Back in Cairo
Back to Cairo
For those who have been following this travelog you will remember we started the trip in Toronto but had a seventeen hour layover in Cairo. We spent a delightful few hours getting over an overnight flight and recharging at a great hotel. Now we have returned to Cairo to start the second part of the Grand Adventure.
What a difference a week makes. We landed at 10 am instead of 0430 am and not much difference except in the attitude of the Immigration Officer.
Apparently the message has got through to some that although we have Visas they do not have to see them as it will pop up in the screening computer that we have one. This time we had filled out the immigration forms on the plane and had them ready for inspection with the passport. Sailed through!
The hotel – ‘The Four Seasons Cairo’ is located in the Island area, on the Nile, a good twenty minutes from the airport. We had a grand tour of the City as we drove through. Sharif, the guide kept up a running commentary of the sights. Our rooms were not ready and after a lengthy check-in process – the problem today was that they couldn’t find the correct name of the booking. Mahmoud of Osiris Tours had booked two rooms in my name, they finally found it but the rooms would not be ready for ninety minutes. Going into the attached Mall, a very swanky Mall, we looked for somewhere to eat. I spotted an “Orange” store and decided to buy a cheap SIM card. 12GB, 2500 minutes cost the equivalent of $15 cdn, a great bargain.
The sim-card guy told us about a burger joint down the road and we set off to find it. Thinking it was on the banks of the Nile we crossed the road – a dangerous happening. The traffic here is relentless. Pedestrians have to jump into the gaps in traffic, it never stops and hopes that drivers will adjust to your actions – they do, but it is terrifying for the walkers. After another heart-stopping road crossing we found the burger joint – “Mince”, ordered burgers and stood amazed that it was a walkup counter. Asking if they had a seating area stools were produced and we sat at the counter. Two big burgers came with an eating kit; plastic gloves and wipes. They were both needed the burgers were large and greasy. First time we have had gloves to eat with, somehow it seemed appropriate. The price was even better 2 big burgers and cokes for 404 Egyptian Pounds – $17 cdn.
The evening meal was on a Dinner Cruise on a boat moored right across from the Hotel. The establishment – The ‘Pharoes of the Nile’ actually was a boat that moved – most of the others stay moored on the bank of the Nile. Arriving 30 minutes early , as instructed, we failed to follow procedure and had to go back to the Concierge for the correct entrance ticket. Finally seated we trekked off to the buffet and enjoyed a meal with entertainment. The local talent was a trio of dancing girls, a male singer who sang standards, a fellow who played Egyptian melodies on an electronic fiddle. Followed by a very energetic dancer who rotated clock-wise for many minutes dressed in traditional garb with a difference. The difference being that the dancer had electric lights wired into his dress – very colourful. The final act was a traditional Belly-Dancer. A fine job done by all. The rest of the 2 hour trip was spent on the top deck viewing the night sights of the Nile. Special mention should go the Saudi Embassy for its light display setup to celebrate “Saudi Day”.
Off to bed thoroughly whacked out ready for a 7.30am start to the next day
A short clip of the entertainment on the Boat