Blog Title: GoBackpacking 'Round the World

Sunset Cruise To Kom Ombo

“The pleasantest aspect of the river cruise was the combination of gourmandizing and sightseeing, gliding with the current and stopping every now and then at a resurrected ruin.” — Paul Theroux in “Dark Star Safari” The sun began to set as we continued to cruise up the Nile from Edfu to read more..

Edfu Temple And An Afternoon On The Nile

“Some countries are just perfect for tourists. Italy is. So are Mexico and Spain. Turkey, too. Egypt, of course. Pretty big. Not too dirty. Nice food. Courteous people. Sunshine. Lots of masterpieces. Ruins all over the place. Names that ring a bell. read more..

The Valley Of The Kings And Luxor Temple

Upon exiting the overnight train from Cairo, I found a guy holding my name on a piece of paper, as expected. Along with a few others, I was whisked away in a minivan. A few people were dropped at a hotel, while a few of us motored on to The Valley of read more..

The Night Train To Luxor

After the excitement of camels, pyramids, and hustles, I opted for dinner at a restaurant I could trust, McDonald’s. The McArabia is two small kofta (meat) patties in a pita bread with a bit of salad and some type of sauce. I collected my things at the Berlin Hotel and awaited my read more..

The Great Pyramids And Sphinx At Giza

I slept surprisingly well considering my butt almost hit the floor when I laid down on the bed in my little, high-ceilinged hotel room. Along with the free breakfast of egg, breads and tea, came a phone call from the Manager. When I told him I intended to check out after only read more..

From Dawn Till Dusk In Cairo

Egypt Air flight 840 set down at Cairo’s airport just before dawn. I managed a few hours of sleep, despite the nudging left elbow of the tall man to my right. I was near the front of the immigration line which did little good once it was my turn as I failed to read more..

Happy New Year’s

Happy 2009! Thanks to everyone who voted in my poll about where I should go in South America as it’ll be my last opportunity to spend a few weeks in a foreign country for a long time! Brazil edged out Peru with 40% of the votes, and while I had my heart set on the beaches of read more..

Final Thoughts: South Africa And Botswana

Highlights - meeting up with Warren at the airport wine tasting tour Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point tour District Six Museum and visiting the townships Visiting Robben Island couchsurfing with Hannes for 3 nights couchsurfing with Christal for 5 nights climbing Lion’s Head at sunrise and walking around atop Table Mountain people watching at cafes lunch in Camp’s Bay whale watching in Hermanus cage diving with read more..

Johannesburg City Tour

I used my last few days in South Africa to tie up loose ends and explore a little of Johannesburg, the city which inspired plenty of fear in me and most people who pass through it. I organized a custom tour with the same guide who took me around Soweto. We visited Constitution read more..

Day 6 – Elephant Encounters At Elephant Sands

  The drive back to Elephant Sands was over familiar territory, and went fairly quickly.  On the way back, I saw a giraffe along the road, and we saw several elephants up close.  A few even crossed the highway in front of us.  Dion stopped the van, and we watched as a giant elephant tried to read more..