Egypt continues (part 3)
FINALLY...
The plane is packed but I enjoy the flight with added goodies served to me because I am connected to International. Smooth sailing to my international flight and I am finally getting there.
I love travel but was happy to get off a 14hour flight. So hard to get comfortable no spare seats to stretch out on, remember the days when that was possible. I love watching the behaviours of people getting settled in. We all want our space, whether it be space in the overhead lockers or fighting over the arm rest. What’s that all about? Someone sits down gets set and bang both arms on the arm rests , you know they hate it if they forget and take their arms off and then the person next to them grabs it! I had a very quiet English lady next to me. She had the habit of making circles around her thumbs. I seem to recall my Mum doing this. She did this the whole trip staring at a blank screen.
I find myself wondering why this is happening, My trip I mean, It almost feels self- indulgent, Funny isn’t it when you do something that you really dream about and see it as just a dream , then it happens it is almost as if You can’t believe it! How come it is happening, strange we humans?
Abu Dhabi is fascinating and as I sit waiting for my flight I look at the mix of people. I am in an Arab country yet there appears to be more Western dressed people, I wonder if they feel invaded, just like some westerners feel about them. I love seeing the Arab men in their white gala bayas quite regal and they tend to walk with a grace.
The flight to Cairo challenged us all. No sooner had I sat down and a young child 2 seats up started screaming, stopped momentarily only to have another in the back take over this was the journey from hell” Patience I remind myself. I closed my eyes and worked at sending calm, however after a long journey and adrenalin from the events prior, my energy was naturally depleted yet I do feel it worked at times. I like to think that anyway!
Everyone was helpful once I arrive any concerns of getting my visa and immigration taking ages was not to be all went smoothly. On getting my luggage my role now seemed simple! Walk through the terminal and find my driver: easy!. Yes well perhaps ‘spirit’ had one more joke to play.
My eyes searched for signs in the throng of people, nothing seemed to be coming to me. “Can I help you - do you need a taxi or have they not turned up for you?” I looked up and a smiling Egyptian man greets me. “I answered, the later “He works at the airport organising people. “Welcome” He was to become my guide/protector He asked for a phone number and when I showed him, He pulled out is mobile and rang the number and handed his phone to me. . I am overwhelmed. There had been a mix up, my driver was not aware I had an earlier flight and wasn’t expecting me until 4hours later; he would be as quick as he could but it may take some time. “Okay no stress I am fine” Captain as he called himself suggested I go and have a coffee as it would be at least a 1/2hr and he would watch out for me. This I used to my advantage and while waiting I changed some $. Captain would come and see I was okay and chat. I decided to ask him about a sim for my phone. “Come “he said and took me to a small cubical where 2 men sorted my phone and set it up. ‘Fantastic” I ended waiting nearly 2hours but was well entertained with the different cultures coming and going, delightful children and Captain who would come and check on me.
Well how do I describe Cairo, Desert, tall units appear to be half finished and Traffic all pushing for space. At first sight it is like I am on another planet, it feels sirile .
l remind myself I am in Egypt “Look see the Pyramids” I look up and amongst the chaos stands majestically in the distance 2 pyramids like sentinels. It still seems unreal. I ask my driver about the housing and how it is all half finished. He tells me the Govt charges taxes when the building is completed so the people have it all finished inside and never finish the outside. “It doesn’t worry them, they are comfortable inside” he says. I see a van one that would take 8 people and it is packed with men and teens most smoking, another one jumps on board and has to stand hanging onto the door half in and half out. They laugh and wave when they notice the shocked expression on my face, I respond with the same back to them. Traffic goes from 4 lanes to 2 lanes, (well they really can’t be called lanes) in-betweens are people standing in the traffic with produce to sell, cigarettes, tissues. How are they not killed I think to myself then quickly shifting the thought as I am sure some are.
We arrive at the Oasis, my driver sorts out my booking. My cabin is down the back away from busyness No 2007 I laugh. I am tired but decide to do a bit of a reci , to get my bearings.
A gym sauna spa steam room all available: which I use later and enjoy the Jacuzzi and steam room, wash of the travel dirge. I enjoy a swim and check out the internet. Purchase some water and a map I have a few days on my own so I need to make some decisions. After freshening up I head for dinner. I am the only one there I enjoy a nice grilled fish and a glass of white wine. People start to settle in arriving now for tea. Watching the fountain in the pool and hearing the music is inviting yet my head has been pounding for some time and I know I need sleep. So off to my room and settle into bed by 8p.m.
It sadly seems that the rest of this story will only be in my memory bank. My diary from this trip was stolen along with my car. Thankfully, no one can take our Memories.