Leaving for Egypt!

My bags are packed - I've kissed my doggy and my parents goodbye and I'm ready to catch the plane to Cairo. My flight leaves on Friday afternoon so I'll be spending Thursday on the motorway then over night in Ascot thanks to my friend Debbie. This my final sign off as I'm not sure what internet access will be available. Having had weeks to plan for this trip I suddenly found myself in a bit of a panic rush this week. On Sunday I returned from a 10 day trip to Ascot housesitting and dogsitting for my friend Louise - a lovely young Chesopeek Bay Labrador called Hudson. I had all my 'stuff' scattered around the house/bedroom/kitchen/car/garage and planned to spend 2 days packing and repacking to get everything in. This plan went wrong when I was hit by not one but two migraines on Monday and Tuesday - so was unable to do anything but lie in bed in a dark room - bummer! Today is Wednesday and so far no 'sparkly lights' so I hope I'm over that little episode. The bags are indeed packed thank goodness and the pressure is off but I still feel a little woozy! It's been a real challenge sticking to the 20kgs baggage allowance, and I sacrificed some of my knickers in favour of more tshirts and toiletries. I am proud to say that I'm travelling without the luxury of hair styling products, very minimal makeup and no nail varnish - except on my toes - but I have packed a razer. I have been able to pack my Ipod and shiny new camera courtesy of Nectar points - just need to work out how to use it! The bulk of the bag is taken up with my sleeping bag, sleep mat & mosquito net - I'll be sleeping under the stars during our sail down the Nile and again later in the desert and in February it can get quite cold. I've also collected a bag of unctures, potions and pills to counter all any any illnesses which might get me! You can't be too careful! I'm expecting just 5 other people on the trip as well as our guide - who is called Mohammed - should be easy to find him then! No doubt we will all get on with each other, but you never know - it could be interesting! Our first day of adventure is Sunday - whilst most of you are munching on your toast and coffee over the Sunday papers, I'll be walking around the Pyramids at Giza and the Cairo Museum of antiquities! After that we head into Sinai and up the mountain where Moses received the 10 commendments and saw the burning bush. We have a few days on the Red Sea coast before crossing the sea to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, down to Aswan and then by Nile Felucca up to Edfu. The final part of the tris is spent in the Deserts of the west visiting several Oases before returning to Cairo. I'm back on March 18th - just in time for Mother's Day - don't forget your cards everyone! Kirsty xxx