Fellow Travellers

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Cario - December 25 and 26 2010

Cairo Christmas Day 2010

It saddens me that as I post this entry on Egypt the country and its people are in turmoil. Our trip experience was enhanced by the gracious people we met throughout our journey who had great pride in showcasing their country. I hope they are all safe and that the political issues resolve peacefully.

We arrived in Cairo on Christmas Eve after a short 4.5 hour flight to find our dedicated guides awaiting us. It was luxury from moment one to the last as our new host whisked away with our passports to obtain our visas and our luggage while we stood around and people watched. Much more relaxing than standing in line ourselves!

Our driver whisked his way through the chaotic freeway system, jam packed with other cars of all sizes, shapes and makes to our hotel in the center of the city. The traffic was dense on this holiest of nights which is not surprising for a Muslim country. Not a one of them at Christmas eve services! We were deposited at the hotel and informed of our 7 am pick up. The first of many early mornings….ug…was

Since we were up early, G managed to snap some photos at dawn of the Nile river outside our hotel. The photos are stunning capturing the calm coolness of the early morning in Cairo. A quick breakfast and we were then on our way to Memphis with our tour guide, Dahlia. We made our way through the somewhat quiet streets towards this former center of Egyptian life passing farms, villages and mansions along the route.