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10 Dec 09 - 14 Dec 09 Pg 1 |
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When I started backpacking, I always knew that Africa would be the last continent that I would step on because there were simply more "important" things to elsewhere. The trip to South Africa (at the beginning of 2009) was certainly unplanned; I had to use my free air ticket. But if you ask me at that time whether I would travel to Africa again in the same year, I would just shook my head. Perhaps one would never say never; for I find myself going to Dark Continent (again).
It is probably a no-brainer to ask someone why he/she was in Egypt for. For us, it was simply for the many historical monuments which were practically littered on its land. The 2 sites that we must visit were the Giza Pyramids and the Temples of Abu Simbel. But I will talk about these later.
After 13 hours on the plane (Sally watched 4 movies!), we arrived in Cairo International Airport at 6am (GMT+2). There was an uneventful transit stop in Dubai which we were not allowed to disembark (what a disappointment!). Although it is that early in the morning, we could already see hordes of tour groups (with their guide holding silly flags) organising themselves to clear immigration. We cleared the various checks with ease and had breakfast at Burger King. Got onto a taxi (EŁ65 or S$16.25, 35mins) and headed straight to our hotel in downtown. I was pretty surprised that the taxi touts were not hounding us on that morning.
When we got into downtown, it seems Cairo was still in slumbers on that Saturday morning. There was hardly anyone found on Talaat Harb; one of the main shopping streets where our hostel was located (King Tut Hostel, EŁ150/S$37.50 per double per night). This was actually rather deceiving, as we would realise later, how "populated" Cairo could be.
We waited till 11am before we could get a room (it was apparently full). The room was not really what we had expected for; but I suppose at that price and after a long flight, it really does not matter (we were only going to stay 1 night anyway). I tried to orientate myself with a couple of maps on Cairo found in my trusted guidebook but fatigue and jet lag took over me and gave me ample reasons to had my first nap in Egypt.
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Sally taking a photograph of me while she was on her maiden Singapore Airlines flight heading towards Cairo via Dubai. As it was the Christmas season, there were some festive decor in the cabin.
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This was literally the only piece of Dubai we saw. :( Although we are on transit, all passengers were not allowed to get off the plane. In fact, customs officers came up and checked our passports against the passenger list.
- impression (very little) of Dubai International Airport, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The rear door was opened to uplift supplies for the Dubai-Cairo sector.
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Sally getting all ready for the arrival into Cairo.
p.s.: Thought this was a well-taken photograph.
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At Egyptian immigration, we were told to buy a label (which happens to be our visa!) for US$15/S$21 and paste it in the passports ourselves. The process was so easy and we clear immigration within 15mins.
If getting a visa was so easy everywhere!!
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Although she watched 4 movies and remained awake for the past 13 hours, Sally looked as fresh as ever.
- impressions of Cairo International Airport, Cairo, Egypt |
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Judging by the empty roads, driving in Downtown Cairo was a breeze on a Saturday morning was a breeze. Even the taxi driver was feeling rather relaxed.
No points for guessing where I was doing. *Hint: Look at the rearview mirror*
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Cairo in the evening through a small window (with a mosquito mesh) in my toilet. It was a rather interesting photo.
- impressions of Downtown, Cairo, Egypt |
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wyattwang.com doing it at Ramses Train Station (Mahattat Ramses), Cairo, Egypt. |
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Rush hours during the evenings at Midan Ramses (just infront of Mahattat Ramses or Ramses Train Station).
Perhaps the drivers just like to sound their horns.
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I am really not a freak who enjoys taking photographs of animal carcass but the sight reminded me of a photograph which I took in Cambodia (look at the 7th photo).
- impressions of Al-Gomhuriyya, Cairo, Egypt |
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