Democracy comes to Egypt.

Today, after visiting tombs and temples with an enthusiastic visitor, we passed through the village of Qift, about 45km from Luxor. Election fever was high - the longed for result of the 25th January revolution which saw Mubarak ousted from office, and facing his ongoing trial. Election banners straddle the road - and as illiteracy is high in Upper Egypt, each banners bears the symbol of the party it represents. It's interesting that the more Islamist party - Nour (or Salafi) shows its female candidate in full niqab (dead centre of the photo)!

Qift has a long history dating back to pharaonic times and has two major temples - seldom visited by tourists, but beautiful nonetheless. It's a fairly large village, and wherever we went we were met with friendliness, without the constant clamouring for 'baksheesh' that you get in Luxor.

Elections in Britain seem pretty tame, compared to the scene here - crowds queueing in the street to vote - Previously under the old regime fewer than a 30% turnout was sufficient, but now, polling stations have had to open for another day to cater for the demand.

Yes, these are exciting days to be living in Egypt, to see history being written as it happens - and yet despite the scare stories in the Western media, tourists are returning to a safe and comfortable holiday destination.