So long time no post. As I was sitting in the airport yesterday, I realized why I haven't been blogging; because this amazing journey I've been on is almost over! If I had been blogging the count down I would have realized how quickly it's all going to be over.
Luckily, I have 2 trips left before I move back; Istanbul next week annnnnd: Cairo! Yep, I'm in Egypt this weekend for 2 days of sightseeing, and then 2 days of work to see our 3 new stores that opened last week. I missed the openings because our company didn't want me to travel, so I had to wait for the approval, but on the positive, they have been doing fabulous, so it will be good to see them a week after opening to see if they still look good.
The direct flight was only 3.5hrs from Dubai, and luck was with me because I got a complimentary upgrade to Business class!! Quite a good surprise, and a great "last trip" on emirates, as I'll be flying Turkish Air next week to Istanbul. I had arranged for an "on arrival service" to the hotel as I was traveling alone, and was a bit nervous as everyone has been terrified of me coming here. It was great- as soon as you get off the plane- they are waiting on the tarmac with your name on a folder. They take you right to customs, get your visa for you, take you through passport control, take you through security, and customs, and then take you to the car waiting outside the door. All for only 40 euros. Such a good deal- I would highly recommend because I would never have figured out the on-arrival visa, and imagine how chaotic the baggage claim area is in the US- well there is only ONE belt in this airport and there was three different planes that arrived at the same time. It was out of control- luckily my guide elbowed his way in to get my bag.
My driver was awesome- got me all the way across Cairo in 30 minutes. How'd he do it? going 140-160 Kilometers an hour and driving like Mario Andretti! It was horrifying. The highways are not well maintained, or made; have huge drops, sharp curves, and gigantic potholes. Atop all of that- there were cars just stopped on the far lanes having a smoke break, buying fruits at the roadside vendors (on the highway!!), and the accidents- my goodness- there were accidents every few miles! I was texting Daniel as the first 10 minutes I was in the car and had to stop as I started to get car sick from all the up down, over, up down, and traveling at the speed of light. But again, great that it only took 30 minutes :-)
As we got off the highway, it has gotten dark, but I could see the two gigantic pyramids as the sun had just set! Then I noticed that we were not on a paved road- or at least- it wasn't paved anymore. Dirt roads, large piles of garbage on every corner, people walking everywhere, cars parked up and down and around. As my driver must have seen my horrified look on my face he said "yea, we don't have rules here for driving, parking, or really anything. There isn't garbage pick up- eventually someone starts it on fire."
I was so glad once we got to the hotel. It is really nice- under renovation, so there is some old parts still. I am in the new wing which looks just as clean and nice as any hotels in Europe. The pool is super nice, clean, and has amazing views of the two pyramids.
I am going to the "Light show" tonight which everyone here has said I have to go see. I don't know if it's a tourist trap, or what, but even my Co-worker Aly who is Egyptian said I need to go see it, so I'll post some pics tonight when i get home.
The direct flight was only 3.5hrs from Dubai, and luck was with me because I got a complimentary upgrade to Business class!! Quite a good surprise, and a great "last trip" on emirates, as I'll be flying Turkish Air next week to Istanbul. I had arranged for an "on arrival service" to the hotel as I was traveling alone, and was a bit nervous as everyone has been terrified of me coming here. It was great- as soon as you get off the plane- they are waiting on the tarmac with your name on a folder. They take you right to customs, get your visa for you, take you through passport control, take you through security, and customs, and then take you to the car waiting outside the door. All for only 40 euros. Such a good deal- I would highly recommend because I would never have figured out the on-arrival visa, and imagine how chaotic the baggage claim area is in the US- well there is only ONE belt in this airport and there was three different planes that arrived at the same time. It was out of control- luckily my guide elbowed his way in to get my bag.
My driver was awesome- got me all the way across Cairo in 30 minutes. How'd he do it? going 140-160 Kilometers an hour and driving like Mario Andretti! It was horrifying. The highways are not well maintained, or made; have huge drops, sharp curves, and gigantic potholes. Atop all of that- there were cars just stopped on the far lanes having a smoke break, buying fruits at the roadside vendors (on the highway!!), and the accidents- my goodness- there were accidents every few miles! I was texting Daniel as the first 10 minutes I was in the car and had to stop as I started to get car sick from all the up down, over, up down, and traveling at the speed of light. But again, great that it only took 30 minutes :-)
As we got off the highway, it has gotten dark, but I could see the two gigantic pyramids as the sun had just set! Then I noticed that we were not on a paved road- or at least- it wasn't paved anymore. Dirt roads, large piles of garbage on every corner, people walking everywhere, cars parked up and down and around. As my driver must have seen my horrified look on my face he said "yea, we don't have rules here for driving, parking, or really anything. There isn't garbage pick up- eventually someone starts it on fire."
I was so glad once we got to the hotel. It is really nice- under renovation, so there is some old parts still. I am in the new wing which looks just as clean and nice as any hotels in Europe. The pool is super nice, clean, and has amazing views of the two pyramids.
I am going to the "Light show" tonight which everyone here has said I have to go see. I don't know if it's a tourist trap, or what, but even my Co-worker Aly who is Egyptian said I need to go see it, so I'll post some pics tonight when i get home.
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