Looking back at February 2011

Obviously for the first half of February the world focused on the protests in Cairo and whilst Luxor hasn't been immune from the protests it was all very minor here by comparison. Graham wrote what it was like for us to live in Luxor at this time in his diary but as so many people wanted to know what was going on he uploaded it to the AWOL web site and if you would like to read it you can Click Here. The link at the bottom of that page will bring you back here.

February Pictures Click on any picture below to see a larger image or CLICK HERE to take the tour.

As the 14th February fell on a Monday we celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary at home the day before and extended it to a meal at home on Monday evening after we had finished our AWOL day where we continued as usual out in the villages, had our Monday AWOL meeting in Sindbad's and restocked all our tack supplies. We are both really worn out as this month as we have not only had the normal AWOL care of the animals but so much more to do as you can read on the AWOL web site. It has been a roller coaster month what with the unrest in Egypt, Graham's father being rushed to hospital, pushing through the planning permission for the buildings on the AWOL land and the absence of tourists but at least by the 14th the worst was over and even though Jan and Jean's flights were cancelled we were hearing of some people booking to come over, dad left hospital, the extremely abusive person renting the villa next to us had left and we had the AWOL planning permission we have been waiting for for so long thanks to the Governor of Luxor.

We just haven't had a moment this month but we are so pleased that things are slowly getting back to normal as the tourists return. We have no doubts it will be the winter season before tourists make it back to Luxor in great numbers but we are looking forward to seeing friends Simon and Chantal, Steve and Carole and a few more arriving in March whilst Bev and Cynthia - who brought over so much over to help the animals it was wonderful and most urgently needed - are now just starting their holiday.

Regrettably Pauline was dragged and then run over by a donkey and cart yesterday (23rd) and though bruised and battered thankfully no bones were broken. Today was very difficult for her but she continued out in the villages as anyone who knows her will know that she will never let anyone down however bad she feels. Tonight she is hurting so we are both pleased that tomorrow is Friday and she can rest.

One really good thing is that it is warming up here which we need as we don't do well in the cold. We did manage a trip to Africa restaurant where we had hoped to meet up with Sabine but there always seems to be something that stops us getting together as like us she is just so busy. It was lovely to sit on the roof but also a little sad as though it was business as usual there just were no tourists as this was just before the flights resumed.

It has been a once in a lifetime February but now we can get back to normal and as it is also becoming warmer we are happier to go out and chat about Animal Welfare of Luxor, what there is to see and do here, what it is like to live here and generally just say hi. Do Click Here and print off the page which has our phone numbers and also details of where we can meet. If you have a corner spare in your suitcase please Click Here to see a few items that we would love you to bring over.

Pauline and Graham XX and our zoo xxxxxx

Please click on the link if you would like to e-mail us: teampeg@hotmail.com

Click Here to take our February photos tour.