Wanderwoman isn't the only one to visit Egypt!

2009-06-02 19:55:23 Egypt's local press preoccupied by Obama's upcoming visit

by Muhammad Yamany, Xinhua writer Chen Gongzheng

CAIRO, June 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama is to deliver a landmark speech at Cairo University on Thursday, in his latest attempt to improve the tarnished image of the United States in the Arab and Muslim World and so as to start a new chapter of partnership between U.S. and the Muslim World.

Obama's visit to the Egyptian capital of Cairo, hit headlines on Tuesday in most of Egypt's local newspapers, which all welcomed warmly the upcoming long-waited visit...

Before leaving Cairo at 18:00 p.m. (1500 GMT) Obama will visit archaeological sites in the Pyramids area and Sultan Hassan Mosque...

The [ local daily newspaper Almasry Alyoum] cited Zahi Hawas, the Secretary General of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, as saying that Obama would visit the pyramids after his speech at Cairo University.

Hawas said that as a part of his 80-minute tour on foot, Obama would enter the Pyramid of Cheops and visit the nearby Sphinx.

While al-Akhbar local newspaper wrote under the headline "official and public welcoming for U.S. President Barack Obama" that Egypt's government is looking forward to a new page in the relations between U.S. and the Muslim World.

Read full story:http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/02/content_11476445.htm

03/01/2009 04:20 PM

Obama-Crazed Egypt Welcomes U.S. Tavelers

By: Valarie D'Elia

With 319,000 visitors last year, the United States just cracked the top ten list of travelers to Egypt, despite the effects of the global economic crisis and safety concerns.

Tourism was off as much as 14 percent in January, but officials expect the decline to be short-lived because of the treasures Egypt offers...

Most of the Americans I ran into are feeling they are receiving an especially warm welcome mainly because of the recent election of President Barack Obama. His history-making turn as the leader of the free world appears to be so far-reaching that it is touching ancient civilizations.

"The Egyptian people, they love Americans very much and you can see this everywhere," said Dr. Zahi Hawass, an Egyptologist.

"Everybody always says 'Obama! Obama! Obama!'" said a tourist.

"I've noticed since I've talked to people that everyone seems to identify with Obama, and I think because we are on an African continent," said another.

For full story visit: http://www.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/travel/94760/obama-crazed-egypt-welcomes-u-s--travelers/Default.aspx

Wanderwoman Egypt itinerary

DIVINE GRACE YOGA CRUISE in MAINE

Summertime can be wonderful, but hectic! Here is a wonderful way to end your summer with a Yoga Cruise in Penobscot Bay with Kristi Williams. Enjoy healthy cuisine, gentle walks on uninhabited islands, meditation, chanting, and yoga. This five-day cruise is open to all levels-both women and men.
Date: August 30, 2009
To learn more visit http://www.mainewindjammercruises.com
Om...

17 Places Every Woman Must Go

If you're burned out and in need of vacation inspiration, check out Stephanie Elizondo Griest's "100 Places Every Woman Should Go." It's a guide to places worth seeing in your lifetime, from the predictable (specific spas in the Caribbean) to the far-flung and adventurous (playing alongside the penguins in Antarctica)....

Griest also emphasizes that traveling can be a gift even in these tough economic times. "It's all about priority," Griest says. "I make less money than almost anyone I know, and I travel more than anyone I know." Dialing down expectations is key: You may not be wallowing in five-star luxury, but a bare-bones holiday can be cheaper and more fulfilling.

See full story on lemondrop and add your favorite destination to the list.

Egypt BENT Pyramid to Open to Tourists

TRAVELERS to Egypt will soon be able to explore the inner chambers of the 4,500-year-old "Bent" Pyramid, known for its oddly-shaped profile, Egypt's antiquities chief said yesterday.

The increased access to the pyramid as well as others in the area is part of an Egyptian effort in cooperation with the United Nations to develop the pyramid complex in a sustainable fashion, while preserving the environment and the antiquities.

Egypt's chief archaeologist Zahi Hawass said the 100-meter pyramid outside the village of Dashur, 80 kilometers south of Cairo, will be opened for the first time to tourists within the next "month or two."

"This is going to be an adventure, and this is happening now," said Hawass.

Dashur's Bent Pyramid is famous for its irregular profile. The sides rise at a steep angle, then halfway up the massive structure they abruptly taper off at a more shallow approach to the pyramid's apex.

Archaeologists believe the pyramid's builders changed their minds while constructing it out of fear it might collapse because the sides were too steep.

The nearby Red Pyramid, also built by 4th-dynasty founder Pharoah Sneferu, is already accessible to visitors. Hawass said several other nearby pyramids, including one with an underground labyrinth from the Middle Kingdom, would also be opened in the next year.
(read full story)

Planning a trip to Egypt, Greece, or London...?

If so you will most likely visit the major archaeological sites and museums that are amidst the controversy over ancient treasures discussed in Sharon Waxman’s book Loot, The Battle over the Stolen Treasures of the Ancient World.

Anyone who has traveled to Greece, Egypt, Turkey or any country with a rich ancient past has heard the words "...and the original is now at the British Museum.." or the Louvre, or the Berlin Museum, etc. The issue of who has the right to ancient treasures of the world was brought back into the public spot light with the 2002 Athens Olympics. Greece took the Olympics as an opportunity bring publicity to their request for the return the Parthenon Marbles (or Elgin Marbles as the British Museum refers to them). But the Marbles still sit in London. And the famed bust of the ancient Egyptian Queen Nefertiti (on book cover to left) sits not in her homeland, but in Berlin.

Hear interview with Sharon Waxman on NPR.

Visit Sharon Waxman’s blog about her travels as she researched her book, a must read for travelers and museum goers!

Women-only Grace O'Malley tour to Ireland!

2009 Grace O’Malley tour of Ireland!
September 1-10, 2009
Early booking Special: $2379.00*
Dublin extension: $675

We have great special guests joining our women's Ireland adventure including best-selling author Anne Chambers and author/archaeologist Michael Gibbons. The itinerary takes us to the beautiful west coast of Ireland to places and castles associated with Grace O’Malley (Granuaile). For accommodations we have chosen quaint family run bed and breakfasts with lots of Irish warmth. So tell a friend and join us on an exciting adventure to the Emerald Island!

Itinerary online: http://www.wanderwoman.com/itineraryIRELAND.htm

*Price is based on double occupancy for reservations received by May 1, 2009.
We do have a limited number of single rooms; if  traveling solo you may want to consider sharing a room with a fellow traveler to save the cost of the single supplement: $400.

The pace of the tour is leisurely, with time to explore on one’s own; and the group size is limited to 12 women or less.

The tour includes nine nights accommodations at traditional Irish B&Bs; hearty Irish breakfast daily, three group dinners, and one lunch; transfers as per itinerary; all tours in the itinerary are privately guided by local specialists and include admission fees; and the tour is fully escorted by a wanderwoman tour director for the duration of the tour to attend to details so that you can enjoy the adventure!

Tour highlights:
Burren walk; Dolman tomb; tour of “Grace O’Malley country” with Anne Chambers including Murrisk Abbey, the Famine Memorial. Rockfleet Castel and the Westport House; Clare Island walking tour; Connamera tour with Michael Gibbons including Omey Island, visit Ballynahinch castle, and Roundstone; optional hike up Croagh Patrick and more!

Also you will be provided with suggested packing and reading lists and recommendations for restaurants and optional activities.

The price does NOT include airfare to Ireland, but right now round trip airfare from the east coast of the USA is approximately $600..including taxes!
Note: as always with the airlines…this price is subject to change

I hope you are able to join us!

Live, laugh & travel!

Erja

What is the best time of year to visit Greece?

Greece has something to offer year around, but for the first time visitor to Greece early summer and early fall are best.

May to June the climate is perfect, not too hot, but warm and sunny. This time of year is also the most beautiful. With many flowers in bloom in early summer even the usually dry dusty places, such as the small island of Delos, are a live with color.

In July and August the hordes of tourists arrive. In the islands among the hordes are vacationing Greeks from the main land. Prices are inflated and options are limited. And the summer heat can be unbearable. So avoid these moths if possible.

By mid Sept and into Oct the crowds dissipate and prices fall. I especially love Greece during the first half of October, the hoteliers and shopkeepers have made their money for the season and now they are relaxed and enjoying local life. You never know what wonderful local event you might stumble upon!

The only down side of travel in early summer and early fall is the ferries start running less frequently to some of the smaller islands and the number of flights decrease.

Kalo taxidi (happy travels)!