This gorgeous sunset was taken over the Nile River in Luxor, Egypt…after the most disastrous overnight train ride I’ve ever experienced.  It was supposed to be a “luxury” train ride, and for $136 USD first-class ticket, that is what we expected.  Oh my, were we sorely mistaken.  If I could transport you to capture the essence of the experience, I would.  You would beg to be sent back to reality immediately.  Sure, it was only 10 hours from Cairo to Luxor, and yes, I came out of the experience alive… I may never want to get on another overnight train again.  From the harrowing late-night experience entering the train station, to veritably freezing the entire 10 hours (luckily I had gloves, a hat, and was able to put on three sweaters and my rain jacket) – not to mention the bathroom that emptied onto the tracks below that contained at least an inch of standing ‘water’, at least I hope it was water… it was an experience I don’t wish to relive.  We now know why the young Egyptian girls all wanted a picture with us – and why one of their mothers called us “brave.”  We each booked a first-class cabin that contained a sofa, sink, closet, and upper bunk bed – lucky for us that we did.  There was no possible way two grown women plus their luggage could possibly have fit into one of those cabins.  We luckily booked adjoining rooms… which enabled us to commiserate and keep each other company.  Let’s just say it was a rude awakening transitioning from the Ritz Carlton Cairo to this train.  Despite the constant noise, smell of fumes, and dust from the drafty window… we made it to Luxor.  Intact.  We quickly hailed a taxi and arrived at much more luxurious accommodations that enabled us to check-in quite early in the morning and helped us find transport/guide services to the Valley of the Kings.  After our sightseeing adventure and begging off the pushy sell of visiting the papyrus shop, we found respite at the lovely pool which was adjacent to the Nile.  Our balcony overlooked both, and we captured this lovely sunset.  All is well in Egypt.  Pro Tip: Avoid the train.  The 1 hour flight for the same price is absolutely worth the extra night in Luxor. 

On our way back from a hot, tiring, self-guided tour of Valley of the Kings, our driver took us to this spot for some pictures – not before getting us these lovely lemon sparkling waters, which were our fav (aside from the wine, of course.)  We jumped out of the air conditioning to snap a couple pics, and then quickly got back in.  There’s so much to see, and this is a vacation after all.  Often running from sight to sight is too much – and you need downtime.  Sometimes, you just need some pool time with yummy food, great company, and a good book.