The flight had been surprisingly smooth. I suppose, I was expecting a rather hellish ride, considering it was an African Airline, Egypt Air, I'd booked my flight through. But I didn't even realise we'd landed until I peered through the misted window. Cairo Airport, unfortunately wasn't run with the same smoothness. Entering the arrivals area, chaos all around me, with officials, scrambling around like headless chickens, and passengers having no idea where or what to do next. I followed a Swiss man I'd met at the airport in Addis, who'd been to Cairo on a number of occasions. We made our way to the far end of the room, passed all the shouting and confusion, to the uninspiring immigrations posts. I had my passport checked and ushered through quickly. My Swiss companion sent to another area for visa control. I watched as he made his way back into the chaos. I'd already got my Egyptian visa in Addis. Mind you, it had cost me $70 for a one month visa. At Cairo Airport it would have cost me $15 for three months. I didn't have a lot of choice, is the matter. At the time, I needed my Sudanese visa. The Embassy in Addis would only issue one, once I'd obtained my Egyptian visa. The Sudanese visa had ended up costing $100 for a two week entry time. The whole process had taken two weeks of my time in Addis, and just two days later I was mugged.
Our bags had been held up for over an hour, and then I was unable to change up any money, because the bureau de change's had closed for the day. Eventually making my way outside, to a relatively calm reception by Cairo. I'd expected more chaos from taxi drivers, but very few were present. I jumped in an over priced airport taxi, choosing the easy option rather than more hassle. Although my white driver tried to demand more money from me once we reached Laialy Hostel, in the centre of Downtown district. Being hassled by a white man was a new one on me in Africa, and some what unsettling.
Reminding me of parts of London, with its high Victorian style buildings, their lavish stone moldings and crisp contours and beeping blue and white Morris Minor style taxis racing through the busy streets below. Locals slowly shifting backwards and forwards weaving between traffic in a remarkable manor of pure skill. Unfortunately my skills were seriously lacking, nearly being ploughed down by speeding cars, every time I dice-with-death, trying to cross one of these manic streets. Perspiration beading on my forehead as I regain my composure.
Spending just a couple of days in dirty, chaotic downtown. Making the most of McDonald's and enjoying the company of other travels, I leave for Dahab in the Sinai Peninsula. Hearing only great things about the little hippy joint, I'm looking forward to some real rest and relaxation and a chance to unwind before heading home.
Dahab, unfortunately has seen a real tourist boom in recent years. The little hippy joint it used to be has been lost, instead replaced by themed restaurants and bars and family package holiday makers, swanning around in bikini's eating western food and being conned by touts and souvenir sellers, selling 'authentic' merchandise, or so they say.
As luck would have it, a small group of travelers, who'd settled down in Dahab, were socialising in London Bar when myself and Sheryl, who I'd met on the bus, entered. Striking up a conversation almost instantly we spent the next few days with our new friends. Going snorkeling and night walks in the desert, along with copious amounts of alcohol and spliffs, my new companions were making Dahab a little easier to handle.
After spending five days, I return to Cairo. Forcing myself to see one last tourist attraction and knowing I wouldn't hear the end off it, if I didn't going to see the last ancient, wonder of the world, the Pyramids of Giza.
Sitting on a raised sandy shelf, looming over the dusty city, the Pyramids seemed smaller than I imagined they would, yet no less invoking. Choosing the tight ass option and not paying the entrance fee I walk around the perimeter of the compound trying to find the best picture angles. I stay for about 20 minutes in all before jumping back in the taxi for downtown.
