Hurghada to Cairo

We were up bright and early for the 5 to 6 hour bus ride to Cairo. At least we were not doing the journey during the prior night as was originally scheduled. That would have been awful.

As you can see from the map, the road follows the coast for much of the way. It's not particularly attractive and it has to be pretty boring if the most interesting sight is a pipe-line.

Some wind mills appeared but there was no wind.

Off shore drilling. Egypt has plenty of gas.

There is not too much construction for most of the coast but every now and then there is some sort of dwelling by the sea.

It even rained for a little which was a surprise.

About half way we stopped for a break. The driver has to have a compulsory break as well.

Some of our group. 

Inside was surprisingly modern. If you click on the above photo it will enlarge and you will see a 'White Castle'. The Americans were amazed to see it. However, the burgers were not the 'sliders' that we expect but just regular large burgers.

The ceiling.

I was not particularly hungry so I did not indulge in the Viagra pizza. The mind boggles.

Or perhaps the sandwich just gets confused.

After I took this photo I realized it was a military base. It had guard posts and armored vehicles further along the road at the entrance. I must say I felt perfectly safe the entire time in Egypt. However it is disconcerting to see so many armed soldiers and police every few miles.

We came to another area with huge resorts. Most of them appeared to be unoccupied or construction had stopped. 

The downturn in tourism has had a devastating effect on Egypt. We passed mile after mile after mile of deserted resorts.

Before we left the coast it became more hilly, even mountainous.

Eventually we reached the bedlam of Cairo. These little Suzuki vans are a popular method of cheap transport. They cram a lot of people in each van.

Our bus inched along from one traffic jam to another.

I initially though the building on the left was ugly, but now I am starting to like it.

A lovely old building close to the river that needs urgent restoration. It made me wonder what was the story behind it.

At this stage we visited the Egypt Museum which gets its own blog.

The bus then too us to the main Cairo Market. 

The traffic jams are enormous.

Eventually we got to a square near the market and we all hopped off the bus.

Michael suggested that those who did not want to shop might like to have a coffee at one of the cafes.

Having had more than enough of hawkers flogging stuff I don't want or need, it was Turkish coffee for me which you can see on the left. It was so good I had another.

The Darwin ladies enjoying their libations. They were a lot of fun.

At the appointed time we were all back on the bus and away it went through the crowded market. And no, I don't need a costume like those.

It was an entertaining if very slow ride.

Eventually we got back to the hotel and after a brief clean-up we gathered at a table to say our goodbyes. Facebook friends were made and then this rather large cake appeared. It had been a great group and I think Michael was pleased that we were all on-time and didn't grumble too much. He really was a great guide and a good man. You can't ask for more.

I will probably comment some more at the end of the trip when I get home.