SAY GOODNIGHT HOSNI & NOTHING LIKE THE TRAIN

DANCE LIKE AN EGYPTIAN

     It'll make for a fascinating story to learn what finally convinced Hosni Mubarak to go. As it was the story line could do nothing but deteriorate.  Mubarak's departure does not assure sunshine and roses, but a longer delay would have made it worse. (See an earlier post.)

      The US team working on the transition will take comfort from the long and friendly relationship between the US military and the Egyptian army. The US has trained most of the Egyptian officers, they have spent time in the US and in many instances there are genuine friendships between US and Egyptian brass.  At a time of change, when the military has been given authority, this is a good sign.

      In this moment of hope, I urge you to recall the song refrain from this Post's title and to imagine the former strongman- dancing like an Egyptian.  Better yet-recall Steve Martin's moves to "King Tut."  Bye bye Hosni.

SOUTHBOUND ON THE SURFLINER

      This post comes from the Amtrak Surfliner south bound to San Diego.  The shot whizzing by above is south of Santa Barbara.

We have become fans of the route and find this brand of train travel preferable, in most ways, to flying.  Seats and space are more comfortable, the views are terrific and you avoid the angst and hassle of airports, gates, lines, x-ray machines and etc.

If you drive, you might save 1-2 hours on the trip from the Central Coast to San Diego. The   operative word being DRIVE. That means in and around LA.  Been there and done that. Simply sitting back, reading, snoozing and watching the view is vastly preferable.

Now others can take the freeway. I'll take the free time. 

And, it's pretty difficult to blog while you drive.

See you down the trail.