Today we left Dakhala and kept heading South through the Western desert. It was a pretty leisurely day, we had lots of little stops throughout. For some reason we also managed to pick up a police escort and an in car guard today. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with what's going on in Cairo, but it didn't really make us feel all that comfortable either way. This morning we explored around the ruins of an old Coptic village. Quite pretty and you could still...

Another day in the Western desert and I love it! This morning I got myself up early to watch the sunrise over the oasis and read my book. So relaxing. I can honestly say that this must be one of the most picturesque places on earth. After breakfast we went to these old ruins in Dakhala that was an Islamic town from the 11th century through until only about 25 years ago. Really beautiful. After the ruins it was more off road driving in the jeeps, and more san...

Today it was up early to watch the sunrise over the desert. Beautiful. Breakfast at camp and then a walk through the white desert. Met up with the jeeps and continued driving onto the oasis town of Farafra. On the way we stopped and swam at a natural hot spring. The Bedouin men brought us all mint tea while we were floating in the spring, and I have to say it was pretty relaxing! Farafra is a very small town. We stopped at a local artist's house to look at his w...

Up early today and headed off in a jeep to the Western Desert which is the start of the Sahara. Arrived in the town of Bahariya at lunch time. This is the nearest oasis to Cairo. It's amazing how you can drive through the desert for hours with there being nothing but rocks and sand, and all of a sudden- palm trees, and greenery, and life. Bahariya is a very small town. We spent a while just walking around it. They grow dates there, and wow did they taste good. ...

Early start to the day. Felafels again for breakfast. I'm starting to think that any day where you have felafels for breakfast has to turn into a good day. This morning it was out to Giza to look at the pyramids. Beautiful. I went inside the smaller of the pyramids. I'm not claustrophobic, but wow. The air is just so dense and hot in there, and the tunnels so small. Went round the sphinx as well. This afternoon Stephen (another Aussie on the tour) and I went ...