traveled in 3 countries Read more
  • Day 7

    Cruise of the Nile

    February 26 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ -2 °C

    Up super early today to get to the airport to fly to Luxor. There was not much traffic at 5, which made for a quick ride. Great flight, nice airport, and on the bus by 10 ish.
    Our first stop was the Karnak Temple Complex. Incredible!! It was busy but not crazy. Mahal gets so excited to show us particular spots she tends to move fast. It was so amazing and so much to see... I wish we had the day ( and no problem walking 😢).
    We went directly to the Luxor Temple and Courtyard, which is dedicated to the god Amun-Re. It is so amazing to walk among these gigantic columns and temples to the god... it is totally amazing that so many of the carvings even have colour still totally visible after all this time.
    The 74 columbed Courtyard of Ramses II is actually the outer parts of the temple featuring colossal statues of himself.
    Amenhotep's III's 14 columned Collonade (where I get to do Supernatural) was pretty impressive all on its own.
    We did not walk the 2 mile long Avenue of Sphinxes, though I would have loved to.
    While it's great having Mahal to give us all the information, I would love to have wondered on our own for a few minutes. She gave us half an hour which is what it took to get back to the bus.
    We went next to Blue Shadow II riverboat, which is to be our "home" for the next week. It is nice and our room is quite cozy but has a huge beautiful window overlooking the river.
    Lunch was good and we are now o the upper deck on deck chair soaking up some rays. Peter is sleeping and I am writing.
    There is no light show for me tonight .... my leg is not happy (again), and I need to rest for Valley of the Kings and Queens tomorrow.
    Read more

  • Day 5

    Cairo to Alexandria

    February 24 in Egypt ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    We left very early for a 3 hour bus drive to Alexandria. The city was not what I expected.... maybe had a "dream" version in my head. It is of courae very old but the area's we went through were very poor. Very industrial city with low unemployment.... less than 1 %.
    Our first stop was the Catacombs of Kom El- Shoqafa. This represents Alexandria's largest remaining necropolos of the Greco-Roman period. It was very interesting descending into the "almost" bottom. Nice to see some of the pieces that would have been part of it.
    Next was the Roman Theater... an ancient rec center as a social hub of Alexandria under Roman rule. It was not very big but quite interesting as well.
    We stopped for lunch at the Fish House. Peter had, the fish and I had assorted vegetables. Heard the fish was fresh and awesome.
    We then to the Library of Alexandria. So Mahalal took on a very fast walk around what "was" the old library. Not a good idea as it took a few of us out... way too fast. Pretty much did me in for the day.
    And, it was closed!!! Very upsetting for all.
    So then we went to the Citadel. It was very cool. It was built using the stones from the .... famous light house ... one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. We enjoyed both the walk and theview and it wasn't overly crowded which wasnice.
    We headed back to Newgiza where we had dinner reservations. It was a verynicefancy outdoor restaurant. It's a bit chilly but not bad and a really nice view. The food was ok.
    Back late and off to bed.
    Read more

  • Day 4

    Discover Cairo

    February 23 in Egypt ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    After breakfast, we toured around Cairo for a bit and then headed into the Egyptian Museum of Cairo. It was very crowded. It's an old museum but was pretty amazing. Lots of statues, artificts, and burial caskets. We didn't go into the Tutenkamon room as it was super crowded. Instead, we went into the Tanis display rooms, which are very little known but almost as amazing.
    I bought a beautiful Egypt coffee table book for 700 EG.
    Lunch was at a rooftop restaurant... ok, traditional food but a little chilly.
    The next stop was the Khan el Khalili Souk. Similar to the medinas of Morocco but the streets were wider, and the vendors were definitely more aggressive. Due to the weekend for Egyptians, it got absolutely packed. Our bus was delayed for over an hour due to some diplomatic issue. Our bus driver is absolutely amazing driving through jam packed streets where we could have grabbed stuff from the window. I've never seen anything like it 😳😳
    Back to the hotel for a quick rest and then dinner. The dinner was Foods of Istanbul... it was good but I was tired and not very hungry. We sat with Marilyn and Allan and Jan and Nick... interesting conversation with really nice people.
    Bath and a sleeping pill ...must get some sleep.
    Read more

  • Day 3

    Tour of The Great Pyramids!!!

    February 22 in Egypt ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Left around 9 to head to Saqquara. The first and oldest pyramid. It is a step pyramid.
    We were able to go into the tomb of a Vizier, and as Mahala told us, it was indeed the best. Inside, though, it wasn't completely finished, were many drawings, carvings, and hieroglyphics... it was amazing!
    We left there and went for lunch and it was traditional and good as well.
    And then, the Pyramids!! Absolutely amazing... how was it even possible is still the big question. We walked around the 2 largest (khafre & Khufu) for a while and then took the bus to the Mencaure pyramid where we went inside. It was an adventure, and we did enjoy it, though, a bit of a letdown to what we both expected. When we got to the final chamber, after going through the very low and narrow walkway, we found nothing but some graffiti!!
    Those of us who did the inside also had a camel ride. I didn't want to but was told I could just sit and get pictures. The driver pretty much forced me to stay on, with Caroline and Mahala yelling at him, and finally, rather than creating a bigger scene, I agreed. I didn't enjoy the ride.... I was very high up. The saddle was not straight, and it was a rough ride. I was terrified to fall as it was very rocky. He took quite a ways to the waiting bus... I survived.
    We then bussed over to the Sphinx. He was amazing, but it was super crowded, which made it difficult to really see much.
    Our security guard for the day, Abduhah, was super amazing. He seemed to always be around to tale pictures, help some of the women down the bus stairs, and make sure to clear the way when it was too crowded.
    After the Sphinx, we headed back to the hotel. We had a bit of a break then to the bar for our welcome drink and dinner. We had a great time, the food was good and the company was excellent.
    Read more

  • Day 2

    Salam Egypt, Cairo

    February 21 in Egypt ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    We met with Caroline and the Approach group at the Toronto Airport at 9:45 and were in the air on time at 12:45.
    Flight with Egyptair was good (9.5 hours), and we arrived in Egypt at about 5:30 am Egypt time. A lot of security before leaving the airport and it took a while to get going to the hotel. The hotel is very nice and our room is lovely! 16th floor overlooking the Nile 😊
    First impressions of the city.... old, very "brown everything", quite dirty and smog. We are in the newer part, so a little better.
    Had some breakfast, which I really didn't need as we ate on the plane before landing. Very nice restaurant with a big selection.
    We are now in our room to take a nap (I am having trouble with that part), then we will head out for a felucca ride, dinner, and a light show at the pyramids tonight.
    Read more

  • Day 10

    Day 10 - Back to Canada

    January 5 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ -1 °C

    Left late... around 11 to get home.

    Disney notes: Aspen's favorite thing was the Elsa Ride in Epcot. Ares' favorite was the Haunted Mansion. Daddy's favorite part was Ares getting his arm stuck 🤪 and Kendra's was the fireworks. Nana's favorite was getting to be with Aspen, Ares, daddy, and Kendra in Disney World ❤️

    Crossed the border back into Canada around 1:30 ish with no problems. Canada is very cloudy and quite cool.

    We will be at the CanaDream office in Brampton very shortly.

    A successful trip!! Thank you, Daddy and Kendra. Ares and Aspen love you! Nana too ❤️
    Read more

  • Day 9

    Day 9 - Still heading home

    January 4 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C

    On the road just after 9, then stopped for coffee and breakfast at Biscuitville. Nana got a full, awesome breakfast with grits. The kids had a biscuit sandwich, and we have blueberry muffins to look forward to later (they were awesome).

    Kendra drove lots in the mountains where there were lots of High Wind warnings. Nana can't drive because the seat will not go up and can't see over the steering wheel 😢

    Alec took over in West Virginia before the last tunnel. Stopped for Lokie... it's cold 🥶

    Stopped in the same spot where Papa and Nana stayed in 2018 and woke to a snowstorm!

    Back on the road at 7 pm. Stopped at a Loves in Slippery Creek for the night.

    Ares is now sick with a cough... doesn't feel too bad. Nana and Daddy both have coughs now too 😞
    Read more

  • Day 9

    Day 8 - Heading home

    January 4 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ -9 °C

    Everyone showered, got things battened down, Aspen threw up, we cleaned up, and then headed out to go home.

    First stop was Shades of Green, a military Disney store at the Disney Golf Course. The prices were a bit cheaper and we did get a few last-minute souvenirs.

    Next stop was in Daytona Beach at a Buc-ees Gas Station. Wow! It has a massive store with everything from fresh food, beef jerkey and many kinds of meats, candy, clothes, and decorative stuff. Super busy. Alec and Kendra loved it. We were there for a long time. Poor Aspen was not feeling good, so Nana and Aspen got some candy, coloring book, and crayons and went back. Nana got pecans, salt water taffy and chocolate drink for Papa.

    We basically just drove after that and only stopped for gas and pee breaks. Kendra drove till 9ish to TA truck stop in Florence, South Carolina.

    All to bed by 10:30.... tired.
    Read more

  • Day 7

    Day 7 - Magic Kingdom!

    January 2 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    Off to the Magic Kingdom. As usual, it's extremely busy. We took the ferry across the lake to the Magic Kingdom entrance and headed directly to Frontierland as it was so busy.

    We got to ride the Walt Disney World Railroad over, and there were not many people there, which was wonderful. We had a raft ride over to Tom Sawyer Island and the kids went through the rifle houses, shot lots of trees and leaves (daddy was showing how to use a rifle), and then we walked around. We got to see part of the parade from across the river. Then we went through some really cool, dark caves. On our way back, the kids had lunch at Pecos Bills Cafe... Nana had some awesome churros and chocolate sauce.

    We headed to Adventureland next and the Enchanted Tiki Room show. It was tropical birds and flowers talking and dancing... cute show and a nice sit-down break.

    Off to Fantasyland next where we happened to be just in time for a show... we were a ways back but got to see pretty good and heard the wonderful music. We toured around the beautiful castle and checked it out. We then went to the Fantasy Faire shop so Aspen could get her Belle costume, scepter, crown, and jewelry. Kendra got some earrings, too.

    We rode the Prince Charming Regal Carousel while Daddy went and got a scooter. Our next stop was the Pirates of the Caribbean ride (where we used the Lightening Pass). It was a really good ride (again😉). Ares got sprayed with water, but it missed Nana...lol.

    The next ride was the Haunted Mansion coaster in Liberty Square. Ares rode with Nana so she wouldn't get too scared. It was really fun and not too scary.

    Then it was time to walk to the monorail, take a ride back to the transport station, and walk to the trailer. We let Lokie out for a bit, all changed shoes, and put on warmer clothes to go back to the park.

    It was definitely colder when we went back. The castle is beautiful when all lit up at night. Our first stop was back at the castle where it was very crowded and almost time for a show. We didn't stay because we had dinner reservations.

    Dinner was at the Diamond Horseshoe Fine Dining Restaurant. The "saloon" was very nice but we had to rush to see the fireworks.

    We saw the awesome fireworks display, though not together. It was horribly crowded... Daddy, Ares, and Nana got pretty banged up where we were 😢

    Our last Disney ride was at Tomorrowland and the Tomorrowland Speedway. Ares drove Nana (he was not happy with how slow Nana was, so had his foot on hers (didn't help..lol). Aspen and Daddy rode and poor Kendra got stuck behind us.

    Aspen's favorite was the real ghosts in the Haunted Mansion. And Ares loved Pirates of the Caribbean and getting sprayed.

    We all had fun, but it was time to go. Everyone was very, very tired. It took a long, long time to get on the monorail (we could have walked it it there wasn't a lake 😁).

    Tomorrow we start home.
    Read more

Join us:

FindPenguins for iOSFindPenguins for Android