Beit Al-Kreitlia, as with all houses of the wealthy and governing families had quarters known as the Harem where the ladies of the house could relax safely from strangers’ eyes. The ‘harem’ at Beit Al-Kreitlia is situated on the first floor directly above the magic well – where lives the King of the Djinns. In…
Speaking the same language doesn’t guarantee understanding. Here’s how cultural differences in Egypt can derail conversations—and how to avoid the most common pitfalls.
When I first moved to Luxor in 2003 and wanted to buy material/cloth, curtains, sheets, house furniture etc. I had to go to Cairo for them. Anything available in Luxor was NOTHING even remotely near what I needed. Finding a laptop to buy was impossible. It took me 18 months and 6 trips to Cairo…
Before the Kretlis family owned the house it was owned by a man named Hagg Mohammed. In those days there lived in the house a benevolent serpent by the name of Anon – she protected the house by preventing other reptiles from entering and keeping evil outside the walls. Hagg Mohammed had two little boys…
Many countries around the world have stories of water wells in which believers can see the face of their true love. Cairo also has such a well and it is at Beit Al-Kreitlia – the Gayer Anderson House. This famous well is also home to the Sultan Al-Watawit, the immortal King of the Djinns. In…
The saddest thing for me is when a tourist arrives at my door suffering from Egyptian Tummy – the worst part is that it’s not that hard to avoid it when you know how and carry the remedy in your pocket – just in case. There is a local, fast acting remedy and every traveller should buy it on arrival in Egypt.
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…