Touchdown

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Hey all,

Welcome to my travelblog for this impromptu adventure to the Middle East. For those who know me (and those that don't), this trip is being taken during what would best be described as a 'gap' year and after much deliberation (i.e. none), i've decided to throw caution to the wind and jump into the Middle East with absolutely no expectation, no information and no preparation to see what surprises are going to be thrown up.

Anyhow enough of my pitiful introduction, and onwards

Jumped onto my flight to Cairo via Singapore and Dubai, which was pretty standard fare. Rather uninteresting journey as most long haul flights are, and i slept for most of it (serves me right for deciding to work the NIGHT before I fly)

During transit in Dubai, I decided to make my way to the Irish Pub (there's an Irish pub to found anywhere in the world....), where I pulled up a stool next to this guy named Rob who was on his way to Koh Samui. The guy is apparently from this island state of Jersey, lying in the English Channel, and is currently working as a steelworker in Amsterdam. Anyhow, we talked a lot of crap over 2 pints of Stella.

Decidedly happy with myself that I wasn't the only person drinking alcohol at 7.30am, jumped onto my connecting flight to Cairo. Less people were on this flight so I could stretch out and sleep even more. Before I knew it, I wake to "this is the captain speaking. We are making our final descent into Cairo International Airport, so could you please raise your seats to the upright position....". Cairo here I come.

Getting off the plane was an assault on the senses. Feeling the baking heat radiating off the runway, the cacophony of sounds as countless people bustle about their jobs, the aroma (if you could call it that) of sweating people, spices, apple tobacco and a hint of urine (human or feline, I couldn't distinguish).

Thank god I arranged an airport transfer. The Budget Expeditions country manager greeted me at the terminal gate and quickly shuffled me through immigration and customs. Instructing me to buy a Visa from the bank, subsequently queuing in the customs line with the page open to my visa (which is essentially two postage stamps), and numerous other indecipherable beaurocratic dance moves to get myself through immigration. Bags collected and lead out, we made our way down to the waiting van which was to take me to my hotel. As I stroll outside the airport (they're apparently building a new one due to be completed next year), I see all the black+white taxies with people haggling on price - and once again I thank Allah for having the foresight to not try and do this myself on day 1.

Next came my introduction to driving in Cairo, and for those used to western road 'rules', you will be completely freaked out if ever decide to take a taxi in Cairo. There are lanes marked, but nobody uses them, there are traffic lights and traffic police, but everybody ignores them. All this in traffic that would be peak hour in Melbourne, all rushing along at 80 km/hr or more. A bit of a wild ride, I must say. I have yet to decipher the approximate 20 signals you can use your car horn for. Anyway......

The initial culture shock over - I do finally arrive at my hotel which is basic, but everything seems to work. Checked in, luggage dumped - in true David Dao fashion I set off for a bimble and quickly realise that my hotel is not that near anything that I want to be near to. But that's okay, as I walked around and got my bearings of Downtown Cairo - the islands suburbs of Zamalek and Gezira, and of course, the Nile. 3 hours later, i return to my hotel for tour meeting where I find out that for my trip to the Siwa Oasis and Alexandria, there will be me, my tour guide, our driver - and ONE other person.....

Hmmm, I'm thinking to myself.

Anyhow, that's it for day one - Highlights of the tour to Wadi El Natrun, El Alamein, Siwa Oasis and Alexandria will follow soon.

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Photos

Touching Down
Sunrise on EK927

Cairo Day One
Riverboat on the Nile in Cairo

Cairo Day One
A glimpse of the former glory of Cairo - now covered in sand and soot.

My foot
The dirt on my foot after walking around Cairo for 3 hours

Comments

[mrjin]

wtf is that?
Hey Dave, wtf is that on your foot. Did you walk through coal dumps or something. Thats amazing. Havent seen that yet.

[daod]

That's just dirt mate!! Cairo's such a bloody dirty city, you walk around and you feel dirt just clinging to everything - your skin, your clothes, you eyes. Really if you ever get to Cairo - all your senses get bombarded with stimuli - crazy!! Dave