My mate 'big nose..

[Who2]

My mate big-nose has just popped round,
to fill me in, on his forthcoming Xmas visit to the 'ol adobe hacienda, over there in Najar abu Ramadan !
So, beware and be prepared...'big-nose is a coming...

A few questions: He asks:....

1. What's the score on landing in Hurgharda at 5pm and jumping a taxi to Luxor ?
'I reckoned he would have to book into the old Sand Beach hotel for 24 hrs first.

2. Can he and his new bird 'johnny get a covid test upon landing, how much, how long ?

3. Are the archaeologists still getting p*ssed at The Marsam ?

4. Who's doing Xmas dinner ?

So, any proper ? advice gratefully received, and that's not just some mad ideas I'm looking for,
it's 1st hand experience...

He might well profess to have once worked for 'british intelligence,
'but in my book the boys' still an idiot!.....

[carrie]

Who this is as far as I know the current state of play however if your friend is coming towards the middle of Dec things may have changed again.
My friend has just returned from Turkey, to Hurghada.
On arrival he was tested for Covid quick nose swab.
For that he was charged 30 dollars but didn't have to pay for a visa.
He provided his contact details and left the airport. Booked into a hotel because he arrived in the middle of the night but left next morning on Go Bus to return to Luxor.
No problem on the bus no questions at any of the checkpoints he had to wear a mask both on the plane in the airport and on the bus.
He has returned to Luxor and has heard nothing more.
As far as I know the restrictions on foreigners traveling across from Hurghada to Luxor during the night still apply.
Hope he enjoys his Xmas break.

[carrie]

No one in the Marsam when I last went a couple of weeks ago and no digging seems to be taking place.
Christmas dinner perhaps Gezira Gardens best ask JJs

[BBLUX]

Like you George, we will not be returning until we consider travel and Egypt to be safe again so certainly not until later next year once vaccines have proved effective. However, I hope he and his lady have a safe and healthy trip but I suspect good food and entertainment will be rare things to find at the moment. I have heard good things about the new Memnon hotel run by Hassan who used to do the Thebes hotel food.

[Brian Yare]

So far as I can see there areat least 4 digs going on on the West Bank. One on the Assassif, one next to Tuthmosis IV temple, One at approx the site of Tuthmosis II temple, opposite the main ticket office. I forget where the 4th one was but probably near Roy and Sheroy.

[Who2]

I copy and paste useful posts on to Nick, cheers..
He ask's "does he need insurance ?
Now, Iv'e never had it except for years ago.
Whence engaging in insurance fraud, that is until the 'great-unwashed proletariat took to doing it..
"answers on a postcard cheers!

[carrie]

Only if he wants to get it, that idea seems to have been dropped.

[Who2]

Nick, my mate big-nose rock star, sculptor, war hero, spy, unemployed artist has asked:

GO BUS: How much ? where in Hurgharda ? departures and arrival times ? ect..
I've had info from Ahmed @ Oceanus and told Nick to book into the Old Sand Beach Hotel.
A great cheap tired old hotel (by hurharda stands 30 years is old)
Oh! and has 2 bars either side of the entrance with free good wi-fi.


Sorry about all this, but our hero has walked and swam round the Falklands, and if it can go wrong.
Trust me it will, the Dr speaks..

So any help you can offer will be greatly received.
Must dash, someone's at the door....

[newcastle]

The Old Sand Beach Hotel???

What has Nick done to upset you?

www.go-bus.com/search although the website is pretty useless. Nick would be better off calling them when he reaches his hotel. +20 65 3556198

When I last looked ...September..

2 buses leaving from Hurghada at 08:15am and 15:30pm. Bus station is on Nasr Street near Metro supermarket.

Hurghada to Luxor 8.45 am and 15.00pm.....takes 4-5 hrs

Returning from Luxor at 8am and 15:30 to Hurghada

Cost is 135Le Each Way

[newcastle]

Re Go Bus...only 8am bus to Luxor and 3.15pm return. Price still 135le each way.

[carrie]

Sand Beach stayed there one night, dirty hotel with rude staff. An experience never to be repeated.

[Who2]

Yes, he could gone to places like, crystal bay resort, seagull beach resort, el palacio resort or even
the jungle aqua park resort!
To be met by a packload of European or Eastern covid holiday makers.
This way it's highly unlikely he will meet anybody in the Sand Beach, just what this Dr ordered.
during this 'Worldwide 'Covid 'Pandemic, anyhow only 2 days is no problem...
ps: 'am I bovvered ?

[newcastle]

Yes, he could gone to places like, crystal bay resort, seagull beach resort, el palacio resort or even
the jungle aqua park resort!
To be met by a packload of European or Eastern covid holiday makers.
This way it's highly unlikely he will meet anybody in the Sand Beach, just what this Dr ordered.
during this 'Worldwide 'Covid 'Pandemic, anyhow only 2 days is no problem...
ps: 'am I bovvered ?

Fair point. But why 2 days? I’d be off the morning after arrival.

It’s a toss up between death by covid...or death by salmonella/tetanus.

At least there’s recognised treatment for the latter

[Who2]

He has to show his new squeeze Johnny the delights of that 'high kicking destination.
That will take a couple of hours, then perhaps a fish restaurant and all the trashy gift
shops have prices unlike Luxor..a bonus..

[garfield4]

cant for the life of me understand why anybody would choose to stay at Sand Beach. I had that misfortune several years ago. What a dump. Nowadays I use Minamark Nice people,rooms,beach and 24hr booze Its in the centre of town and you can buy tickets for gobus across the road.

[newcastle]

Well there you go Who2.

Stupendous reviews from Carrie and Garfield for the Old Sand Beach

I visited the place a few years ago in connection with a possible business deal.One look persuaded me it wasn’t a place I’d advise anyone to associate themselves with. A dump?? .....way too complimentary. Overrated by Tripadvisor....217th out of 240.

It’s not that well situated for shopping either.

It’ll certainly be an experience for your guests....although you may never hear from them again.

Perhaps that’s the plan?

[Who2]

It's cheap, I know the hotel and there will not be any ruddy tourists.
Having just got off a plane full of British tourists the last thing one wants is more.

And being honest the last thing I want is the experience of holiday makers who have been in
lockdown since last March.

'better the devil one knows!.........
Ps: But will pass on the info regarding Minamark, cheers Carrie.
Pss: 223 terrible reviews and only 45 for sand beach. TA. 'never believe statistics...