FLIGHT TO EGYPT - FIRST NIGHT IN CAIRO

Aside from a couple of hours' delay in Frankfurt to Cairo, our Lufthansa flight to Egypt on February 4, 2022, was uneventful.  We flew business class, which is always a treat, and we were able to enjoy some time in the lounge before and in between flights and lovely meals during the trip.  




 

When we arrived in Cairo on Saturday, February 5th, we were met by A&K Tour Coordinator, Hossam, who immediately took charge and navigated us through passport control, having obtained the required visas needed for our entry, getting us through security, obtaining our luggage and transferring us by vehicle being driven by Mohammed to Giza's Marriott Mena House Hotel.  

Upon checking us into the hotel, Hossam, gave us all the information about the hotel's layout as well as instructions for the following day when we would meet our Resident Tour Director. 

That first night, however, I must confess I was slightly disappointed with the room at the Marriott Mena House Hotel because I couldn't see any pyramid from our window although our reservation did say "pyramid view."  


The next morning, February 6th, I got up and looked out the window and saw this beautiful sunrise. 

I couldn't contain myself and woke Michael up - probably around 6 a.m. - and opened the sliding door and stepped out onto the balcony.  I turned my head to the right and, literally, started to vibrate!  There was the Great Pyramid! 



We showered, got dressed and walked to the restaurant for breakfast only to be awe-struck by this magnificent sight.

 

We met Hossam at the agreed-upon time and he introduced us to our Resident Tour Director who would be with us throughout our visit to Egypt, Ahmed Abul Ella.  Simply put, Ahmed, is a walking encyclopedia, if anyone actually knows what an encyclopedia is these days.  I've never met anyone so knowledgeable about so many subjects.  I remember commenting to Michael that there wasn't one subject on which I could talk for days on end.  Ahmed is a true scholar - I don't think I ever asked a question that he could not answer.  An amazing man. 

Ahmed describes himself as follows: "I am a historian from Egypt, who explains Ancient Egypt in a simple and narrative style, easy to understand by everyone. I spent the last 30 years close to Egyptian monuments, guiding and leading people to better see the wonderful relics built by Egyptians; it all helped me to formulate a personal vision about the places, the inner meaning and the true shape of Ancient Egypt society and life along the Nile. I wrote my books to share my knowledge about my country with readers from around the world many of whom have been to Egypt or want to go."  




 

 

 

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