Everyone arrived safely and we all enjoyed the VIP treatment at the airport.Relaxing in a lounge why they got the visa handled and collected our luggage. When it was all completed we walked to the vehicle identified they had all our luggage and off to the hotel. We did not land unil 11.30 pm and by the time we reached the hotel it was about 1.00 am in the morning. EVEN THEN the traffic was heavy, people were everywhere and all the shops were open -- amazing. I guess this place never sleeps. In all my travels I do not think I have ever seen such bad traffic. I had really forgotten what it is like here.
March, 20th.
I had a meeting with the tour company at 1.00 pm and then one of the guides offered to take us to the Khan El Kahlili Bazaar.This is not my favorite thing I am not a shopper. Mark and Cheron came with us I did not see any of the others and off we went.
This was better than I expected it to be. The vendors of course tried to entice you into their stores, but it was done in a nice way not pulling or touching you. They were funny and laughing and we had a good time. I bought two packs of cards for pooch and Cheron bought a really pretty wooden box inlaid with mother of pearl. There were many very cheap boxes but this one was a superior quality. Now I wish I had bought one.
At about 5.30 we got back and saw Ray and Pat in the foyer. Ray was leaving with one of the guides to go to a special spot to take a picture of the sun setting between the pyramids. Ken joined him of course. I have not had time to look at Ken's pictures but I saw one and it was pretty neat.
The Four Seasons First Residence is a lovely hotel. I had forgotten how nice it really is, with beautiful furnishing and marble floors. We were going to eat in the attached mall last night but there was a reception taking place with very loud music so we ate in the Coffee Shop in the hotel. Mark,Cheron, Pam and Jim. Ken and I went to dinner and I ordered a pizza and it was really fabulous and others had sea bass that was also outstanding. I saw a steak at the table next to me that looked good too. I guess the food has improved since my last visit.
After dinner we went into the mall to get some gelato and ran into Ralph, Ray and Pat. Fun to see them and we went looking for Andi, Doug, and Susan but went to the wrong restaurant.
March 21st
Well we are officially started on NILE with our first tour today. We broke into two groups. The "highlights group" went with me and Ken went with the "do it all" group. The sun was shining and the temperature was perfect but it was windy so the sand was blowing pretty well. Both guides are wonderful, Henry and Hany are both Egyptologists, friendly, flexible, relaxed and have big smiles.
My group did not do indepth coverage of the sights and a lot less walking, we had covered Memphis, Sakkara, the Pyramids and the Sphinx and arrived at the restaurant about 30 minutes before Ken's group, who had yet to do the pyramids and the sphinx. I will let others share their impressions of the morning.
For some reason the pyramids looked even more amazing than I remembered. Last time we spent a lot of time and walked all the way around. This time it was brief visit but I really enjoyed seeing them again.
Lunch was very tasty roasted chicken, french fries, and other items. We left to come back to the hotel and the traffic was terrible. It took SO long in bumper to bumper traffic I cannot imagine what time the other group will get back.
Tonight is a very special event. We are going to the home of the owner of the tour company for dinner. I think our guide is pretty excited about this event also. The owner lives in a new area outside Cairo in the desert. I have met him before in Dallas and he visited us in our home and we took him to the Keg for dinner. I really enjoyed his company so I look forward to seeing him again.
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