Personal Worries

Hi Shelly

I'm "not too old" :-) as well. I had no problem fitting in and we had people in first year university and up. I think as long as you mix in and take part in the activities, your age is not going to matter.

Can't comment on the donkey but I'm sure you can ask the tour leader when you're there

You'll be able to walk alongside the donkey if you don't want to get on it (or if it's too small!)

Hello Shelly,

My first trip to Egypt was at the age of 40......almost 10 years ago....eekk I'm getting old!! Shhh don't tell anyone!

I have returned to Egypt many times since that first trip. In that time I have seen people of all shapes, sizes & ages on my tours. I'm not terribly svelte myself either!! I have seen tour groups age range from early 20's through to 60/70's. What these people share is an interest in Egypt...or whatever country you are touring in. So they are able to blend & enjoy the day to day experiences of the tour. In fact on that first tour it was the oldest members, a couple from South Africa, in their late 60's/70's, who were the life of the party!

So no, I do not think your age will be a problem! Just relax & enjoy yourself!

What you might like to consider is the taxi option, if you are concerned for the donkey. So rather than riding to the Valley of the Kings, you just go via taxi & are still able to join up with your group. You never know, you may just have another tour member decide to do the same thing & come along for the ride with you!

However, once you are in Egypt, you will see these sturdy little animals carrying enormous loads!! But like yourself, I do not like the idea of causing any animal distress.

Hope you have a wonderful holiday, as always, I wish I were able to join you. Remember to pack an open heart & mind & your sense of humour!!

All the best.........Debbie

Mafesh Mushkelah!!!

Hi Shelly,

I was also worried about the donkey ride because of my weight and will be going to Egypt on 28th Feb for the Egypt & Jordan caravan tour. however i chatted with an adviser and it eased my fears a bit, i plan on seeing how it goes when i get there as i also don't want to cause the donkeys any distress.

As for the age factor i wouldn't worry, i,m 25 myself and yet i work in a team in my job with a 55 year old woman and we are the best of friends at work and she's great fun!,
proof that age really doesn't matter.

hope you enjoy Egypt as much as i plan to!

Personal Worries Decreased

Thanks for your comments, suggestions and advice. You've all eased my mind.
Regarding the donkey, I'm going to take your advice and see what happens when I get there - I can get a taxi or walk beside the donkey if I need to.
The age thing I'm not really worried about - I'm the age that I am and I can't do anything about it - but it's good to hear that there is a range of ages that go on the trips.
We booked our flights today - only the Visas to get now. My nephew, his friend and I are so excited!!! and we have family living vicariously through us with regular updates about the trip as well. We're doing the Egypt Unveiled tour at the end of March beginning of April so it’s not too long to wait.

Hello Shelly,

So pleased to hear that we have helped allay some of your fears!!! If I can help in any other way, please just drop me a line? have to get my Egypt fix somehow!!!

I'm not so sure about you walking alongside your donkey to the Valley of the Kings. If my memories are correct, it's a reasonably long distance form where you meet up with your donkey. But perhaps you don't mind a good walk? Or maybe even my memory is not as good as it should be??

Now all you have to do is sit down & plan all the extra things you would like tosee & do if time permits!! That's one of the best things about travelling to a place like Egypt!! Do you have a copy of Lonely Planet? They are worth having with you!

All the best.........Debbie

Mafesh Mushkelah!!!

hi shelly

i am over weight and did the donkey ride last year. what they do is let the handler know and they give a more sturdier donkey to ride. so dont worry, and what they also do is you can opt to get the van back if it is to much, at an extra cost which isnt much. they also can get the van to pick you up as well. on my tour we had a 70 year old do it, and he got the van back.
manda

Personal Worries

The donkeys to the Valley of the Kings are sturdy wee beasts and not all that comfortable to ride having done the trip (at age 58 and there were lots older than I). We were all very happy that a coach came to pick us up to take us back to the boat in order to cross the Nile to get to our wonderful M/V Melodie.

Needless to say, donkeys are known to be "stubborn" and they tend to do their thing which is run up to and stay with their buddy, either right behind or beside. Not that easy to steer. You will enjoy the camel ride much better in Aswan if you take this option!

The trip starts out very early in the morning - still dark when you cross the Nile to get your donkey and is quite long - 1 hour - not within walking distance - but lovely to see the small villages passed on the way.

There are buses that you can take but I believe you would have to pay extra as this isn't part of the tour. The ride is part of the journey to be enjoyed! Take water, wear a hat and have a great trip..

Thanks

Thank you everyone for your help. It sounds like Imaginative Traveller have dealt with others who have not done the donkey ride so when I get there I'll talk to the tour leader and do what they suggest.

I'm currently reading all I can about Egypt so I can make the most out of the trip. Now only the visas and we'll possibly get those this week.