Transport in Luxor
Avoid rookie mistakes when getting around Luxor. From taxis and calèsh to ferries and Uber, here’s what to ask, check and clarify — plus how Mara House guests avoid the hassle.
Avoid rookie mistakes when getting around Luxor. From taxis and calèsh to ferries and Uber, here’s what to ask, check and clarify — plus how Mara House guests avoid the hassle.
Avoid tourist traps at Luxor Train Station! Learn about common tactics used by touts and taxi drivers to divert travelers to hotels for commissions.
The overnight devaluation of the Egyptian pound a few months ago meant a short term ‘bargain basement’ bonanza for foreign tourists coming here. The value of the Egyptian Pound to the dollar was halved, which meant that tourists were able to buy some goods at half the previous price – a bonus for the tourists…
Helicopter, plane, stealth fighter, submarine on the same ancient Egyptian carving at Abydos Temple – you have to see it to believe it
If you live in country which has noise control levels and are used to getting a good night’s sleep in quiet surrounding…..please don’t expect this anywhere in Egypt unless you are going to the Desert! Noise pollution levels in Egypt must be among the highest in the world. There is no awareness in Egypt on…
Safety of visiting Egypt through the lens of recent history, impact of media on tourism, explore a compelling perspective on Egypt’s safety for travelers.
Experience freedom in Luxor, Egypt—my philosophy on life, happiness, and living without fear
We are only 4 weeks into 2016 and already I can feel the force of the changes coming for 2016. Being a believer in the Universal Law of Attraction I know that many of the coming changes in my own life are the result of wishes I have been sending to the Universe over the…
This is a photo of me at Mara House with two lovely guests in 2010 – see how tired I looked? Well that was a lovely tiredness because it came from long hours at the computer 7 days a week, answering emails, taking bookings for Mara House and our Salahadeen Restaurant – and mostly refusing…
Luxor and Cairo Airports – what you need to know about your arrival and departure, entry visas and taxi transfers
Learn about the intriguing encounters that lead travelers to unexpected experiences, both genuine and questionable. Embrace caution…
Foreign media, Egyptian Media, Travel Agents, Tour Companies not to mention some of the frequent visitors to Egypt – many seem to be up in arms over the new law that comes into effect on 15 May 2015. The law says a visitor to Egypt has to get their entry visa from the Egyptian Embassy…
What kind of food will I eat in Egypt? Serious question if you are going to be there for any length of time. 18 years ago I went on my first Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan with 25 other Irish people. I can safely say ‘we ate our way through the cruise!’ Every one…
If someone suggested to you that a Nile Cruise would be a good idea for your next holiday, what would your automatic reaction be? Sometimes people tell me they would find it too boring just sitting on a ship 24/7. It’s usually not a good idea to jump to conclusions. A Nile Cruise is anything…
Not having slept on the plane I expected to fall into bed and go unconscious on arrival at my hotel around 3am. Not a hope – spent most of the night talking with my travelling companion and feeling more awake and excited than sleepy. As to be expected I was not really in the mood…
Though I have lived in Egypt since 2003 I never really looked at what was available for babies until last January when I travelled with my two year old grand-son, Jonny. Consequently most of my luggage was taken up with everything I thought I would need for him. When we travelled again in May, I…
We all have questions and we all have problems of one kind or another, so we seek answers. Growing up I used to go to libraries and bookshops, run my eyes over the shelves and whisper “What is here for me today?” Invariably I would come away with anything from 1 to 6 books I…
Egypt’s newly-elected president Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi appeared on television an hour after he was named the country’s new leader to express his gratitude over the election results. “My emotions are mixed with happiness and aspiration: my happiness for what you have achieved and my aspiration to be worthy of your trust,” said the ex-defence minister, who…
The number one prized objective of thieves in Luxor these days appears to be the humble manhole cover. Of course with the high price of metals of all kinds now that might not seem so surprising to many. However, when pondering the sight of the half open manhole cover outside our balcony today a very…
Exceptional Service at Luxor Airport: A Journey of Kindness and Assistance As a hotel owner in Luxor, Egypt, I frequently hear lovely stories of kindness and generosity. Today I want to tell you about a heartwarming experience of my own at Luxor Airport and with Egypt Air, emphasising the exceptional service from the manager of…