I got nothing

Wow! I have never been much of a writer or a blogger, but you all are posting such fascinating stories and remarkable updates that I might just be converted! Ata - what a trip, and your descriptions keep me reading like I haven't read since the Da Vinci Code. I can see the scenery, and it's not what I imagined. I thought all of Egypt was like the road to Abu Simbet, but apparently the Nile Valley is different entirely. I relate to the manual labor there - it was the same way in Vietnam, where the workers with conical hats labored in the rice fields bent over all day. Their "technology" were water buffalo. I've always wanted to go to Egypt. Perhaps you'll take us all back some day to spend more time at your favorite sites and introduce them to all of us kids. I have to admit I am a little disappointed by the local aversion to alcohol, but at least we would have even more reason to eat plenty of dark chocolate.... Half-marathon runners - you guys are incredible. Dobrina and I have been huffing and puffing on our 2-mile runs this week. You guys are naturals, but we have some training to do before we all do a half together. And way to go Sophia! Thanks for all the notes and stories - keep 'em coming! Ian