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Egypt and Jordan
  • Vickie Ludiker

Egypt and Jordan

A 17-day adventure by Vickie Read more
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  • Trip start
    November 5, 2024
    Vickie LudikerEgypt and JordanTraveler
    Tulsa international Airport

    Egypt and Jordan. 2024

    November 5, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    Another journey is about to begin. This time to a place I have been planning, you could say for decades, only to be disrupted by civil unrest. When I was a young girl, my great aunt Audrey sent pictures of their trip to Egypt. The typical pictures in front of the pyramids of Giza and on camels. The ones that caught my attention was the phynx and their cruise down the Nile. Now it’s our turn to make memories.Read more

  • Vickie LudikerEgypt and JordanTraveler
    Tulsa international
    Heathrow Airport in LondonEgyptian beerOur wonderful room in GizaOutdoor patio

    Day 1

    November 5, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F

    After some 30 plus hours of traveling and 4 different time zones, we have made it to Egypt. We landed in Cairo just as traffic heated up on the road. The sun had already set and what seemed like 4 lane highways……quickly turned into 8. There was no rhyme or reason in their driving and there was a constant symphony of horns blowing. We are staying at the Hilton in Giza. Our room is so spacious! After the albergues in Spain, this is a huge improvement! We have an outdoor patio and the evening temp is 70. Can’t wait til the sun comes up! Grateful that we arrived at our destination safely, grateful for the soft pillow tonight and grateful to finally get to see this Land of Enchantment, EGYPTRead more

  • Vickie LudikerEgypt and JordanTraveler
    Mohammed Ali Mosque
    Guide AtefOutdoor ceiling tileFountain for cleansingInside the mosque. Can hold 200 for prayers 5 times a dayBeautiful ceilingStatues of various kings and pharaohsKing AkhenatenOur outdoor restaurant

    Day 2

    November 7, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Today we got to see more of Giza and Cairo. We traveled east over the Nile into Cairo to see the Mohammed Ali Mosque. A beautiful place for the Muslim’s to worship 5 times a day. In the courtyard was a fountain for cleansing. Columns and sides of the mosque was covered in alabaster. We have a wonderful guide, Atef, to show us his country. Next, The Museum of Egyptian Civilization. There is a whole designated area to the mummies of Egypt. Unable to take pics but it was amazing to see. Ramses II all the way to Ramses IX, Seti I and several others. We finished our day at a beautiful outdoor restaurant with excellent Egyptian cuisine. Again, the driving just amazes me. There is purposefully no lines on the highway for lanes. They maneuver in and out at random. Horses and donkeys are pulling wagons, motorcycles are zipping in between tight cars and trucks and on top of that there are people walking in and out of traffic. People will stop their car on the side of the road and open their trunks to sell goods. Some stop to grill meat on the side of the highway. There are not any stop lights. Our guide said they do not have insurance coverage. Always the honking of horns. It is actually mesmerizing to watch.
    Tomorrow to the pyramids!!!!
    Grateful to let somebody else do the driving, grateful for the bountiful food and grateful for this experience.    Read more

  • Vickie LudikerEgypt and JordanTraveler
    1Cheops and Khufu pyramids
    Having some funOn Mickey and PepsiBackside of pyramids with 4 additional onesBackside and tail of catSillyThe crowd todayThe model for the SphinxKing Aktenaken

    Day 3

    November 8, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ ⛅ 66 °F

    Our day started early to see the Pyramids and the Sphinx!!!! I can’t tell you the excitement I felt upon seeing that cat! Had fun taking some silly pics and wondered around the area. Being Friday, kids are out of school and the govt suggested they go see the pyramids as well. Then it was on to the camels. Steve had Mickey and I was on Pepsi. It was fun and got some other views of the pyramids. Many had been destroyed and only ruins remained. As we were trying to get to the restaurant, the streets were packed with people and cars in a huge jam. I am still in amazement. After a very filling lunch, we were off to the Egyptian Museum (old). The new one opened in October but only a soft opening…not taking huge groups. Dang it. So many of the items have already been moved. Made a stop to do jewelry shopping but am not quite ready to do any buying. I have to remember I only came with my backpack. Hahah. Tomorrow , we have a wake up call at 0230 and a plane to catch at 4. We are flying to Luxor and heading to Aswan. Today I am grateful for fulfilling a long time dream of seeing the Sphinx, grateful for the delicious food and grateful for hopefully getting to bed early.Read more

  • Vickie LudikerEgypt and JordanTraveler
    Khomen the ram Sphinx
    Orisis the God of DeathKarnak TempleColumns with Ramses II cartoucheThe book librarySteve and his ice creamEvening at Luxor TempleBoat that the priest would carry on their shoulders daily to bless the crowdSteve on the upper level of shipDinner with friends Stephanie, Alanna, Amanda, Lonnie, and Alyssa

    Day 4 Cairo to Aswan

    November 9, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    A packed day starting with a 0230 wake up call so we could get to the airport and fly to Luxor. There might have been some bribery involved to get some of our group through the ticket area on time to catch flight. Once there, we immediately went to the temple of Karnak and then in the evening to its sister city of Luxor. The laser light show at the temple was beautiful. We squeezed in a shop to show us how they made paper of papyrus. Many of the group bought beautiful pieces.
    We then were taken to our ship, the Jaz Celebrity. This will be my first cruise and it should be very calm since it is on a river😜. Nice dinner was prepared and we shared it with a wonderful group! Tomorrow we will go see the Valley of the Kings and then by afternoon, we set sail.
    Grateful for our fun group, grateful for another exciting day seeing the ancient civilization, and grateful for the upcoming cruise.    Read more

  • Vickie LudikerEgypt and JordanTraveler
    Temple of Ramses II
    Excavated tombsArt in tomb of Ramses IXThe ceiling in the tombMummy of King TutHieroglyphs in tomb of King TutArtTomb of King MerenptahNile DeltaHome without roofMaking a sale

    Day 5

    November 9, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ 🌙 73 °F

    Ramses II Temple and the Valley of the Kings! It just keeps getting better! Each day I’m in awe of what we have experienced and the next day is even better! We made a quick stop at the Temple of Ramses II and then drove to the Valley of the Kings. On the way to the Valley, we could see active excavation and tombs that were in the mountain. We visited 3 tombs: King Ramses IX, King Tut Ankh Amun, and King Merenptah. Very steep steps going down to the burial chambers. Very little ventilation, but the hieroglyphics and paintings were still there. King Tut’s mummy was still there. His burial chamber was beautiful. The successor of Ramses II was King Merenptah—also a beautiful tomb. Once we returned to the boat, we had lunch and set sail. The Nile Delta is beautiful. Animals feasting along the water. Homes not completely finished (as long as the home does not have a roof, they do not have to pay taxes). Afternoon tea on the top deck. Amazing to see people row up to the boat, latch on and try to sell you something.
    Tomorrow morning we will dock in Edfu and go to see Temple of Horus and the temple of Kom Ombu.
    Grateful for the discoveries made by Egyptologists, grateful for their preservation and grateful to be sailing on the Nile    Read more

  • Vickie LudikerEgypt and JordanTraveler
    Temple at Philae. Temple to Isis. All women wanted to be like.
    The 7 HathorsOne of the localsChristians came using the Greek hieroglyphs (Coptic language)Isis expanding her protective wingsCartouche for Great House (Pharaoh)The temple was moved from this sight due to flooding. Over 70 years under waterAmanda assisting with glassblowing1Faluccas!!!Bulrushes along the shore and the desert behindThe spice shop

    Day 6. Edfu to Aswan

    November 12, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    We woke in the beautiful city of Aswan (translated swan and swan translated to Bazaar. We took a boat over to the Temple of Philae which was to honor Isis. This temple is consider the end of the Egyptian border. It was to protect from the Nubians and Syrians. This temple had been swallowed by the floods for 70 years. The British built a dam but it was not high enough so the Russians added more to the height. It was painstakingly taken apart a boulder at a time and relocated to the Island of Philae. It also had been damaged (chiseled) by the Christians and Muslims.
    Next we went to a glassblowing and essence shop. They sell to the big names in perfumes, Dior, Givenchy and Chanel. Later in the day came the falucca ride. It was perfect with just the right mount of wind to catch our sail for a relaxing ride on the Nile.
    One more stop was to the spice shop. What a room!!! Full of spices, tea, old and new. It was pretty amazing. Tomorrow we leave the shop for a night in a local hotel before going back to Cairo. So very thankful for the beautiful weather we have been having, thankful for our wonderful tour guide and thankful I did not bring a suitcase(I would have over shopped for sure)! Hahahah    Read more

  • Vickie LudikerEgypt and JordanTraveler
    On elephantine Island. Movenpick Hotel
    Front lobby. Inlaid Mother of pearl and turquoiseTrees used in Nubian way of life. Roofs, furniture, brooms, matsMr Mohammed,73 yr old. Once a tour guide now shares his way of life with othersNubian womanArt on the wall for protection and fertilityBed room (baby factory). Children usually die before 3. They have several to help get one to adulthoWeaverNubian scarfWho says I can't walk on water???Pam (Georgia), Amanda (Idaho) and Diane California on a walkSaharan desert with a falucca on the Nile!!!1Moon over Aswan

    Day 7 Elephantine Island

    November 13, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Today we made a move from the cruise ship to a hotel on Elephantine Island. It has been newly remodeled and so very nice. Beautiful views. And it is amazing that by just crossing half way across the Nile that it can be so quiet. We can still hear the calls to prayer several times a day and it has become very soothing. But the noise from the streets have disappeared. We took a tour of a Nubian village and home of Mr Mohammed. He showed us how they live off the land with very little modern conveniences.
    The rest of the day, we relaxed by the pool and had a reset kind of day. Tomorrow we will be taking a plane to Abu Simbal and then on to Cairo. Today I am grateful for a quieter day, grateful for a relaxing day and grateful for new friends.    Read more

  • Vickie LudikerEgypt and JordanTraveler
    Lake Nasser
    Abu SimbelCaptured Nubians from Battle of KadeshRamses II in battle with NubiansThe 4 great Egyptian KingsAntechamberTemple of Hathor and NefertariEgyptian meal of stuffed cabbage rolls, tahini, naan, baba ganoush, tomatoes and eggplant and falafaVery unique atmospher

    Day 8 Aswan to Abu Simbel

    November 14, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Today we were up at 330am. It was our day to go to Abu Simbel!!!! Unfortunately, Steve was back in bed with nausea and was unable to join me. Glad he could stay and rest and later meet me when I returned. Abu Simbel was AMAZING!!!!! Four massive RamsesII statues greeted us when we arrived. It overlooks Lake Nasser, a man made lake. The temple had to be relocated (1968) because the lake would have covered it. It was discovered in 1820 covered with sand. It depicts the battle of Kadesh against the Nubians. The art inside the temple reflects his bravery. A secondary temple was to Hathor and Ramses wife, Nefertari. You are able to see her beside Ramses and then his favorite children are the smaller statues.
    We had flown from Aswan to Abu Simbel and then returned to Aswan. By that time, Steve was up and met us at the airport. Another flight, this time back to Cairo. Noisy and streets are so full due to school being out tomorrow, Friday. We did stop at a very nice Egyptian restaurant. The atmosphere was so unique and the food was so plentiful. I think I was more tired than hungry. Got to the hotel, got shower, washed clothes and now ready for bed. Tomorrow is our last full day in Egypt. I’m grateful that I did not get sick, I’m grateful that I have been able to see all that I was expecting and I am grateful that Steve bounced back quickly    Read more

  • Vickie LudikerEgypt and JordanTraveler
    Rooftop of Gayer Anderson Museum
    The celebration room. Men down and women upstairs. Women can watch.Found a sweet babyEntrance into the Hanging ChurchMosaic of Holy FamilyWay to the caveOne of the caves the the Holy Family stayedThe Tentmakers of Cairo-- found in a shopAll over the storeOur waiterMarket with Mineret in backgroundA vendorDriving through the market! YikesOur group!

    Day 9. Cairo

    November 15, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Due to pure exhaustion, we slept very well. Steve was better but cautious about food. Our day began with a nice breakfast and then off to see the home of Dr Gayer Anderson, an Irish surgeon. He had a temporary position in the Egyptian Army as a Major and a surgeon. He loved Egypt and it’s antiquities, thus leaving his home to the city of Cairo as a museum. Not far away was the Hanging Church, in Coptic Cairo or old Cairo. It was an old Roman fortress in Babylon in the 3-4 century BC. After 6 months of battle the fortress fell, the Romans left and the Christians wanted to be rid of the fortress and built their church over it. (The Hanging Church).
    Next was the Ben-Ezra Synagogue. No pictures allowed. Very few Egyptian Jews are here so it is no longer functioning. Final place was the Cavern Church of Saints Sergious and Bacchus. The Holy Family left Jerusalem to save the baby and for two years lived in various caves along the way for safety.
    Then to lunch and one final round of market shopping. The energy/chaos can be overwhelming. I am sad to see our time in Egypt end. I never thought I would get here and so happy it was possible. Poverty is significant, animal treatment is poor, and health care is limited. There is much need but first they need to care about their country. It just isn’t their culture. I’m so grateful to be an American, so grateful for my freedoms as a woman and grateful for the opportunity to understand this intriguing country and it’s people ( although quite limited). Tomorrow to Jordan!    Read more

  • Vickie LudikerEgypt and JordanTraveler
    AT, our guide
    Cairo airportWelcome to the Hashemite Kingdom of JordanEl Shiraz desertThe Petra mountain rangeHot air balloon over the areaBougainvillea in courtyardAlanna came to visit us at homeOur bedroomThe center of town with Alanna, Amanda, Alyssa and JordanOur viewStreets of our townHandsomeSunset and a sweet cat found AlyssaSunset in Jordan

    Day 10. Cairo to Jordon

    November 15, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ 🌙 66 °F

    We ended our last evening in Cairo with a farewell dinner. We loved our guide Atef (AT). We were up at 0230am so we would be ready to leave for the airport. Will not miss the chaos of the security checks, women in one line and men in another, pat downs, and paying for the toilet…..
    We reached Jordan and what a difference! Clean, quiet and much less crowded. Driving was so much better. We met our new guide Enas, she is very spunky. We had about 3.5 hour drive to our first night destination. We are staying in the Hayat Zaman Hotel. It is actually a renovated village. We each have our own home. Reminds me of the streets of the Holy Lands. Such a great concept. We drove here on the Kings Highway through the El Shiraz desert. We looked down onto the Petra Mountain range and parts of the road we will be walking to get there. Spotted a hot air balloon there too! The temps are cooler. Highs are going to be 50-60’s.
    Hoping to catch the sunset tonight at 520pm and then on to dinner. Early to bed tonight. Grateful to be in the land of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, grateful for a non eventful transition to another country and grateful for all the help we have been receiving.    Read more

  • Vickie LudikerEgypt and JordanTraveler
    Djin blocks. Tombs
    Obelisk tombsThe entrance was once guarded by the Roman'sDo you see the trunk of the elephant from water erosion?A person leading camels. Can see belly's.Camels in front of TreasuryBedouin with his camelsSteve, Amanda, Alanna and AlyssaWe explored a tomb. Huge for the whole familyThe theatreThe Monastery with AlannaStephanie with a sick baby kittenAlanna looks like a localNotice anything different about Steve?Going toward the Treasury

    Day 11. Petra

    November 17, 2024 in Jordan ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

    PETRA!!!!! What more can I say. It was an amazing day. I knew of the Treasury, but had no idea how large of an area it was. Amazing day. The Rose City has been around some 7000 years. It had been completely under water. The tectonic plates caused the sandstone mountains to rise up. The Napataean (Arab) people known as Bedouins first settled in 4BC. It was a popular trade route for incense and spices. The Napataean’s fell to the Roman’s in 104 AD. They had been expert stone carvers.
    We walked the main road, passed through the slot caverns( created by the flash floods that occur). Reminds me of the Narrows in Zion National Park. This area is a cemetery. Thousands of tombs are in these mountains. The more ornate were for royalty. We have an Indiana Jones nerd in our group and as we approached the Treasury, we played the music as we entered.
    The theatre seats 6000, it was a ceremonial site with sacrifices and then taken to a tomb in the caves. Unlike the Egyptians, they did not utilize mummification. So only bones were found. No treasures were buried with them and the inside was not decorated. The Bedouin’s lived here til 1983 when King Hussein requested they leave because it was to become an UNESCO site. Now they have their own community and come each day to work.
    Steve made it up to the Monastery with the girls. I am having a knee issue and decided to not chance it. On the way back, we stopped and had our eyes done. See if you notice anything different about Steve!
    Today I’m grateful for the ability to see one of the wonders of the world, grateful for our tour guide, Ensa, and grateful for a hot shower. Steve decided to have a Turkish bath and massage. Will let you know how that went    Read more

  • Vickie LudikerEgypt and JordanTraveler
    Land of milk and honey in the land of Moab. Bedouin's are nomadic but some have land and livein tent
    Mohammed reinacting MosesOur groupFranciscan church of 3 religionsHoly Lands. Dead Sea (L) and Jericho (R)Mosaic flooring of the story of the landBaptismal that John the Baptist used when he visitedAlterPope John Paul 2020 Jubilee. Honors MosesArtisansBeginningThe alterpieceMosaic floor of the map of the Holy LandsGreek Orthodox ChurchJordanian Barbie's

    Day 12 Amman

    November 18, 2024 in Jordan ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

    Today we traveled to Ammon, capital of Jordan. Six million people live here. On our way, we stopped at Mount Nebo, (mountain wilderness), the place Moses climbed to see the Holy Lands. He died in the area and was buried The location is not exactly known. We met Mohammed at the top by the Franciscan Church. His family owned this land until it was
    purchased by the Franciscans from his great grandfather. He now lives in Ohio and comes back frequently. The church has been renovated due to earthquakes. Some mosaic flooring was destroyed but fortunately one survived intact that tells the story of the land. We traveled on to a shop that is subsidized by the government, they hire handicapped artisans that make the most beautiful mosaics. Sadly, the war in Israel and Palestine have kept tourists away. Where they used to have 1000 people a day they now have maybe 50. We next went Madaba to a Greek Orthodox Church. Again renovations happening. The floor has a surviving partial mosaic map of the Holy Lands. Also they are reconstructing the mosaic piece at the alter. It will be fantastic. On a fun note, we stopped for a bite to eat and saw a shop that sold Barbie dolls. Very unique.    Read more

  • Vickie LudikerEgypt and JordanTraveler
    Court of Justice
    King Abdullah MosqueThe Temple of HerculesIn the center is the TheatreRemains of the Temple of HerculesRemains of the BasilicaPano inside the PalaceUmayyad PalaceOne day f the surviving caves from the Bronze AgeHigh security at a he theatreInside the theatreLooking down onto the floor of theatreThe Movenpick HotelThe Dead SeaStephanieAlyssa and StephanieLunchFloatingHealing mud

    Amman and the Dead Sea

    November 19, 2024 in Jordan ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    Our last full day in Jordan. We spent the morning in the heart of the city. We visited the Temple of Hercules. High amount of security for they were expecting one of the princesses to visit. Great views of the old Roman Theatre, considered the soul of Amman. It goes back some 2000 yrs and was once called Philadelphia. It is still in use today. It seats 6000 spectators. During the Bronze Age, the people lived in caves. Some caves still survive. Much of this area was destroyed by the earthquake of 749AD.
    Next we went to the theatre and there was a high presence of first responders and security for training drills. A drone was buzzing around overhead.
    As a celebration of last day together, we went to the Movenpick Hotel to enjoy the water and mud of the Dead Sea and then some lunch! A very fun and relaxing experience. Tonight we are gathering to have one last meal and listen to some music. Say our goodbyes. Steve and I have learned so much from this group. They are such experienced travelers, they have taken us under their wing and we have loved every minute with them. Will miss them as they return to their busy lives. Today I am so grateful that our paths crossed and I hope they do again, grateful for a wonderful guide and grateful to the Jordanian people for sharing their beautiful country with us.    Read more

    Trip end
    November 21, 2024
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