After so much planning and preparation, it feels great to have finally arrived in Egypt. But with so much to experience here, I have no plans to start taking it easy! I caught up with a couple of other competitors in the Sahara Race on the flight from Abu Dhabi, including Beverley from New Zealand. Luckily for me, her driver was able to help us out with our visas when we arrived at Cairo airport.
Stepping out of the airport was a shock to the system after the long peaceful hours spent on an air-conditioned plane. It was hot and chaotic and there were a number of people who seemed quite insistent on driving me to my hotel. After choosing transportation, it became apparent that it was not to be a smooth journey, when six uniformed guys strapped with guns stopped my taxi and forced me to sign some papers. A few clueless minutes later, it turned out there was a problem with the taxi driver’s license rather than a problem with me, which was a relief.
Navigating through Cairo traffic was an experience in itself. Pedestrians took their lives in their hands whenever they stepped out onto the street; motorbike riders didn’t seem bothered about wearing helmets; and four or five lanes of traffic spanned roads meant only for two.
After checking in at the hotel, it was time to head out again to the Light and Sound Show at the Pyramids. As straight-forward as this sounds, it turned out that my driver had other plans for me and I was given an impromptu tour of all his best mates’ businesses. There was a visit to a perfume shop, where I was ushered behind a curtain and scrutinised heavily by the owners as I dutifully inspected the wares. Then there was a stop at the Papyrus Museum, where I learned how paper was made. The owner unfortunately didn’t share my enjoyment of personal space, and seemed intent on being my own personal shadow.
The Sound and Light Show was thankfully worth the wait. From the VIP section, I was treated to an entertaining lesson on the history of the pyramids and the Sphinx accompanied by a music and light show.
The following day I was greeted by same enthusiastic driver, who I managed to persuade to take me directly to the pyramids, despite the fact that he was eager to show me the delights of the Bazaar on the way. Another of my taxi driver’s friends was waiting for me at the pyramids, ready to be my guide. Although I was slightly suspicious at first, the guide turned out to be worth the money, and showed me around and provided me with some interesting information. The Great Pyramid was spectacular, and it’s beyond all comprehension how the Ancient Egyptians managed to build it on such a staggering scale.
After seeing the Sphinx, it was on to the Egyptian Museum. It was a fascinating journey through Cairo city, and I got the chance to see Tahir Square – the sight of the revolution that ended the Mubarek presidency and changed the face of modern day Egypt.
The Egyptian Museum was set out over two floors and was filled with amazing artifacts detailing Egypt’s history. I was amazed at the scale of some of the statues and the beauty of the artwork maintained for so many thousands of years. It seems such a shame that so much has been lost or destroyed at the hands of looters. Separate from the rest of the museum’s tombs, mummies, statues and boats, was the tomb of Tutankhamun. Placed in its own air-conditioned vault, the sarcophagus, mask, jewellery and other related artifacts were a sight to behold.
Next on the agenda was the Nile River Dinner Cruise. Having originally booked for the five star cruise, I was later told I had been placed on the four star version, but as the night’s events transpired, I’m not entirely sure it deserved even four. My driver kindly decided to join me for dinner as well, as it turned out that I had paid the equivalent price for two!
The night was nothing short of an experience. Funnily enough, I got to share it with a traveller from Melbourne called Tim, and another Aussie, who were both sat in the same row as me for the show. What are the odds? The show featured some ‘interesting’ entertainers, including a colourfully-dressed dancing dwarf, a belly dancer that left little to the imagination, and an over-enthusiastic crowd member whose efforts were actually more entertaining than the professionals. Unfortunately, the food was nothing to write home about, but the whole experience was enjoyable all the same. It was great to catch up some fellow Aussie travellers, and how often can you say you went on a cruise down the Nile?
There has been so much experienced in such a short space of time, and yet there’s so much still to see. With a trip to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings tomorrow, I’m sure the pace will not slow down any time soon!
