Friday, March 4, 2016

Cairo/Giza


We arrived safe and sound into Cairo at midnight on the 3rd of March.  We came a day earlier than our tour group so that we could acclimate.  The Cairo airport is pure bedlam.  Many international flights arriving close in time to each other.   We had arranged a shuttle service with the Marriott and they offered to meet us, aid with our Visas, and get us through cystoms and immigration.  We completeed that process within 20 minutes and were whisked away to the Rennaissnce Cairo Mirage.  We would still be standing in a que if we were not meet by a Marriott representative

We had a great nights sleep and delicious breakfast before heading off to meet our tour group.

Back to the airport to hook up with Go Ahead tour rep.  We had no contact info for the rep, just told to go to Terminal 1 and wait for him at 1pm and so we did with hundreds of others.
Fortunately we stand out in this crowd so we were finally found and driven down to Giza.  Note to self:  never ever attempt to drive in Cairo!  Lanes mean nothing, traffic symbols mean nothing, families with children are crossing 6 lanes of unorganized cars, buses, horse drawn carts and trucks.  No one slows down, lots of horns blaring.  

Staying at the Movenpick Giza Hotel and resort we met with Amr, our tour guide for the next 12 days.  He said they have been trying to track us down for two days.  Apparently we were MIA.  They have a responsibility to let the US Embassy know where the US tourist are at all times and they didn't quite know where we were.  Again we are found😍 
This is the view from our room.  Yes, these are the Great Pryamids.



 

4 comments:

  1. I think we stayed in that exact hotel upon arriving in Cairo years ago. I remember the pool!
    Glad you went a day early rest. Now just enjoy and soak in the history.
    Betty

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  2. Ahhh! Loving this! Thanks for the update, don't enjoy yourselves too much ;) but keep the info and pics coming! Love you and be safe!

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  3. Your story of the airport makes India seem calm. Very glad to hear that the tour company was attentive to you. Don't want to lose either of you. Have a great time and keep up with the blog. Love the photos and stories. Imagine seeing the pyramids out your window!!

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  4. Keep standing out in the crowd!

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