May 22, 2003
15 hour train ride from Cairo to Aswan

Hour 11:

I can't believe I am going to be seeing Luxor, Karnak and Abu Simbel. I am so overwhelmed and excited ! I have wanted to see this stuff since I was a kid !

We've arrived and got a hotel in Aswan. I have learned not to assume hot water is available and that you must ask for toilet paper and towels. Why do I always have to ask for toilet paper ? Is the joke about eating with your right hand only really true ? And why is it that when we do get toilet paper, it's always the end of the role ?

Evening:

Got totally dehydrated. Felt like I was going to die. Horrible.