For the Galabea party I purchased a 'cleopatra' headpiece and a shawl with coins attached that really jingled as I walked.

I was able to tie it around my very generous hips and was chosen to participate in the belly dancing competition. Boy did those coins fly!!!

Speak to the people in the shop when you get on board as they may be able to get something in for you before the party. They have suppliers all along the Nile and each day would have new stock.

Happy travelling.

I love the shawl suggestion along with the blousy galebea. I am going to try walking several times a week to get into shape for walking but I know I will remain a heavy woman.

I too love what YonYon suggested, the egyptian headpiece and the shawl. Thanks YonYon.

I just was informed that you can use the services of a horse to take you up to the Monestry in Petra. Donkeys are no longer an option for me, personal choice now but a horse might be able to carry my weight just fine.

Has anyone take a horse ride up the hill in Petra ? Please let me know.

Hi Bouflin,
I was in Petra back in March this year and only donkeys were going up and down from the Monestery.
We saw a boy tell someone to get off the donkey for a little while, while he got it over a difficult part of the track. Our Tour Director advised us not to take a donkey.
The track is uneven some flat parts the stairs some are good and some not so good, it is well worth the walk.
One of our group was a little over weight and she walked up and back she took her time and rested along the way.
There are carriages that will take you down the Siq to the Treasury if you don't want to walk it, but tell the TD the day before so he or she can organise it for you.
Some of our group took the horses on the way out of Petra because it is up hill and they were fine you just tell the person what riding experience you have and go from there. Get him to lead you, hold on to the reins and the front of the saddle.
If you take a donkey up to the Monestry I would walk back down, and before you get on a camel, donkey or horse negotiate the price first.
You would be surprised how strong a donkey is.
My pictures are on the members gallery.
Hope you have a great time.

Allison,

Thanks for the feedback. It nice to hear someone's experience. Greatly appreciated.

Linda

BBW - Thank you for broaching the subject! I'm not a dainty little thing either but it simply did not occur to me to ask for advice on the subject.

Camels, horses and donkeys are routinely used to port large men with their gear. It is not hard to imagine a 200 pound man and about 100 pounds of stuff or two 150 pound people sharing a saddle. (I'm thinking of my guys riding with weapons and gear for a few weeks in the wild. One of the animals has to carry the quarter-ton elk or moose back from the camp.)

The rover who handles the beasties will have a range of animals suitable for a wide range of riders and he will not put you or more accurately his investment at risk by mismatching the mount to the task.

Hang on tight to the saddle and have fun!

Linda,

I was going to wear a pair or two of firm support hose on the flight but Gen's suggestion about the compression stockings is excellent.

Because of concerns about clotting issues I'm also taking a little asprin for a few days before the flights.

Best wishes, Deb

Also, remember to drink enough water during the flight. One exercise that almost anyone can do while sitting, assuming there is room to stretch your legs out, is to point and flex your feet.

Can I give you some advice as to donkey riding? There was a woman riding down the steps beside me in Santorini Greece (and I think you are talking about going up!) but it was obvious she had never ridden at all before: she kept leaning forward and was in danger of falling off. Tip: squeeze your thighs to hold on the the animal, and set your feet well in the stirrups: kind of put weight on your heels in the stirrups. Helps to have a good seat on the donkey.
You go girl! We only go around once and if you want to ride a camel or a donkey don't miss the chance! I did it in Greece and it is one of the funnest memories of my vacation! I hope to ride a camel if we do the Eygpt trip.
I also think the suggestion to start walking for excersize to build up some stamina weeks before a trip is a great idea for everyone! Any tour I have been on has had a good deal of walking.