Rough Itinerary

Trip Start Jun 21, 2008
1
23
Trip End Jul 24, 2008


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Flag of United States  , Washington,
Friday, May 16, 2008

 I've drempt about traveling to Egypt for years so I just decided to go now.  I have no money but at least I have time - which I think is the more flexible of the two - so I'm trying hard to make that work. The money that I saved from my job in Montana is wholeheartedly funding the expenses incurred thus far and in the next months. But when I think about it, there's not much else I'd want to do with the money anyways!!

I am flying into London to meet an old friend, then continuing onward to Egypt, traveling north through Jordan, Syria, and Turkey.  I had heard great things about Turkey from my previous roommate, so I decided to just go overland through the Middle East.  And the more I read about Jordan the more I fell in love with what seems to be an undiscovered gem.  For whatever reason I am very drawn to caves, deserts, and mountains. The Middle East seems to be a region that remains relatively undiscovered and full of surprises!!

I'm kind of an anal planner.  I have spent over 8 hours daily for the past 2 weeks researching different routes, itineraries, safety, prices, dangers, reputable tour companies, customs, scams, along with every detail down to timetables and tipping for every transport leg I will take by train, bus, taxi or felucca!  You can never guess what will happen but I think I am as prepared as I could be.   I have learned that the best gameplan is to come in w/ your own ideas but along the way always be flexible in adapting your route to circumstances and the people you meet.

My biggest dilemma was deciding whether or not to book with an organized tour company.  In the end, I have hired a personal local guide to show me the places I want to see around Egypt.  In addition to my sentiment regarding group tours, I don't trust the reputation of the millions of tour companies, nor do I feel comfortable paying hundreds of dollars for guides that could end up being super sketch and unreliable. By going with the recommended guide I hope to retain the freedom of making choices of location and length of stays, but also have the piece of mind in feeling safe as a solo traveler.  I've never done the guide thing before but think it necessary for this trip given my time constraints and logistics..  so we'll see how it goes. Getting the best of both worlds isn't cheap but hopefully it'll work out best.

After 3 weeks back in Seattle I finally found work. I worked with Cirque du Soleil for 2 weeks (such a fun time!), and worked the remaining 3 weeks at Farmers Life Insurance. Quite the contrast.. but it is what it is.  Keep checking back for updates, I will try to find internet as much as possible in order to keep in touch w/ friends and family. Thanks for all the support!
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