I'm standing on the hotel steps, waiting for my driver to take me around the Khan El Khalili. Yet another coach has arrived filled with Chinese visitors.
Driving from Giza to the whirlwind that is Cairo city centre, I've never seen so many battered vehicles. The way they drive, it's not surprising! There are no rules at all other than sound the horn - continuously and force their way in everywhere. I don't even want to start about the motorbike riders, they must have a death wish, as do pedestrians, who just weave in and out of the traffic. I never want to see another sleeping policeman. They have them everywhere, even on five lane highways.
Cairo, the city built of mud brick, is a city of contrasts. There are the fantastic high rise buildings then there are the hovels all living alongside each other in apparent harmony. The one thing they have in common is that they are all made of mud brick. Some are obviously so, others you just would not believe that the plaster covers such a great deal.
I couldn't fathom out what the wooden structures are - pigeon lofts! The Egyptians certainly like eating pigeon.
Once we arrived at the souk all my senses were assaulted. The amazing sights, the usual shouting at a market, the smells of the spices, samples to taste and fabric and stone to touch.
It's a wonderful experience. I shopped until I dropped then we just walked aroundd the local buildings. They are so very old and beautifully carved.
On the way I was just staring idly out of the window as it was a continuous stop start for a while, as the traffic was so bad. I saw red on the ground by the kerb then, when I looked, I saw that a goat had just been slaughtered - it was a butchers. Not nice.
I got back to the Mena House and made straight for my usual place in the bar for a lemon juice, my last. I then went to my room to pack and then check in for my flights home tomorrow.
What can I say about my trip?
Well, I can't find words to describe it. Suffice to say that if I died tomorrow I would be happy!
I treat each trip as though it's my last, because someday it will be. Having said that, nothing will ever surpass this one!
Many thanks to those of you have sent me such kind messages. I only hope that this blog has encouraged people to visit Egypt. It's a wonderful country, and, if I can do this by myself at my age, then there's no excuse for any dithering! Come and see it, you will definitely NOT regret it
No comments:
Post a Comment