August Online Journal


1st August 2008 - The beginning of yet another month and our time in Egypt seems to be flying by. The new flat, however, is making the time much more enjoyable and being able to relax on the balcony and enjoy the sunsets is a daily pleasure normally one of the last activities of the day but in this case we watched the sunset before going out. Tonight we had been invited to a wedding from a Doctor who works closely with Sunshine and it was being held at a local venue called Habiba. Twenty of the Sunshine children were also coming as well as staff etc... Some of the children only need to hear music to start dancing and tonight was no exception with them dancing on the tables and some are definately showing talent in this area and while some others are not quite as gifted they certainly make up for it with enthusiasm!


2nd August 2008 - A trip to the swimming pool today was improved by a visit from eight of the children from Sunshine. Georgina is one of Sunshine's most dedicated supporters and it was a joy to help her with the children in the pool and whilst not our usual relaxing Saturday by the pool it was a great day. Most of the children have no fear of water at all and much of our time was spent keeping the smallest ones out of the deep end. Also helping was Georgina's friend Ziggy and with the four of us it was a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon.

	After a day spent with children it was great to meet up with our recently made friends Malcolm and Andrea for a meal and a chat and after another excellent meal in Sofra we headed for Sindbads to relax and chat. It was interesting to hear how their holiday was progressing and they certainly seemed to be enjoying it so hopefully some of our suggestions had proved useful.
4th August 2008 - A day at Sunshine and we returned home in time for sunset. I can imagine you all saying "Not another Sunset pic" but there are too nice not to share.

5th August 2008 - Another morning visit with the school age children from Sunshine and they really seemed to enjoy the close contact with the animals today. We put on a wildlife DVD and Jo supervised them in the cinema while I took them in small groups to see the animals. It is good to see the children with the animals and very nice to see the two charities working together for the benefit of the children and animals alike.

We had a bit of time to kill before the buses were due to pick us up so the manager of Ace had the excellent idea to keep the kids amused and cool on a hot day and got the hose pipe out and very soon the kids were dancing in the garden under the hose. We got the impression the staff were not too impressed with soaking the kids but it was fun so we decided to ignore it and the children certainly enjoyed it.

After a busy morning we returned back to Luxor and headed immediately for the swimming pool at the Lotus but not to sunbathe but to again help Georgina and Ziggy as they were bringing another eight children to the pool. Before leaving Jo had an idea to talk along our inflatable Daffodils with us to use as swimming aids for the kids and they were excellent even if just to get some unusual photos.

6th August 2008 - Today was unfortunately Malcolm and Andreas last day in Luxor and we met up with them for a coffee and to show them Sunshine before they left. I get the impression they liked Luxor so much that they are likely to be back again soon and it was nice to show them Sunshine and the work we were doing there after we had told them so much about it.

		Another glorious sunset and we popped out for a coffee and Jo wore a head-scarf out for the first time in ages. I don't know whether it makes her look Egyptian or more like a Gypsy?
7th August 2008 - Sunshine for the day and a relaxing evening and for a change a few more pictures of sunset here in Luxor. I wonder what the weathers like at home ?
8th July 2008 - Up at 4am and out of the flat before 5am to meet up with friends to walk from Deir el Medina across the hills to Deir el Bahri. I met up with Ken and Amanda and walked with them to the ferry where we met up with Kim and then across the Nile to meet Gilly, Dave and Connor. It was a nice fresh morning so we walked from the ferry up past the Colossi of Memnon and up to Deir el Medina. The stairs proved a test but once at the top with the glorious views it was certainly worth it and walking across the hills and down to Deir el Bahri was much easier than climbing the stairs.


9th July 2008 - After a energetic day the day before we had another day by the pool at the Lotus and again with eight of the children from Sunshine. Georgina was as ever organising everything and we just had to look after the children in the pool.

10th August 2008 - An eight hour power cut today meant we did not do much as not hot water meant no shower and without it did not feel like going out into the heat so we were lazy until the power came on and we could go out. For the last few weeks we have had some visitors every night but we have been unable to get a good picture because as soon as we open the door to the balcony and get outside all we see are tails disappearing. They move so quickly and there have been many small but three very large ones as well as some in between. Tonight we managed to get outside in time to photograph one of the medium sized ones as well as a small one and you can clearly see the difference. I am hoping that soon I will get a change to photograph the "Kimodo Dragon". I would guess the large ones are about 30% bigger than the one I managed to take a picture of tonight.

11th August 2008 - Sunshine and a visit to the new Sunshine Village which has progressed dramatically since we last visited about six weeks ago. I think there is a chance that it will be open before we travel home on 22nd September but I would not be prepared to put money on it. It will be a disappointment if we miss the kids moving into their new home and if there was something we could do to speed it we would but unfortunately we are in the hands of the Egyptian builders on this and just hope that they will be finished soon.
12th August 2008 - It was intended to visit the West Bank with the children from Sunshine today but we had a phone call as we were leaving to say the football pitch was flooded so it was a chance in venue and another trip to the club near to where we used to live and this gave us the chance to call into the coffee shop by the old flat for two cokes and a cup of tea and the bill still came to less than 50pence. It was a hot day today and running around a football pitch with children half or even a quarter of my age began to show that I fast approaching forty and I was soon tired and sweating but some ice cold water and a rest and soon I was ready to start again. I will try to add a video later of the children playing football and a wonderful goal celebration afterwards but I will have to work out how to do it first! Below are a few photos of the children enjoying a good old-fashioned sack race.

13th August 2008 - A trip to the airport today to meet a friend of Jo's and her two children who were arriving for their first visit to Luxor. I must admit being a little sceptical about children in Egypt in August and not having enough to keep them occupied but my fears were soon put to rest as they were very laid back and relaxed and eager to explore. They had booked a week at the Maritim King's Island (formerly Movenpick on Crocodile Island) and we booked in for Wednesday evening to spend time with them and to use the infinity pool the following day. After a long days travelling they were keen to get checked in and take a dip in the pool before we headed into Luxor for food and supplies. A meal in Snobs and we headed back to the hotel for an early (ish) night with a case of water which I carried through reception in plain sight of security, reception and everyone else and not a word was said so instead of paying twelve Egyptian pounds for a bottle at the hotel we now had a supply which cost less than two Egyptian pounds per bottle.
14th August 2008 - After a day of travelling we suggested a relaxing day by the pool and were very happy when Michelle and the children agreed. It was hot and sunny and to be able to dive into the pool to cool down was wonderful. Below is the scene from our sunbeds as I was too lazy to walk anywhere to get a better shot but it was still wonderful.

It was good to relax and unwind and we booked a mini-bus for an early start following day to visit the West Bank so we did not want to be out too late we headed for town and El Souk for a little bit of shopping and we were shocked by how busy the area was but it was not tourists but Egyptians who made up the numbers. We were told it was a celebration for a sheikhs birthday and it would be going on for two days. As we got to the bottom end of the Souk and headed into Snack Time for food we were amazed at the number of people on the plaza outside of Luxor Temple. The place was buzzing with activity and everyone seemed to be enjoying it. Not wanting to be up too late we headed back to the hotel and let the festivities continue without us. Michelle and the children were amused by the fact that every time we were anywhere near our flat whether walking or in a taxi we were greeted with shouts of "Hello Mr John" from the local boys, taxi and celech drivers and just about anyone who was standing or sitting around in the area.
15th August 2008 - A 6am start and we were able to witness an Egyptian Sunrise to contrast with all the sunsets we see! After a brief stop at the Collossi of Memnon we headed for the Valley of the Kings expecting it to be quiet at this time of the morning and were surprised to see it fairly busy for this time of day. Jo and myself decided to forgo the visit into the Valley of the Kings and instead enjoyed an overpriced coffee in the shop while we waited for the others and after leaving the cafe we waited in the area of the shops where every tourist was "attacked" by the shopkeepers offering them scarves, statues etc for ridiculously large sums of money. We wanted a few keep-sakes for the children but as we were in no rush we made low offers and waited and we managed to get a few things for the children very very cheaply and after we made the purchases the other shopkeepers would not believe us how little we had paid which seemed to indicate we got a good deal?

Next stop for the day were the tombs of Roy and Shroy and although they do not have the large dimensions of the royal tombs the colours are truly wonderful. The photos below are from the Tomb of Roy which I think is not visited by many people but well work a visit.

By now the heat was building up and we needed refreshments and what better place than Hapy Habu? After drinks we headed for the Temple of Medinet Habu.

After seeing the tombs of the Royals as well as the Nobles and also the magnificent Temple of Rameses III we were all feeling a little tired and decided enough history for one day and the prospect of a swim for the children was much welcomed and we headed home while they went for a swim only to meet up later in the day for food and the show at the Nile Palace. The travel and early morning starts were showing on the children but as soon as the show started we realised that they were not about to give in to tiredness and they thoroughly enjoyed the show and even got up to dance for the finale. As always for me the highlight of the show was the Whirling Dervish and yet again I was not disappointed. After spinning the children at Sunshine around for thirty seconds I can hardly stand up so how they manage to perform for fifteen or even twenty minutes is beyond me!
16th August 2008 - We were again invited to join Georgina and assist taking some of the Sunshine children to the swimming pool and this time gave Michelle and the children the opportunity to meet some of the children from Sunshine. We were already at the pool when the children arrived and instead of the greeting "Hello Mr John" the children on seeing me called out loudly and in unison "Uncle John" which made Michelle and the children smile. The children today were so well behaved and enjoyed the time mixed well with Michelle and the children and one of the boys even entertained us with his singing! Michelle's children helped enormously with the younger children from Sunshine and as a result the day was relaxed and very enjoyable.
An evening meal in Dean's was excellent and it was the perfect end to a busy but enjoyable day.
17th August 2008 - Another early (ish) start and this time over to the West Bank for a camel ride. When I suggested this I expected Jo to decline but was amazed when she agreed and we had arranged for four camels to meet us on the West Bank for an hours ride. Just before we started we were offered two hours but I declined on everyone's behalf without even checking with them. (I am sure they agreed it was the right decision now as for a few days afterwards there were a few sore rears with just one hour in the saddle). My camel was introduced to me as "James Bond" and one of the others was riding "Michael Johnson". My camel took the lead so it was difficult to turn to take photos but a few came out ok.


Not letting Michelle and the children rest for long we headed for Sunshine in Ahmed Esmet Street and then Television Street and they met the rest of the children from the babies right up to the oldest. I think both Saturday and today had an impact and the children have made the wonderful gesture of committing to giving up things when they get back to Wales in order to be able to sponsor a child from Sunshine. If children of 8 and 12 can do this then it just goes to show that everyone is capable if they want to.

18th August 2008 - After a busy few days we decided to have a relaxing day by the pool as early morning starts and action packed days were tiring us all and we needed to re-charge the batteries. After a day in the pool and the sunshine we headed for town and another shopping trip to the souk followed by food at Sindbads. A highlight was Michelle's daughter buying a T-shirt from an Egyptian we call "Little Man, Little Shop" who jumps out at you as you pass Snack Time to try to sell you his T-shirts. He has a speech he repeats to everyone with a big grin on his face and a polite and friendly manner. Michelle's daughter had met him a few nights before and it was good to see him speakless when the little girl began his speak before he had time! It was worth the price of the T-Shirt just for the entertainment value and the staff of Snack Time and passers-by acted as an audience for his little performance. Michelle and the children returned to the Movenpick and had food taken from them by security and other people had food, water and coke etc taken from them as the hotel stated it was not allowed and they had to buy it at the very high hotel prices. Whilst I agree with not eating or drinking your own food or drink in the hotel restaurants, bars and poolside I do not agree that they should dictate what you do in your own room.
19th August 2008 - While Jo and myself were still snoring away in the comfort of our bed Michelle and the children were up at silly o'clock in the morning for a hot air balloon ride. After being picked up from the hotel at 4:40am and transported to the take off site one thing after another went wrong and they did not get air-borne until 7am and them only briefly and did not move far from the take off site so did not get to experience much of the amazing sights on offer in Luxor. It was a huge disappointment after looking forward to the trip and getting up so early.
Not allowing them to dwell on the upset we had an action packed day for them and started with a trip to ACE with the children from Sunshine. The Sunshine children enjoyed seeing the new foul as well as all the other animals and Michelle's children were again a great help with the children showing them the animals.
Returning to Ahmed Esmet Street gave Michelle and the children one last chance to meet the children from Sunshine and take a few photos. Below they are with the singer from the pool on Saturday who again had a big smile on his face and is already showing the signs of being a typical man and hogging the remote control!

Jo and myself had again booked into the Movenpick (sorry cant bring myself to call it Maritim) and we had a shock when we were told at reception that they did not have a reservation for us and that all rooms were full so we could not stay but on checking every possible combination of both our surnames they eventually found a reservation under the name "Mr John". It was somehow so fitting after the week we have had and the children being so amused every time they heard it for a mistake to result in this coincidence. I think the receptionist thought I was mad as I was trying hard not to laugh and he had no idea why! An evening meal in the wonderful Oasis Cafe Bar and some last minute shopping and we saw the good and bad sides of some Egyptians. On the one side we bought some items from a very nice shopkeeper called Foxy and on the other a very very rude man who was blocking our exit got very aggressive as we were not buying from him.
20th August 2008 - A lazy morning by the pool and a relaxing time waiting for the flight home for Michelle and the children. The week seems to have gone so quickly but at the same time the Visit to The Valley of the Kings seems so long ago (just five days). It is strange that the concept of time can be so distorted! It has been such an action packed week and gone so so quickly but at the same time because we were so busy and did so much the things we did in the beginning of the week seem much longer ago than just a few days. As I am writing this Michelle and the children have landing safely back in the UK and I guess are now cold a tired. I hope they enjoyed their time in Egypt as much as we enjoyed having them here.
21st August 2008 - After a busy but very enjoyable week its back to work at Sunshine and today showing visitors around both Ahmed Esmet Street and Television Street. One of the joys of the job (apart from the children) is to show new people around Sunshine. Today it was a pleasure to show a very nice family about and they seemed very keen to support Sunshine in the future.
23rd August 2008 - We were meeting Georgina and some of the children from Sunshine to go swimming so it was a good excuse to go to the pool early and some relaxing swimming and lying in the sun before the children got there. They were very well behaved today and apart from being used as a climbing frame again today it was a very relaxing day.
24th August 2008 - We were kindly invited to another wedding this evening and this time it was a Coptic one so we were keen to go and see the difference from the Muslim weddings we regularly see about town. We had no idea where the church was so we were glad when our very reliable taxi driver told us he knew and he pulled up outside a construction site and told us we were there. On closer inspection through the scaffolding we could see lights and something that looked promising so after walking in and past the hundreds of bags of cement we walked into the main area of the church with lots of marble and closely resembled a church if you ignored the fact that instead of windows there was wood and everywhere you looked there was something that needed finishing. Belo is a picture of the entrance of the church where you had to walk through the scaffolding to get inside.

When the ceremony finally got under way (7pm Egyptian time) at almost 8pm it was good to see the "vicar" who was only about 4 foot tall wearing a long black robe and his silvery white beard was almost two foot long . For some reason he reminded me of Yoda from Star Wars! It was good to see a large group of Coptic people and it seemed strange to see so much hair on women after nine months where almost every woman has been covered with a headscarf. The hairstyles reminded me of my sisters hair cut of the 1980's and they would all have fitted in well in a "retro" party back in the UK Instead of the orderly way a service is conducted at home tonight reminded me of a waiting room with people getting up and wandering around and even making and receiving phone calls while the service was underway. I had turned my phone off before going in the church but I don't know why I bothered as lots of people were happily chatting away on their phones. It was good to see a Coptic wedding but not something I will be keen to do again soon.
25th August 2008 - An educational day instead of fun today at Sunshine and we took along disclosing tablets for a session on teeth cleaning and it was obvious some of the children were more used to cleaning their teeth than others but saying that they were very well behaved and listened to everything and did a good job of cleaning their teeth after the demonstration and disclosing tablets had taken place.

26th August 2008 - A morning out and in keeping with an appropriate theme we held the "Sunshine Olympics". Some of the events are not yet accepted into the Olympics but I think they should be .... the sack race and the running around the football pitch race were particularly popular. The relay race was strongly contested and had the added advantage that the batons could be used to hit each other if necessary!


After the Olympics we headed for Sunshine and it was the turn for some of the girls to experience the teeth cleaning session and the results were worse than the boys as the pictures show. Hopefully when we take in disclosing tablets in a few weeks without telling them in advance the results will be better.

27th August 2008 - Back to Sunshine and there was a party for the children which we were able to attend briefly before having to rush away to attend to other things.
28th August 2008 - A change of routine and this time both Jo an myself to the Television Street site of Sunshine to do a training session on resuscitation for the staff and some of the older boys. The session went very well with lots of sensible and intelligent questions from everyone and hopefully some basic knowledge in the techniques retained by all.

29th August 2008 - A quiet and leisurely day and a chance to do a little shopping and I bought a few of the many "Ramadam Sweets" available and we enjoyed dried apricots and prunes for the evening but I think we overdid it a little bit as later into the evening and throughout the night the after-effects were sudden and explosive and for a while it looked likely that we would be missing swimming the following day! The sweets however were very very nice!
30th August 2008 - Swimming at the Lotus hotel for the last time in Georgina's current stay in Egypt.