site and no balloons, lorries or other highly combustible materials are stored there.
Hod-Hod Soliman have suggested to the authorities that re-fuelling should be carried out at the local government approved depots for storing gas for re-distribution locally. The authorities have yet to take action.
Hod-Hod Soliman have been actively trying to find a suitable site, where it can be guaranteed that housing whether legal or illegal will not encroach in the future beyond the bounds of safety. This has proved to be a very difficult task. It is understood that some of the present ballooning premises were originally in isolation, but are now surrounded by housing.
All members of staff of Hod-Hod Soliman have received certificated training in fire-fighting from the local fire service as part of their in-house training.
Constant vigilance is necessary by all who are dealing with highly combustible materials of any kind.”

From my own point of view, I appreciate that balloon companies employ about 60 men each and there are 5 large companies. In addition they use large numbers of microbuses and river launches, so contribute significantly to the local economy.
This is not the first time there has been an accident of this kind. A few years ago there was an incident with Balloons Over Egypt, now known as Sky Cruise, where at least one member of their crew subsequently died of their injuries.
I really don’t think that too much care can be taken. I think the idea of refuelling at a gas supply terminal is a good one. Al Hamdulillah, as far as I know no other company has had a re-fueling problem, including Viking Air.

It is unfortunately true, that no matter what safe-guards are in place, the human factor usually plays a part in any disaster of any kind.

Jane, internationally Pilots are recommended to take off with full gas tanks, with enough fuel to last for twice the expected requirement. Just in case they need to fly for longer due to not finding an appropriate landing site.
They use the first cylinder until there is only 10% left then change to the next, and so on. Usually they have two nearly empty tanks and two full ones at the end of the flight if they start with four. Obviously there are contents gauges on the gas cylinders.

editted with further comment from them

In answer to your question, Hod-Hod Soliman started in 1993. Since then there has not been a claim on their insurance. Al Hamdulillah.

There is a Preferred Code of Practice - Hot Air Ballooning, issued by the major tour operators which is pretty detailed. In one section it says:
“Ballooning is by nature a potentially dangerous sport, all participants must be made aware of the risks involved and the correct actions to take while ballooning. Participants should note that although very remote, the risk of injury still exists and they should not participate in the sport if they are unhappy with the fact.”

I cannot speak for other companies, but I hope that all companies give their passengers an information sheet before the flight, which includes the pilot briefing, and guidance on those who should NOT fly. Included in this should be an opportunity to declare to the supplier or pilot in confidence medical conditions which could affect them or other passengers during the activities.

In spite of this agencies still send people in wheel chairs, on crutches, in plaster - either arm or leg - and visibly pregnant, although very definitely no pregnant woman should fly. The first the balloon company knows about this is when the passengers turn up for the flight!

The information sheet should also make it clear that the company cannot guarantee to fly over a particular area ( as they are borne by the wind) cannot guarantee the length of the flight, as conditions whch are not obvious to the untrained may necessitate a longer or shorter flight for safety reasons.

The care that a company takes over the selection and training of it’s pilots and their supervision after they have qualified in my personal view has a direct bearing on the safety record of the company.

Their email is hodhodoffice@yahoo.co.uk

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008

Hot Air Balloons in Luxor
Last week there was a major accident at one of the balloon companies, Viking, storage depots. You may have read about it on the news. There have been a number of other accidents recently involving tourists. I have long been an advocate of not choosing your balloon ride on price but checking safety records, insurance etc as well.

Hod Hod Soliman have recently published this response to the accident and I have invited other balloon companies to also respond. If I have missed any company, apologies and I would welcome your response. Please email me and I will publish it on this site.

This is Hod Hod Soliman’s comment BTW the quotes are from EgyptMad http://www.egyptmad.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9292&hl which is an open discussion forum and other balloon companies can make comments.

“Hod-Hod Soliman Balloons built a compound to store their balloons and refuel on farm land on the west bank about 9 years ago. It was completely isolated.
Over the course of the last few years many illegal villas and blocks of flats/small hotels have been built in the area, finally right next door.
So Hod-Hod Soliman moved their gas to privately owned land on the east bank where they have a temporary custom built refuelling and storage building. It is near the middle of a 5 acre garden, with an unimpeded slope of about 100 metres towards the river boundary. Nitrogen, which is of course inert, and no fire risk was stored at the original site until it was discovered that locals thought it was butane gas. It has now been removed.
No smoking and no fires are allowed on the present site and no balloons, lorries or other highly combustible materials are stored there.
Hod-Hod Soliman have suggested to the authorities that re-fuelling should be carried out at the local government approved depots for storing gas for re-distribution locally. The authorities have yet to take action.
Hod-Hod Soliman have been actively trying to find a suitable site, where it can be guaranteed that housing whether legal or illegal will not encroach in the future beyond the bounds of safety. This has proved to be a very difficult task. It is understood that some of the present ballooning premises were originally in isolation, but are now surrounded by housing.
All members of staff of Hod-Hod Soliman have received certificated training in fire-fighting from the local fire service as part of their in-house training.
Constant vigilance is necessary by all who are dealing with highly combustible materials of any kind.”

From my own point of view, I appreciate that balloon companies employ about 60 men each and there are 5 large companies. In addition they use large numbers of microbuses and river launches, so contribute significantly to the local economy.
This is not the first time there has been an accident of this kind. A few years ago there was an incident with Balloons Over Egypt, now known as Sky Cruise, where at least one member of their crew subsequently died of their injuries.
I really don’t think that too much care can be taken. I think the idea of refuelling at a gas supply terminal is a good one. Al Hamdulillah, as far as I know no other company has had a re-fueling problem, including Viking Air.

It is unfortunately true, that no matter what safe-guards are in place, the human factor usually plays a part in any disaster of any kind.

Jane, internationally Pilots are recommended to take off with full gas tanks, with enough fuel to last for twice the expected requirement. Just in case they need to fly for longer due to not finding an appropriate landing site.
They use the first cylinder until there is only 10% left then change to the next, and so on. Usually they have two nearly empty tanks and two full ones at the end of the flight if they start with four. Obviously there are contents gauges on the gas cylinders.

editted with further comment from them

In answer to your question, Hod-Hod Soliman started in 1993. Since then there has not been a claim on their insurance. Al Hamdulillah.

There is a Preferred Code of Practice - Hot Air Ballooning, issued by the major tour operators which is pretty detailed. In one section it says:
“Ballooning is by nature a potentially dangerous sport, all participants must be made aware of the risks involved and the correct actions to take while ballooning. Participants should note that although very remote, the risk of injury still exists and they should not participate in the sport if they are unhappy with the fact.”

I cannot speak for other companies, but I hope that all companies give their passengers an information sheet before the flight, which includes the pilot briefing, and guidance on those who should NOT fly. Included in this should be an opportunity to declare to the supplier or pilot in confidence medical conditions which could affect them or other passengers during the activities.

In spite of this agencies still send people in wheel chairs, on crutches, in plaster - either arm or leg - and visibly pregnant, although very definitely no pregnant woman should fly. The first the balloon company knows about this is when the passengers turn up for the flight!

The information sheet should also make it clear that the company cannot guarantee to fly over a particular area ( as they are borne by the wind) cannot guarantee the length of the flight, as conditions whch are not obvious to the untrained may necessitate a longer or shorter flight for safety reasons.

The care that a company takes over the selection and training of it’s pilots and their supervision after they have qualified in my personal view has a direct bearing on the safety record of the company.

Their email is hodhodoffice@yahoo.co.uk

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008

Hot Air Balloons in Luxor
Last week there was a major accident at one of the balloon companies, Viking, storage depots. You may have read about it on the news. There have been a number of other accidents recently involving tourists. I have long been an advocate of not choosing your balloon ride on price but checking safety records, insurance etc as well.

Hod Hod Soliman have recently published this response to the accident and I have invited other balloon companies to also respond. If I have missed any company, apologies and I would welcome your response. Please email me and I will publish it on this site.

This is Hod Hod Soliman’s comment BTW the quotes are from EgyptMad http://www.egyptmad.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9292&hl which is an open discussion forum and other balloon companies can make comments.

“Hod-Hod Soliman Balloons built a compound to store their balloons and refuel on farm land on the west bank about 9 years ago. It was completely isolated.
Over the course of the last few years many illegal villas and blocks of flats/small hotels have been built in the area, finally right next door.
So Hod-Hod Soliman moved their gas to privately owned land on the east bank where they have a temporary custom built refuelling and storage building. It is near the middle of a 5 acre garden, with an unimpeded slope of about 100 metres towards the river boundary. Nitrogen, which is of course inert, and no fire risk was stored at the original site until it was discovered that locals thought it was butane gas. It has now been removed.
No smoking and no fires are allowed on the present site and no balloons, lorries or other highly combustible materials are stored there.
Hod-Hod Soliman have suggested to the authorities that re-fuelling should be carried out at the local government approved depots for storing gas for re-distribution locally. The authorities have yet to take action.
Hod-Hod Soliman have been actively trying to find a suitable site, where it can be guaranteed that housing whether legal or illegal will not encroach in the future beyond the bounds of safety. This has proved to be a very difficult task. It is understood that some of the present ballooning premises were originally in isolation, but are now surrounded by housing.
All members of staff of Hod-Hod Soliman have received certificated training in fire-fighting from the local fire service as part of their in-house training.
Constant vigilance is necessary by all who are dealing with highly combustible materials of any kind.”

From my own point of view, I appreciate that balloon companies employ about 60 men each and there are 5 large companies. In addition they use large numbers of microbuses and river launches, so contribute significantly to the local economy.
This is not the first time there has been an accident of this kind. A few years ago there was an incident with Balloons Over Egypt, now known as Sky Cruise, where at least one member of their crew subsequently died of their injuries.
I really don’t think that too much care can be taken. I think the idea of refuelling at a gas supply terminal is a good one. Al Hamdulillah, as far as I know no other company has had a re-fueling problem, including Viking Air.

It is unfortunately true, that no matter what safe-guards are in place, the human factor usually plays a part in any disaster of any kind.

Jane, internationally Pilots are recommended to take off with full gas tanks, with enough fuel to last for twice the expected requirement. Just in case they need to fly for longer due to not finding an appropriate landing site.
They use the first cylinder until there is only 10% left then change to the next, and so on. Usually they have two nearly empty tanks and two full ones at the end of the flight if they start with four. Obviously there are contents gauges on the gas cylinders.

editted with further comment from them

In answer to your question, Hod-Hod Soliman started in 1993. Since then there has not been a claim on their insurance. Al Hamdulillah.

There is a Preferred Code of Practice - Hot Air Ballooning, issued by the major tour operators which is pretty detailed. In one section it says:
“Ballooning is by nature a potentially dangerous sport, all participants must be made aware of the risks involved and the correct actions to take while ballooning. Participants should note that although very remote, the risk of injury still exists and they should not participate in the sport if they are unhappy with the fact.”

I cannot speak for other companies, but I hope that all companies give their passengers an information sheet before the flight, which includes the pilot briefing, and guidance on those who should NOT fly. Included in this should be an opportunity to declare to the supplier or pilot in confidence medical conditions which could affect them or other passengers during the activities.

In spite of this agencies still send people in wheel chairs, on crutches, in plaster - either arm or leg - and visibly pregnant, although very definitely no pregnant woman should fly. The first the balloon company knows about this is when the passengers turn up for the flight!

The information sheet should also make it clear that the company cannot guarantee to fly over a particular area ( as they are borne by the wind) cannot guarantee the length of the flight, as conditions whch are not obvious to the untrained may necessitate a longer or shorter flight for safety reasons.

The care that a company takes over the selection and training of it’s pilots and their supervision after they have qualified in my personal view has a direct bearing on the safety record of the company.

Their email is hodhodoffice@yahoo.co.uk

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008

Arkwrights - New Supermarket
.

First of all for all non UK people Arkwrights was the name of a small grocers in a sit com set in the 1970’s. The use of the name reflects the market this shop is going after, ex pats and tourists.

The staff were all extremely willing, spoke English and very friendly. They all wore uniform t-shirts and the preparation area for the sandwiches was spotless.


It is expensive but you pay what you get. For example I bought a bowl of salad for 7.70 LE, about 70p, now that is really expensive compared to the price of the products but unless you are making for 20 you could not beat the price. My salad had lettuce, rocket, peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumber all sorts. I could have bought all that much cheaper but not in a quantity for one person. I would have spent the same amount (actually probably more) and ended up throwing loads away because I could not use it. Other things reflected that fact they were imported. So not somewhere you would do you regular shopping but perfect for tourist lunches and ex pat special treats.

Layout was spacious and fridges in full working order It was spotlessly clean and they even had their own packaging.



All together I was very impressed, spent loads more than I intended. I bought a baguette and it stuffed with filling, really tasty. Also some lamb and sauces, they had lots of sugar fee cereals, gingernuts. There was also some great bread, multi grain, loaves, baguettes, French sticks.

They also had this totally willing boy with a name badge Granville, so amusing (if you are a Brit) he really looked the part, well a younger version.


Whoops nearly forgot location it is on the road by the St Josept hotel

This entry was posted on Sunday, June 1st, 2008

West Bank dewatering
At a recent lecture we were told by Mansour Boraik of the SCA that they have started to look into a dewatering project for the West Bank. The proposal would be to have a pipe from Medinet Habu to Seti I. It is certainly needed. These recent photos show the situation at the Ramaseum and Seti I

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 15th, 2008

Luxor West Bank website
I have been contacted by the owners of the Luxor West Bank website who are in the process of updating and relaunching the website. It is a German/English site and a good resource for everything on the West Bankhttp://www.luxor-westbank.com/indexe.htm

This entry was posted on Friday, May 9th, 2008

Egypt Exploration Society
I just thought I wold do a quick plug for EES as I have just paid my memberships dues. I have been a member for donkeys years and it is great to support something so worthwhile. They produce a very good magazine as part of your membership and even manage to get it posted to me in Egypt so no problems if you outside the UK. Loads of information on the website www.ees.ac.uk

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 6th, 2008

New Ticket Prices
I Had Already Heard That Ticket Prices Were Going Up 25% In November And Trip Advisor Have Published A Very Useful List.

I have to say the list is a little odd in places as Nefertari’s tomb is mentioned, the Taftaf is already 4 at the Valley of Kings and 2 at Hatshepsut and other names are spelt interestingly or missing altogether. B is used instead of P e.g. Pabasa is Babasa, but having said that it is a good list as it goes

Http://Www.Tripadvisor.Com/Travel-G294201-C85221/Cairo:Egypt:New.Entrance.Fees.Starting.From.Nov.2008.Html

Archaeological Site Price (Le)
Abdein Palace Museum 15
Abu Seir Pyramids 20
Abu Simbel Temples 80
Akhenaton Tomb 25
Alexandria National Museum 35
Amada Area 45
Anba Samaan Monastery 25
Areish National Museum 25
Ashraf Barespay School (Medressah) 8
Assasif Tomb 30
Aswan Museum 30
Ay Tomb 25
Babaza Tomb 25
Bahareia Oasis 45
Bashtak Palace 8
Beir Yousef 25
Beni Hassan Tombs 30
Beni Soueif Museum 15
Birds’ Villa At Kom El Dekka 15
Catacombs (Kom El Shokafa) 35
Causeway Of Unas Pyramid 5
Citadel Of Saladin In Cairo 50
Citadel Mahka 25
Coptic Museum 50
Dahshur Pyramid 30
Deir El Bahary Temple 30
Deir El Hagar Temple 25
Deir El Medina Tombs 30
Dendera Temple 35
Doush Temple 25 Giza Pyramids Archeological Site 60
Edfu Temple 50
Egyptian Museum 60
Egyptian Treasures Exhibition 15
Ein Aseil 25
El Anfoushy Archaeological Site 20
El Araba El Madfouna At Abydos 30
El Bagawat Area At Oasis 30
El Darb El Asfar 25
El Ghoueita 25
El Ghoury Collection 25
El Hamameya 25
El Harawy House 15
El Kab Tombs 30
El Khoukha Area 25
El Kousair Fortress 15
El Lahoun Pyramid 35
El Mamela Tomb At Esna 15
El Mozawaka 25
El Nasr & El Foutouh Gates 8
El Sebouaa Area<45
El Seheimy House 30
El Sennary House 25
El Set Wasila 15
El Shatby Site 20
El Towed Temple 25
El Zayan Temple 25
Electronic Guide 25
Elwet Abd El Gorna 25
Esna Temple 20
Ezbet Bashandy 25
Fostat City 10
Freizar Tomb 20
Gayer Anderson Museum 35
Gebel El Mawta (Mountain Of Dead) At Siwa 25
Graves Of The Royal Family Of Mohamed Ali 20
Great Pyramid 100
Greco-Roman Museum 40
Hawara Pyramid 35
Heibes Temple 30
House Of Gamal El Din El Zahaby 15
Islamic Art Museum 40
Ismaelia Museum 15
Jewelry Museum 40
Karaneis Area 25
Karnak Temples 65
Karoun Temple 25
Kom Ombo Temple And Crocodiles Museum 30
Kom Osheim Museum At Fayoum 10
Luxor Museum 80
Luxor Temple 50
Malawy Museum 10
Manial Palace Museum 35
Mariet Razna Museum At Zagazig Governorate 10
Matareyah Obelisk 15
Medinet Habu Temple 30
Meidoum Pyramid 35
Meir Metkal School (Medressah) 8
Meir Tomb 25
Mencaura Pyramid (3rd Pyramid) 25
Merit Amoun Statue 25
Mery N Petah Temple 15
Mohamed Bek Abu El Zahaby Collection 25
Mummification Museum At Luxor 50
Mummy Room 100
Museum Of Meit Rehyna ( Memphis Museum ) 35
Mustafa Kamel Archaeological Site 20
Nafisa Al Bayda 8
New Tombs At Sakkara 30
New Valley Museum(Al Wadi El Gedid 30
Nilometer At Rodah Island 15
Nubian Art Museum 50
Open Air Museum At Karnak 25
Pompay’s Pillar 20
Port Said Museum 15
Princes Tombs 30
Queitbay Fortress (Day Visit) 25
Queitbay Fortress (Night Visit) 25
Queitbay Fortress At Rasheid Tower 15
Ramesseum Temple 30
Ramouze Tomb 30
Rashid Archaeological Area 15
Rashid National Museum 25
Refaei Mosque 25
Roman Theatre 20
Romel Cave Museum 10
Royal Chariots Museum 35
Sakkara Archaeological Site 60
Saladin Fortress At Taba ( In Usd) 10 $ Usd
San El Hagar Museum 20
Sebil Ali Bek Al Kebeir In Tanta Free
Sebil And Kottab Of Sultan Queitbay 25
Sebil Island 25
Second Pyramid 30
Solar Boat Museum 50
Sultan Hassan Mosque 25
Taba Museum 15
Taftaf 2
Tanta Museum 15
Tel Basta Archaeological Site 20
Tel El Amarna 30
Temple Of Philae 50
Temple Of Hor-Moheb 25
Temple Of Kalabsha 35
Temple Of Oracle Of Amun At Siwa 25
Temple Of Seti The First 30
Tomb Of Nefertary 100
Tomb Of Bashedu 15
Tomb Of Menna And Nakht 25
Tomb Of Rameses Vi At Valley Of Kings 50
Tomb Of Tutankhamun 100
Tombs Of Roy & Sheroy 15
Tona El Gebel & Ashmounin 20
Tree Of The Virgin At Matareyah 15
Unfinished Obelisk 30
User Hat , Khonsu & Benya 15
Valley Of The Kings 80
Valley Of The Queens 35
Wekalet Al Ghoury 15
Wekalet Bazaraa 20
Zeinab Khatoun House 15
Zewiela Gate 15

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 29th, 2008

Arabic and Its Role in Egyptology and Egyptian Archaeology - Nicole Hansen
Nicole aka glyphdoctor has written a really interesting article http://www.glyphdoctors.com/mod/resource/view.php?id=1184 I encourage you to have a read of it.

I felt one of her points about Egyptian workmen recognising changes in the soil better than a graduate student was so relevant. Some of these guys have worked on digs for decades as had their fathers and their grandfathers, they have a feel for things which is worth far more than theoretical knowledge IMHO. At the Open Air Museum there is a guy called Ahmed who is a complete whiz at recognising and reassembling, he had retired but they made him start working again as he was irreplaceable.

Her points about the Arabic language and Egyptian specialists are very pertinent as well

This entry was posted on Saturday, April 26th, 2008

Luxor Airport Taxi Fares Standardised
There is now a big sign at the airport stating the taxi fares to the various hotels on the East Bank. The centre of town is 25, slightly out of town(Sheraton/Hilton) is 30 and the Jolliville and Sofitel are marked as 35LE. That will make getting a taxi at the airport much less hazardous but please remember my post about being generous when it comes to tipping.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008

Diving in the Nile
My Goggle alerts tell me that various artifacts have been found in the Nile, I am not surprised and in fact think this might discover something I ave always believed in. It is another Ramasseum puzzle, why only one colossus, why an asymmetrical temple? I personally think it was planned to have two, maybe the second didn’t get off the drawing board or maybe it sunk on its way from Aswan to Luxor! Perhaps this search of the Nile will prove me right, that would be soooo cool.

Star Gazing
Micheal on the roof is a bit of a star buff, he has done navigation exams and has a captains licence. He is leaving soon having spent the winter here and last night had a farewell and spot the space station party.

Yes the night sky is so clear here and although there is some background light there is nothing like the UK. So at 19:24 exactly as forecast the space station appeared, it raced across the sky and then disappeared as the shadow of the earth caught it. We were all quite fascinated and my Egyptian husband was entranced knowing there were actually people up there.

So there is another aspect to your holiday in Egypt, check up and see if there is anything special in the nightsky while you here.

BTW the ancients were brill at star gazing, remember the ceiling in TT353

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 15th, 2008