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Wednesday, 16 May 2012

From Europe to Africa


Wednesday 9 May 2012  - A day of travel to our next continent - Africa
Day 27 and 132 to go
With our final night in Spain over we were not in any great hurry to surface. The window shutters do a fabulous job at keeping the light out and this promoted a lay in yet again. We also didn’t want to get out of the comfortable and large bed. It was so nice to be able to sprawl again after living in confined quarters for the past 3 weeks.
At 9 we decided we should get ourselves motivated, I did so we a shower before checking the Internet again. Instead of going out hunting for breakfast we chose to eat in the downstairs breakfast room. They provided a good selection of cereals, pastries, meat, cheeses and yogurt. There was even a young musician having press photos taken in different spots with his guitar.
We returned to the room to Skype home. It was great to see the family and of course Yogi Bear, whose tail was wagging and ears were pricked when he heard us calling.
We left it as late as we could before checking out at 12pm and lugging our suitcases for the final time through the cobbled lanes of Madrid to the metro. With the right lines sorted we wound our way underground to the airport. It was really very simple and I wish we had known about it when we arrived, as it only cost 4.5Euro each, as opposed to 25Euro for the taxi.
The lug of the bags continued as we stretched out between terminal 2 and terminal 1, but with the trek complete we were able to check in, load our bags and make our way into the departure lounge.
By now we were both sweating and in need of a drink and a seat. We bought a bottle of Kahlua duty free (14Euro) and then found a café to take a load off and reflect on the first part of our journey. We have done and seen a lot in the last month.
At 2.30pm we went to the departure gate to wait for our Egypt Air flight to board. It took longer than expected but we were in our seats by 3.30pm and off the ground by 4.15pm. Saying goodbye to Spain and Europe.
The plane was only small, holding 160 people. I felt like we were sandwiched in. Food arrived which I was glad for, as my stomach was grumbly. I had fish, rice and vege which was quite tasty.
Unfortunately this plane didn’t have individual TV’s so we watched Mr Popper’s Penguins from the small overhead screen 3 rows down. It was entertaining enough and certainly passed the time. When it finished we only had 40min of flying left and at 8.20 we touched down smoothly. My ears were throbbing with the pressure. It was quite unbearable. I figured because I was still recovering from the cold that it was worse than normal.
We disembarked and made our way through the terminal. Our guide Muhammad met us before immigration taking us to get en entry visa and then through passport control and on to collect our bags. Thankfully they both followed us.
We were taken to a mini-van and driven to our hotel. The traffic was nightmarish and I am so glad it wasn’t Paul driving this one. Lanes are painted on the road just for fun with half a dozen cars trying to fit across 3 lanes. Indicators are completely optional, but horns are essential, along with headlights that are used as flashers. There were many old Volkswagon vans that don’t have covers over their engines and the sliding door is permanently open. They also seem to be heavily laden in the back, riding with their nose in the air. The cars are old and beat up many are Fiats so Paul felt at home. I wouldn’t want a new car with the craziness of driving here.
People on motorbikes do not wear helmets and seat 3. They also don’t have rear lights. Some bikes are even converted to have a tray on the back like a ute. The trip was an hour long from the airport to the hotel. We past shows of military force and you can feel the uncertainty of the country. With new elections only 3 weeks away there are many political posters and rallies. Our guide Muhammad says the people believe it will be better when the new government starts. I will wait and see.
We did drive over the Nile River, though not much could be seen at night.
With the madness of driving and my poor attempts to look away trying not to see what was going on in the traffic I was glad to make it to Barcelo Pyramid Hotel at 10.20pm.
We checked in said goodbye to Muhammad and went to our room. The room was clean, tidy and well appointed. I looked out our window over the crazy traffic. We settled in before I had a shower and by 11.30 we were asleep. 

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