Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Friday May 26, 2006 – Assault of the Senses

Weekend travel from Cyprus takes a bit of logistical planning as flights to mainland European destinations are either irregular, a connecting flight, or unsuitable travel times for anyone who does not enjoy a “man of leisure” lifestyle. After a destination poll, a lengthy internet search, and a mildly annoying visit I'm sure for the travel agent (pretty much asked “where can we go this weekend leaving after 8PM on Friday and returning Monday”), we (the Brit, Canadian, "C" and I) happily settled on Cairo. Friday’s traveling was for the most part uneventful except for the unnerving boarding of an unmarked plane and the Brit’s daring consumption of the colored and shiny Egyptian Airlines mystery meat platter. One of the most humorous aspects of these “close to Cyprus” flights (never longer than 45 minutes), is the frantic rush to wheel out the beverage and meal cart…who could possibly be that famished to require a meal on that short of a flight?

Upon arriving in Cairo, we were quickly whisked off to the Grand Hyatt on the banks of the Nile. We begrudgingly settled on the “American chain” hotel after we were advised by many reputable travelers, not to skimp on a hotel in Cairo. It was very sound advice, as it was one of the few times where were happy to be able to escape the loud, bustling, smoggy craziness and pushy vendors of Cairo. We don’t by any means consider this all out assault on the senses unpleasant, as it is what gives Cairo it’s…I guess what you’d call, charm. After a quick dinner at the hotel, we called it an early night so we would be ready for our tour of Saqqara and Islamic Cairo on Saturday.

Some Hotel shots:

Nile View from Room


Pool

Prayer Directional to Mecca



0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home