Monday, 23 February 2015

Day 14 - Cairo and Meidum

As usual I was awakened early, this time by the sound of cats crying!  It was lucky they did, as had failed to set my alarm and I was leaving at 6am!

I arrived at the airport to see a small queue for the first x ray machine and also at the domestic check in desk. I'm now sitting in departures awaiting my plane and watching the sun rise over the runway. 


Sitting on the plane, the procedure starts. Before the safety video, in which the woman is dubbed with an exquisite English accent, the prayer is said and is accompanied by a picture of a mosque. 

The plane is virtually full and with a variety of nationalities on board.  We've just taxied to our spot and nearly did wheelies around each left turn! We had a bumpy flight and then he did the same thing when we landed! He clearly thinks he's a racing driver. 

I was collected by my guide and off we went. Today's trip was to be the pyramid fields. I particularly wanted to see the one at Meidum and Mastaba 17. Due to adverse traffic conditions we had to take the long way there. It took three hours and I was beginning to flag before I'd even seen a pyramid. 

I could the Meidum one from a distance.  The weather conditions were poor, there was sand in the air, but it made it look eerie. 


On arriving at the site it was clear they don't get many visitors, as the guards and guardians were all around us. 
This is an interesting pyramid. It's so different from the others, plus the construction can be clearly seen. 



I asked how long it would,take to get to the bent and red pyramids, well,over an hour and then another hour to the hotel. I gave up and asked just to go to the hotel and do them tomorrow instead. 

I arrived at the beautiful Mena House Hotel, right next to the pyramids. Many years ago it belonged to a King of Egypt who had it as a hunting lodge. Traditions remain strong here and I have to say what a wonderful touch of luxury at the end of a busy trip. 


I quickly unpacked and went over for something to eat. I ate in the Khan El Khalili restaurant, overlooking the pyramid of Khafre. 


It would be hard to beat that for a view whilst eating!

I had a wander around the palace after finishing eating. There was a photo shoot taking place. A model, in the most gorgeous gown was being preened by a stylist. 


After this I looked for wifi to write this blog, but it's not very good, hence why it's taken me so long to do the last two days. 

I had a quiet afternoon and had to force myself to have dinner. I ate in the 139 restaurant and the meal was delicious. The building is surrounded by a moat, a stream from the pools. It's a lovely setting, the hotel looks stunning after dark. 



Sorry this has been a bit of a non day. Hopefully it will be better tomorrow. 



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