I have some maintenance work to do on the MES moodle site for Angela, and by then the sun may be over the yard-arm ...
The wind was blowing from the south-west, at near to gale force. It knocked over one of my modern artefacts - a Stella container that was still half full - so we removed the table-cloths to reduce the risks. Sand was getting in our eyes, but it was full moon, and we watched Jupiter setting over the Theban hills at about 20:00.
A new hotel, the Alhambra, was having an opening party at very short notice, so we invited ourselves. The hotel is to the south of the road into Gezira, behind the Mobil petrol station. For those who know the area it is directly opposite the Kleopatra, and just round the corner from Kareem, and Atak's bakery. It is built on five floors around a marble-lined courtyard. Very noisy and a heat trap. I would not recommend a room overlooking this courtyard, but chaq'un a son goat. A lift was advertised, but not yet available - the hotel will not open fully until later this year. They have a website at www.alhambra-hotelluxor.com .
Because of the lack of a lift, and the noise from the music on the roof terrace, I chose to sit in the Atrium. Tayib went up and took some pictures, which I will add later.
We had a full meal, and some beverages, at a very competitive price. Most of the food was excellent, even though the party had only been arranged at 24 hours notice. Cynics may think that they had heard a famous journalist would be in town!
One final obsevation, before I close down for the night - there are very few mosquitoes or indeed any flying insects. I will regret typing this when I am bitten to death overnight!