Went to the passport office in Luxor today.  I need a visa extension.  I got all the information as to what I need to take back to them, and then I will get it (inshallah).

I don't know if I ever mentioned all the check points there are here.  Getting out of a town , getting in, going to the mall parking area, and numerous others.  Some cheek for valid licenses and others for who in the car and why.  There is never any problem going back and forth across the river to Luxor city, but going a coming to Hurghada is a different story.

The rule is that a private car may not have a tourist in it.  Also some roads tourists are not allowed.  Remember in November when Mohamed, Ahmed, and I were driving to Aswan and were at first denied permission to go on the desert road.  Mohamed insisted we were all friends, hence the rule did not apply.  It worked.

Also that month when Mohamed and I were travelling to Hurghada each check point, other than the license verifications, took some talking on his part. I was never a tourist.  A friend, a lady he looked after, or his wife -whatever he thought would work.  All was good until the last check coming  back.  We were denied permission to use the West Bank road from Qena to Luxor because tourists could not use it.  We had to turn back and use the East Bank road which is at least forty-five minutes longer. At least he was not cited for having a tourist in his car.  These roads are not dangerous, so I have no idea why this is the rule.

Well, this time I suggested I wear my scarf, hijab style for that check point.  It worked.  We were not questioned at all.

Mohamed was surprised.