This is taken from my hand-written journal pages...thoughts on the train back from Luxor on Saturday. More soon about the actual trip...

Beautiful scenes out the window! Palm trees, green fields, mountains on the west bank of the Nile. Sitting in 1st class b/c that's the only ticket we could buy. Supposedly, 2nd class was sold out. So nice and warm in Luxor. Short sleeves, shorts, sunglases, and lotion for our sight-seeing. We went to Karnak Temple on Feb 13 and then to Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple on Feb. 14th. I saw the Tomb of Merneptah, the Tomb of Ramses III, and the Tomb of Tuthmosis III. They're all numbered, so these were KV (King's Valley) #8, 11, and 34. Lots of tour groups. French groups all over on Feb 14.

It's going to be a 10 hour trip today. We came all night and slept on the way to Luxor, and that was fairly restful. I'd like to nap now, but it's so pretty outside right now.

[1 hour later]

I napped anyway, and it's still pretty outside. Aside from the buildings, the landscape reminds me of Phoenix, Arizona. That makes me happy!

We're stopping frequently over the first half of the trip. After that, it's more like an express. Maybe part of
my "everything is great here" feeling is over. I'm noticing how bad some people smell -- b.o.! *laugh*

The day goes on...now 2:20pm. Many men with guns on the train. I suppose it makes me feel secure, yet it also reminds me of the possibility for trouble. If not, then why have the protection?

Everything crumbles into dust. Tops of buildings, sidewalks, people? No, people seem generally cheerful and hearty.

We're now along to 4pm. Mountains are still in view. Dark smoke rises from the fields. These are sugar cane fields and after the harvest, the fields are burned to clear them for a future crop. Small fires, not huge. Just each little farmer burning his individual field.

Some observations on Egypt...

Cats, cats -- everywhere! Not pets, just in the streets looking for food. Some dogs too, but many more cats. Some look ok, but a few look just 1 step away from mummification!

Things are falling apart, but it's also that buildings are just left unfinished. Potential for more stories on top, or lack of funds? I'm not sure, but many buildings are like that.

Almost 5pm and the sun is starting to set. It will feel cool in Cairo, especially tonight, after being so warm in Luxor.

I just saw a full-sized soccer field, with grass. Not professional, but it must have been a high-priced club where people have memberships. Mostly, kids just play in the streets.