Hi everybody,
A much shorter post today after yesterday's novel - I promise!
This morning we got up bright and early to head to Luxor Airport. We had our passports checked an astounding four times, not including getting checked as we boarded the plane. The sunrise as we walked towards the plane was absolutely stunning.
On the flight, Peter and I read some of my guide book for Jordan and checked out the itinerary for our upcoming time there. I am so excited! It looks amazing.
We then arrived in Cairo for our 11 hour stopover and bid farewell to Karl (who took a photo of us waving goodbye to him). Unfortunately because G Adventures had to book flights for 16 people all together and be within budget, this was the best they could do. However, it does show that they are a company that care because they organised a free van to take us into Cairo from the airport and pick us up five hours later. Not all companies would do that, and this is why I will continue to travel with them whenever I want to do a tour. This is my fourth with them and I've never been disappointed.
Kristine, Harrison, Brabbyn, Peter, Kevin and I ventured to Al Manial Palace, which I had found in my 'Lonely Planet' guide that looked interesting. It was built in 1875 by King Farouk, who from what I could tell was a descendant of Mohammed Ali Pasha (the khedive that built the citadel mosque from last week). Whenever I hear Farouk I think of Freddie Mercury!
I accidentally got us into the wrong uber on the way because the first two numbers of our uber driver's number plate were the same as another car. It was a very funny and confusing minute of trying to figure out what was going on! But we eventually made it and the place was very decadent. We went inside the mosque (which had an incredible 25 Turkish rugs inside it!), the living quarters, the throne room and more and took in the beautiful tiles and colours. All of it fitted together even though the patterns and colours were so vibrant. It did give you an idea as to why there was a revolution which resulted in no more King after 1952, because it was all very over the top. I absolutely loved the tiles. They reminded me very much of mine and Mum's travels to Turkey.
The weirdest part was a 'hunting museum' that was basically a corridor full of stuffed animals that had definitely seen better days. Very creepy!
The gardens also looked beautiful but were unfortunately closed off. We did get a good look at the clock tower on the edge of the gardens though.
Afterwards, the six of us headed back to he falafel place that Ildi took us too. Incredibly, I ordered three sandwiches and paid just 10 Egyptian pounds (80 cents). It really shows you how much restaurants etc rip you off when you're in a group here, as we paid nearly 20 times that for particular dinners and lunches. It's the same anywhere though. They see foreigners and therefore dollar signs!
The sandwiches were so delicious. I ate three and decided to order three more for myself and Kristine to eat at the airport tonight. As we were leaving, I realised I had only been given two. What followed was a very confusing conversation/game of charades with the man serving the food. I said "I ordered three, you gave me two" and held up my fingers accordingly. He shrugged his shoulders as if to say it wasn't his problem, so I pointed at my receipt. "Three". A few minutes later, he brought me three more. I now have FIVE falafel sandwiches in my bag! But considering I have just run out of Egyptian pounds, this is good because I know we won't go hungry haha.
Tonight the remaining 13 of us fly to Amman in Jordan and our new tour guide will meet us at the airport.
So here is my wrap up of Egypt. The media at home has Egypt all wrong. I have had the most amazing week and can honestly say this is one of my top five countries I have travelled to. Not one man cat called me, apart from people trying to sell things no one hassled me. If they did, a simple "la shukraan" sent them away most of the time (and an "imshi!" then did the trick when required). The people were extremely friendly and would greet me with a smile, wishing me a good day or a happy new year. I walked alone (sometimes even at night) and not once felt I was in danger. And as you've seen ove the last week or so, the monuments are INCREDIBLE.
If it's not already, put Egypt at the top of your bucket list and book a trip ASAP. I suspect as it becomes more popular again crowds and prices at the major attractions will increase significantly. As long as you are a savvy traveller and are aware of exchange rates/scams etc (just like you would be in any other country) you will be fine.
See you in Jordan - country number 70!!!!
Love to all
Claire
Xoxox
PS: My Egyptian SIM card won't work in Jordan and I'm still undecided as to whether I'll buy one there. I'll suds out the wifi once I arrive and hopefully post tomorrow.
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