marhaba (welcome) to luxor!

Felucca on the Nile at sunset

If you are pressed for time, and you can only go to one place in all of Egypt, this is it. I know, I know, I just a made a big stink about the pyramids of giza, which should be on your bucket list, but Luxor is the jam. For those of you who are wondering what the h Luxor has to offer. Let me tell you...Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, Karnak, felucca rides down the Nile, Carter house, Hot Chicken Soup Temple and more!

All that said, one of it's biggest cons and I mean BIG, HUGE, fat con is the extreme pesterization and hard sells. I thought the pyramids were bad, Luxor is 1000 times worse. Forget a peaceful walk ANYWHERE. You will be hounded like there is no tomorrow. And I mean, these guys will follow you down the street.  Besides giving me my third stress induced fever blister in all my life, it gave me an opportunity to practice my Greek and my mother her Norwegian. When they don't think you are American, they leave you alone. ***SIDE NOTE on annoyance***Please realize that Egypt is a developing nation aka poor. These guys are there from sunup to sundown and may never even get a single taxi fare. So yes, the pestering is annoying, but I know they do it so they can feed themselves and their families.

Ok so back to what's good about Luxor. Number one. Winter Palace Hotel. Stay there. It's glorious. It's part of the Sofitel Hotel Chain so you know its good.  It has hosted various celebs throughout the years and even was the site of the announcement of the discovery of King Tut's tomb by Howard Carter in 1922.  The location is within walking distance to grab a dinner cruise on the Nile, head to the Luxor Museum and Temple. Oh and it's simply beautiful! For those of you less concerned with it's historical value, read on for what you really want to know about...THE POOL!  Phenomenal. Comprised of two parts-one for lap swimming and the other for taking leisurely dips. Would you believe i FORGOT to pack my swimsuit. OI! Dummy. I was livid! Do you think I can just go to a store in Luxor and buy a spare?? I can see there being a Just Add Water in conservative, covered up Luxor! ***SIDE NOTE about DRESS***Luxor is way more conservative then Cairo. While you can get away with more flesh bearing items within the confines of the hotel, you WILL look like an idiot walking around in your shorts, skirts, sleeveless shirts on the outside.  You will scream rude foreigner, look disrespectful, and attract unwanted attention.

front patio of Winter Palace Hotel

pool!