Cairo

Flight from Dubai was uneventful but with a clear sky we saw the Suez Canal, Red Sea and lots of desert.  Cairo from the air is huge.  Same population as Australia but in one city.

We were collected from the airport in a huge (50 seat) bus - we were the only ones on it but apparently there is another couple from Trafalgar tours who will be joining us tomorrow and we will be downgraded to a minivan (much more sensible).  We have been assured that the riots in Cairo are pretty much a media beatup and that they are contained to one small square and easily avoided. We have not felt unsafe at any time

The Nile from our window

view out our window to pool and promenade area

First impression of Cairo is that its a massive dirty, crumbling slum.  Fascinating to be in an ex-palace (Marriott) and right next door is a slum.  Lots of beggers on the streets, which I don't deal with very well, especially the babies and young children.  Temp a bit cooler than Dubai so hopefully will get some sightseeing in.  We are always up well before 6 but nothing opens until 10, when its really hot, but everthing stays open till midnight or later.  

Dinner is usually had about 10pm (past our bedtime). Last night we just had an entre between us at the hotel Arabian Nights restaurant which was quite good and well priced (except for all the taxes and srvice charges). Alan tried the Shisha pipe (Hubbly Bubbly in Dubai) which is apple flavoured steam and the favourite pastime here, you just order it with your dinner.  Photo below. Will probably eat there again next week when we return to Cairo as the menu had lots of local dishes that looked tempting. Tonight we are going on a Nile Dinner Cruise - yep gluttons for punishment after the Dubai experience but we are assured we will like this one.

Alan being shown how to smoke the shisha

This morning took a taxi to Al-Khalili Bazaar.  Its the main bazaar in Cairo and seems to go for miles with side alleys going every which way.  Got ripped off on my first 2 purchases - knew it but they were cheap anyway  and just enjoyed the experience.  Novelty of being hassled wore off pretty quick and it was so crowded and hot we decided we'd had enough and got a taxi back to the hotel.  Taxi driver didn't know where to go and we were going in circles for some time.  This did Alan's temper in but eventually we got back in one piece.  Now having a restful afternoon, may go for a swim or just hang around the promenade cafe - its a massive outdoor area in the hotel where all the rich people hang out.  I'm happy to just people watch and have a cool drink.

Di walking thru the rubbish in the Bazaar

Di at the Bazaar

A lot of the reviews we read about Cairo suggested that it was just a stopping point for Geiza and the museum and that 2 nights were plenty.  Would agree with this as its not a city you want to walk around and its definitely filthy, smoggy and very busy. Tomorrow we join the tour and will be visiting museums etc and then catching the sleeper train to Aswan.  Will be able to update blog again on Monday night our time (hopefully).

Interior of Marriott Hotel

Hotel has high security with airport like screening at all entrance/exits. Not sure if we are freaked out by security or feel safe...