October 3
Cairo, the Pyramids &
Checking in and “Nile Cruise”
Arrival in Cairo, was a wow experience. We (Monique) arranged with Mohamed our Airbnb host/ tour operator/ go to guy and all around good guy a myriad of things to make our experience a wow.
We were greeted at the airport by Ali, who does his magic before we get to customs. First step was get the visas, something I was worried about. It took Ali five minutes. He basically walked up to a teller at the National bank, paid US$25 cash for each, handed the cash, no questions, no problems, no issues. Anyone could have done it, if they knew about it. The fear from the home front was fear, simply because we did not know what to expect.
The next step, was the customs official, Ali handed her our passports et voila, I was asked about being born in Egypt and that was the extent of it all.
We are eternally grateful for Paula and her family. Shiloh is staying with them for the three weeks.
This is when the plan worked to perfection. We booked the AIRBNB from yesterday. We knew we would need a place to settle into from the ten and a half hour flight. We were treated by Mohamed and his team - simply put, wow! Mohamed has been a God send. He has come through with numerous guided trips and shuttles.while in Egypt.
Let me describe the drive from the airport. The roads were empty as it was six thirty on the holy day, one part of the superhighway from the airport to Gize was nine lanes. The markings were worn out because here, lane markings are merely a suggestion. The reason they are worn out isn’t the hot blazing sun, it’s because everyone disregards any markings . In fact, on our street, below my balcony is a divided road with enough for three lanes of traffic in either direction. The reality is different.
Right below me is one way of traffic, well, sort of, Turk tuck drivers, cyclists, motorcycles disregard the one way traffic and drive against it. Photos to follow.
Almost bought the KitKat breakfast cereal. Was afraid of the consequences when I returned to the our condo. Now I’m regretting that. No more regrets after that going forward.
I’m having technical issues on my end. Everything is taking two and three times the effort. I may be just tired - today we landed, checked in went grocery shopping and went on a Nile cruise instead of the sight and sound show if the pyramids because of a private event.
R&R Donna, Chris and Larry had naps - I don’t sleep well when I’m on holidays. There will be time for that when I get home. Case in point, I’ve been blogging and editing since 3:30 AM, it’s now 4:47AM
Last night we went on a Nile dinner cruise then after we returned, I was able to convince Chris and Larry to be my body guards for a midnight walk.
The photos are a large dump - explanations will be filled in later. Keep the comments coming. Remember to tell your friends about the blog. The goal is to eventually get 1,000 as my first retirement goal.
I’ve written some entries three times and getting frustrated. I will stop for now. Hopefully the uploads work well.