It was mid-afternoon when the Egyptian government announced the cancellation of all international flights from 19th to 31st March. As I am not due to fly until 20th April EgyptAir are not yet prepared to change my flight. But I looked at a number of possibilities.
Then, around midnight, the British FCO advised against any non-essential travel to Egypt. And around midday today they advised against all no-essential travel worldwide.
Later in the afternoon they slightly relaxed their advice, but unless there are rescue flights laid on then I am going to be staying on in Luxor.
Nobody except the ever-optimistic locals here expect that the restrictions will be lifted quickly. But I might try to blog more regularly.
My hotel is nearly empty, and expected to stay that way for the foreseeable future. Very little close contact with the staff, except at breakfast. Habou Gardens is very quiet, hardly any visitors to the temple today. The strong winds may have played a part but I am reminded of the peaceful environment after the revolutions of 2011 and 2013. A very few visitors at the RRH, so plenty of personal space there. And Fayrouz is also getting quiet.
All in all, I feel better able to self-isolate here than in Worcester. The hot weather will fight the virus. In fact the only downside is the medical support in the event that I fall ill. I will cross that bridge when I reach it.
I am optimistic about my future here, and intend to use the time well.
On another Egyptian note, today I found another possible relative, Alfred Lee, who lost his life here in 1942. He was only 29 and left a wife of 2 years behind. No children, so no new cousins for me on that line.
On a brighter note, here is a picture of a male Nile Valley Sunbird in summer plumage, feeding under the awning near my breakfast table at Sheherazade.