I have learned from my past travel with Wizzair that I need to check in online before 4 hours of my flight to prevent unnecessary fees thus, did it! And yes, I did my morning shift again then travelled to Abu Dhabi from Dubai after a few hours of contemplating on my stuff to bring. Fortunately, there is an Express Airport Bus from Ibn Battuta Mall direct to Abu Dhabi International Airport that costs 35AED and operates every hour so that is a much-relaxed option. Then I got time to roam around the not-so-busy airport and rested in a café while having that food-to-go.
Now unlike my Baku flight, the flight was relatively on time and the staff was quicker. Perhaps it was one of their earliest flights for the day, and off we go. Many thanks for one of the staff, Catherine to have given me one of the window front row seats.
Now unlike my Baku flight, the flight was relatively on time and the staff was quicker. Perhaps it was one of their earliest flights for the day, and off we go. Many thanks for one of the staff, Catherine to have given me one of the window front row seats.
DAY 1
Apart from being misconceived as an extensive desert where the pyramids lie, I saw a lustrous greenfield and a body of water as the pilot announces the landing time. Clueless of what lies beyond, I just wanted to see what goes after the immigration, being a female and a solo traveler.
Borg El Arab airport is definitely a developing infrastructure that I can see machines and pillars yet to be formed. The wide land mass has a lot of potential in creating an aesthetic view, at its right time. Wi-Fi requires a mobile log in that I wouldn’t able to connect but the lovely officers helped me to book Careem and secured my safety with the driver.
ALEXANDRIA.
I may know little of history, to boot, booked a flight to a city unfamiliar to me until then. Luckily our Egyptian colleagues all over the workplace were supportive as they heard that I will be visiting their country. Hagar, one of my colleagues couldn’t hide her excitement that she sent Alaa and the others to give me tips and tricks for the road. Thanks to them, I have some Egyptian Pounds before the flight.
I most probably know of Alexandria as where the infamous Lighthouse, one of the ancient wonders of the world was located. And my high school self was fascinated with history and conversed it with my late father that I told myself to see some of the wonders one day. Sadly, I couldn’t witness its great height anymore but surprised to have immersed in its charming city.
Unknown trails to an unversed city.
I may have quick searched beforehand but it is way different than reality. The road from the airport to the city, where my hotel is, was a mixture of seasons and views. One moment came winter then a few minutes, summer, and rain soon after. There were good greens on my left along the way as we traversed that eight-lane wide highway, and the right, the strong waves of the Mediterranean. Factories of various origin with smokes on their chimneys in the other stretch and some landfills on the other side. It was a sight to behold.
So, this is Egypt, or this is just a part of it. That I know it is just the beginning.
And finally, we reached the city, with a quick peek to the Pompey’s Pillar (Thanks to Ahmed Saad from Careem), he didn’t leave me until I found my hotel. To begin with, the Pillar might be a good place to visit but since the guards communicated badly, I didn’t dare to go back.
Now when Alaa said that my hotel is in the perfect spot, I didn’t know what he meant until I got there. Located on the second floor of a rustic building just a street away from the corniche facing the Mediterranean, it was clear to me why he said that. New Hotel is a Nubian-inspired hostel that is perfect for every backpacker. Managed by Ahmed Amir, an informative Nubian who speaks fluently in English, will welcome you to the hotel like a friend. Though the bathroom is shared and I couldn’t see the garden view (as I expected from booking.com), kitchen is freely for everyone with filtered water 24/7.
I arrived pretty early for check in, 0930H to be exact and dropped off my luggage and went out for a hearty breakfast as Ahmed suggested, Delices Patisserie, just 5 minutes away from the hotel. A café and restaurant since 1922, I ordered a sandwich and didn’t expect that it came as big as my two hands. Paired with baked potatoes with herbs and garnished with fruits like pomegranate, oranges and apples, I didn’t know I will be facing a feast for less than 80EGP. The interior is quite lavish in this quaint town and room full of desserts, pastries and warm lights. I was probably overwhelmed and took some of my food out as I couldn’t savor the experience in my tiredness and eagerness to see the spots. Some of the staff were also not that prepared to work that early but luckily their manager saved them. One of the staff helped me in getting a taxi to the catacombs for 25EGP but when I reached there, I gave 50EGP and he didn’t want to give change. I didn’t go out of the taxi until the police asked and forced him to give it and agreed to give 20EGP for change, and I went out. So probably that is one of the reasons why my colleagues encouraged me booking through Careem, too bad the Café doesn’t have Wi-Fi.
Apart from being misconceived as an extensive desert where the pyramids lie, I saw a lustrous greenfield and a body of water as the pilot announces the landing time. Clueless of what lies beyond, I just wanted to see what goes after the immigration, being a female and a solo traveler.
Borg El Arab airport is definitely a developing infrastructure that I can see machines and pillars yet to be formed. The wide land mass has a lot of potential in creating an aesthetic view, at its right time. Wi-Fi requires a mobile log in that I wouldn’t able to connect but the lovely officers helped me to book Careem and secured my safety with the driver.
ALEXANDRIA.
I may know little of history, to boot, booked a flight to a city unfamiliar to me until then. Luckily our Egyptian colleagues all over the workplace were supportive as they heard that I will be visiting their country. Hagar, one of my colleagues couldn’t hide her excitement that she sent Alaa and the others to give me tips and tricks for the road. Thanks to them, I have some Egyptian Pounds before the flight.
I most probably know of Alexandria as where the infamous Lighthouse, one of the ancient wonders of the world was located. And my high school self was fascinated with history and conversed it with my late father that I told myself to see some of the wonders one day. Sadly, I couldn’t witness its great height anymore but surprised to have immersed in its charming city.
Unknown trails to an unversed city.
I may have quick searched beforehand but it is way different than reality. The road from the airport to the city, where my hotel is, was a mixture of seasons and views. One moment came winter then a few minutes, summer, and rain soon after. There were good greens on my left along the way as we traversed that eight-lane wide highway, and the right, the strong waves of the Mediterranean. Factories of various origin with smokes on their chimneys in the other stretch and some landfills on the other side. It was a sight to behold.
So, this is Egypt, or this is just a part of it. That I know it is just the beginning.
And finally, we reached the city, with a quick peek to the Pompey’s Pillar (Thanks to Ahmed Saad from Careem), he didn’t leave me until I found my hotel. To begin with, the Pillar might be a good place to visit but since the guards communicated badly, I didn’t dare to go back.
Now when Alaa said that my hotel is in the perfect spot, I didn’t know what he meant until I got there. Located on the second floor of a rustic building just a street away from the corniche facing the Mediterranean, it was clear to me why he said that. New Hotel is a Nubian-inspired hostel that is perfect for every backpacker. Managed by Ahmed Amir, an informative Nubian who speaks fluently in English, will welcome you to the hotel like a friend. Though the bathroom is shared and I couldn’t see the garden view (as I expected from booking.com), kitchen is freely for everyone with filtered water 24/7.
I arrived pretty early for check in, 0930H to be exact and dropped off my luggage and went out for a hearty breakfast as Ahmed suggested, Delices Patisserie, just 5 minutes away from the hotel. A café and restaurant since 1922, I ordered a sandwich and didn’t expect that it came as big as my two hands. Paired with baked potatoes with herbs and garnished with fruits like pomegranate, oranges and apples, I didn’t know I will be facing a feast for less than 80EGP. The interior is quite lavish in this quaint town and room full of desserts, pastries and warm lights. I was probably overwhelmed and took some of my food out as I couldn’t savor the experience in my tiredness and eagerness to see the spots. Some of the staff were also not that prepared to work that early but luckily their manager saved them. One of the staff helped me in getting a taxi to the catacombs for 25EGP but when I reached there, I gave 50EGP and he didn’t want to give change. I didn’t go out of the taxi until the police asked and forced him to give it and agreed to give 20EGP for change, and I went out. So probably that is one of the reasons why my colleagues encouraged me booking through Careem, too bad the Café doesn’t have Wi-Fi.
The CATACOMBS IN KOM AL-SHOQAFA is one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages due to their combination of Greek, Egyptian and Roman civilizations and their walls containing the distinctive inscriptions of each of them. Sadly, tripods are not allowed but the experience itself is edifying. To have walked the grounds of such history, its process and the people who have lived before us. The brilliant minds who had thought of and built this is astonishing. Tombs and sarcophaguses not fairly equal to one another. The spiral case to the hollow end is as interesting as the hallways of tombs. Further, a master chamber can be seen at the center for the family. I know for myself I couldn’t justify through words and pictures I saw at that time, but just could imagine their glory days before them. More than an hour later of walking along the grounds, above and below, I chatted a little with people on the benches and found out that they are the caretakers and historians of the place.
I then walked to see the rest of the area and found myself lost around the public market. Friendly locals of young and old with smiles and greetings but couldn’t tell me which way to the Roman Amphitheatre or the train station, either way, close to each other in google maps.
Then a girl named Yasmin approached me for help and guided me to ride a Tuktuk to the Amphitheatre in a fair sum. From there, I was able to see a different sight of Alexandria, similarly to Divisoria in the Philippines, everything seems familiar, that wherever I may be, the community and people are similar. Walking straight to the Roman Amphitheater by passing the train station, paid the entrance fee and saw the ruins with some structures taken undersea. It was constructed in the 4th century AD and it was a common feature of the Greco Roman period. As I watched the time passing, I realized the need to back to the hotel for check in, it was most likely two in the afternoon so I asked the staff (apparently a Police) to get a taxi to my hotel. After a thorough arrangement, he secured my payment (so that some things will not happen again) and took off.
After checking in and a quick rest and wash, I set my foot in places nearby. It was already late in the afternoon and a perfect time to walk along the corniche as the Mediterranean waters hit the stone walls of the boulevard.
I reached The Citadel of Qaitbay after a fifteen-minute walk along the corniche. A 15th-century defensive fortress on the Mediterranean Sea coast built by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay from 1477 to 1479 AD. It is situated on the eastern side of the northern tip of Pharos Island at the mouth of the Eastern Harbour. Both locals and tourists can find solace in any area and may do a variety of activities there such as boating, kite-flying or even snorkeling in summer. The boats surrounding it create a stunning view with the sea and the skies as backgrounds.
As the sun sets, my day is nowhere end that I took a minibus to the library, also known as Bibliotheca Alexandrina. A contemporary Egyptian library commemorating the Library of Alexandria, one of the largest in the world lost in antiquity. Though I didn’t go inside realizing my time drawing short as the sun sets, I can see the fusion of cultures and telling people what they want to convey. I know myself that I will be lured in spending hours inside, to that I avoided it.
I originally set my eye on going to the Museum but found circling around that I saw a park, train railways, cemetery, stadium, and most importantly, a Coptic church. Then I set my goal aside and went in a posh bakery called Mokambo and bought their interesting cream puff covered in glaze and chocolate. Only to know that it was found in 1948.
Walked towards the corniche as the night begins and found a food park called Immortals and apparently just a stone away from the corniche, bought something from Starbucks and rode a minibus to Stanley Bridge. Honestly, I just wanted to see what the bridge looks like closely but found my way buying GAD’s monstruous shawarma and walked towards the beach. Another perfect retreat for the night. I already figured out why they consider Alexandria a perfect summer destination. As I sip into my coffee while sitting on a rented chair, a gazed into a blue and white lit Stanley bridge with the Mediterranean waves crashing on the sand and rocks. The fresh breeze passing through made it chilly over the night. After an hour of gawking at the solemnity of the place, I returned to the hotel, at that time I knew the term on how to get there.
I then walked to see the rest of the area and found myself lost around the public market. Friendly locals of young and old with smiles and greetings but couldn’t tell me which way to the Roman Amphitheatre or the train station, either way, close to each other in google maps.
Then a girl named Yasmin approached me for help and guided me to ride a Tuktuk to the Amphitheatre in a fair sum. From there, I was able to see a different sight of Alexandria, similarly to Divisoria in the Philippines, everything seems familiar, that wherever I may be, the community and people are similar. Walking straight to the Roman Amphitheater by passing the train station, paid the entrance fee and saw the ruins with some structures taken undersea. It was constructed in the 4th century AD and it was a common feature of the Greco Roman period. As I watched the time passing, I realized the need to back to the hotel for check in, it was most likely two in the afternoon so I asked the staff (apparently a Police) to get a taxi to my hotel. After a thorough arrangement, he secured my payment (so that some things will not happen again) and took off.
After checking in and a quick rest and wash, I set my foot in places nearby. It was already late in the afternoon and a perfect time to walk along the corniche as the Mediterranean waters hit the stone walls of the boulevard.
I reached The Citadel of Qaitbay after a fifteen-minute walk along the corniche. A 15th-century defensive fortress on the Mediterranean Sea coast built by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qa'it Bay from 1477 to 1479 AD. It is situated on the eastern side of the northern tip of Pharos Island at the mouth of the Eastern Harbour. Both locals and tourists can find solace in any area and may do a variety of activities there such as boating, kite-flying or even snorkeling in summer. The boats surrounding it create a stunning view with the sea and the skies as backgrounds.
As the sun sets, my day is nowhere end that I took a minibus to the library, also known as Bibliotheca Alexandrina. A contemporary Egyptian library commemorating the Library of Alexandria, one of the largest in the world lost in antiquity. Though I didn’t go inside realizing my time drawing short as the sun sets, I can see the fusion of cultures and telling people what they want to convey. I know myself that I will be lured in spending hours inside, to that I avoided it.
I originally set my eye on going to the Museum but found circling around that I saw a park, train railways, cemetery, stadium, and most importantly, a Coptic church. Then I set my goal aside and went in a posh bakery called Mokambo and bought their interesting cream puff covered in glaze and chocolate. Only to know that it was found in 1948.
Walked towards the corniche as the night begins and found a food park called Immortals and apparently just a stone away from the corniche, bought something from Starbucks and rode a minibus to Stanley Bridge. Honestly, I just wanted to see what the bridge looks like closely but found my way buying GAD’s monstruous shawarma and walked towards the beach. Another perfect retreat for the night. I already figured out why they consider Alexandria a perfect summer destination. As I sip into my coffee while sitting on a rented chair, a gazed into a blue and white lit Stanley bridge with the Mediterranean waves crashing on the sand and rocks. The fresh breeze passing through made it chilly over the night. After an hour of gawking at the solemnity of the place, I returned to the hotel, at that time I knew the term on how to get there.
DAY 2
Woke up with a leftover shawarma and cream puffs from last night and checked out at 0730H then booked a Careem to the train station to Cairo. The journey takes about 3 hours with regular stops and will arrive at Ramses Train Station at around 1100H. I purchased a seat in an airconditioned area with 2 seats in each row. The chairs are bigger than I thought and with regular tea service passing by (I was imagining riding Hogwarts Express with the trolley lady saying “Anything from the trolley dear?”). I was basically elated listening to the cluttering of the metals from the train and was curious to see the bathroom, so I did. I imagined being in the “Mummy or Indiana Jones” with the end of the basin going directly to the railway. Surprisingly, the staff offered tissue and seat cover and even sanitized before I went in. Kudos!
Ramses Railway Station. I alighted as soon as the train stopped and felt a strange feeling while walking along with other passengers, it was probably either finding Platform 9 ¾ or how the refugees look like, well together with my backpack, I think the latter. I walked pass the arrival area and looked for train tickets first to Luxor, which seemingly have a designated area for foreign tourists that is located at the second floor of the station and has clear directions towards it. I found myself in an office filled with tourists and price rates along with their destinations. After a 15-minutes queue, it was my turn, booked the afternoon trip to Luxor that leaves me time to roam around the city. Well, the museum at least.
One of my plans is to go to Giza for the pyramids however, I was thinking that I will be spending the night there after Luxor and before my flight back. Combed my way to the metro station which is a 5-minute walk from Ramses Station. Though there are no metro cards but they have coupons to purchase before your trip, fortunately, the museum is only a few stops away from the train station and eventually, the Nile River nearby. It is probably one of the wisest decisions I’ve made that day.
I arrived in Tahrir Metro Station near Tahrir Square and looked for a coffee shop to settle down and saw La Poiré Café, they also have a branch in Alexandria but didn’t try it until now. Ordered an iced coffee, accessed their Wi-Fi while people watching and off I went to the museum. You may go inside the gates of the museum and not obliged to buy a ticket beforehand however, if you wish to see the artifacts inside, you need to purchase one. As for me, after chilling out in the sun outside the museum, I felt that I would see more inside, and enjoyed every bit of it (You may leave your bags in a deposit area). It is more worthy going inside than some of the places I’ve been to. Some rooms may prohibit photography and video recording, but the vast halls and rooms cater such hundreds of visitors per day. As I passed the walls along the exit, I noticed a sly door and saw a mini library. A rustic and dusty room, I asked the staff if I can roam around to which they consented but with limits. It is still under renovation but I was privileged to be in it. I was walking in a room in fascination of hard-bound books from centuries in secured shelves.
Afterward, I went out to see the surrounding areas and saw the view of Cairo Tower in Zamalek Island and walked towards the Nile and bought some tea in a nearby stand. Walked around and found some government buildings and went back to the museum to get my bag and commuted to the train station. It was busy indeed that the train departed a few minutes before I arrived, 1710H to be exact.
Woke up with a leftover shawarma and cream puffs from last night and checked out at 0730H then booked a Careem to the train station to Cairo. The journey takes about 3 hours with regular stops and will arrive at Ramses Train Station at around 1100H. I purchased a seat in an airconditioned area with 2 seats in each row. The chairs are bigger than I thought and with regular tea service passing by (I was imagining riding Hogwarts Express with the trolley lady saying “Anything from the trolley dear?”). I was basically elated listening to the cluttering of the metals from the train and was curious to see the bathroom, so I did. I imagined being in the “Mummy or Indiana Jones” with the end of the basin going directly to the railway. Surprisingly, the staff offered tissue and seat cover and even sanitized before I went in. Kudos!
Ramses Railway Station. I alighted as soon as the train stopped and felt a strange feeling while walking along with other passengers, it was probably either finding Platform 9 ¾ or how the refugees look like, well together with my backpack, I think the latter. I walked pass the arrival area and looked for train tickets first to Luxor, which seemingly have a designated area for foreign tourists that is located at the second floor of the station and has clear directions towards it. I found myself in an office filled with tourists and price rates along with their destinations. After a 15-minutes queue, it was my turn, booked the afternoon trip to Luxor that leaves me time to roam around the city. Well, the museum at least.
One of my plans is to go to Giza for the pyramids however, I was thinking that I will be spending the night there after Luxor and before my flight back. Combed my way to the metro station which is a 5-minute walk from Ramses Station. Though there are no metro cards but they have coupons to purchase before your trip, fortunately, the museum is only a few stops away from the train station and eventually, the Nile River nearby. It is probably one of the wisest decisions I’ve made that day.
I arrived in Tahrir Metro Station near Tahrir Square and looked for a coffee shop to settle down and saw La Poiré Café, they also have a branch in Alexandria but didn’t try it until now. Ordered an iced coffee, accessed their Wi-Fi while people watching and off I went to the museum. You may go inside the gates of the museum and not obliged to buy a ticket beforehand however, if you wish to see the artifacts inside, you need to purchase one. As for me, after chilling out in the sun outside the museum, I felt that I would see more inside, and enjoyed every bit of it (You may leave your bags in a deposit area). It is more worthy going inside than some of the places I’ve been to. Some rooms may prohibit photography and video recording, but the vast halls and rooms cater such hundreds of visitors per day. As I passed the walls along the exit, I noticed a sly door and saw a mini library. A rustic and dusty room, I asked the staff if I can roam around to which they consented but with limits. It is still under renovation but I was privileged to be in it. I was walking in a room in fascination of hard-bound books from centuries in secured shelves.
Afterward, I went out to see the surrounding areas and saw the view of Cairo Tower in Zamalek Island and walked towards the Nile and bought some tea in a nearby stand. Walked around and found some government buildings and went back to the museum to get my bag and commuted to the train station. It was busy indeed that the train departed a few minutes before I arrived, 1710H to be exact.
Day 3
The 10-hour train ride to Luxor wasn’t as comfortable as the sleeping trains but it is most likely a convenient one. I basically did nothing but sleep, eat and repeat. And at 0430H, the train stopped at Luxor station and immediately looked for the washroom. Flabbergasted to see random locales that early to offer their guide services, they even offer as low as $40 for both West and East Bank Tour. Honestly, if it weren’t for my advanced booking for that Hot Air Balloon, I would get that.
Let’s talk about that Hot Air Balloon Tour.
(This is my complaint section)
I’ve read good feedbacks about it, that it will give you an aerial view of the temples across Luxor (it is practically the best choice of spending half day in the city and back to Cairo) and booked it days before my flight through Agoda under Enjoy Egypt Tours since they have good reviews. Knowing that I will have limited communication while in Egypt, I sent updates via e-mail to which they responded only to know that a night before my arrival in Luxor, it was suspended due to meteorologic changes.
*I was talking to the Tour Operator on the phone in Luxor station using the officer’s mobile*
I totally understand the situation but I asked them if I can have a different tour in exchange with that since I am already in Luxor and will put everything to waste, to which they said that they can refund the money. (To my mind, refund is not the problem. I am basically suggesting them to do a different tour in exchange of what I booked for since I am already there, to which he said that he will send somebody for the it). I also clearly told him that I have flight to Cairo later at 1400H and needs to be at the airport around 1200H, and being new to the place, I need all the time I can get.
The nice officer let me rest in a café in a station and I bought something to eat. Finally, after an hour, one of the tour staff, Mohammad, assisted me to the car driven by Hassan and said that we will meet the tour guide shortly. As I see the sun rises, as much as I would want to see the sun rise from the Nile, they have their own itinerary and plan in which, just to wait for that tour guide, who introduced himself as Ramses but I accidentally saw his real name while Mohammad was calling him (as Ismayel, who claims to be as an Egyptologist). Imagine a 4-seater car with a driver, a company staff, a tour guide and the tourist. Firstly, the guide was informative, obviously he has years of experience with talking to tourists however, he just doesn’t understand that some tourists prefer walking than sitting in a car or buggy. Secondly, Mohammad, the staff, I basically don’t know the reason what the hell he is doing in the tour but just be with Ismayel/Ramses. Thirdly, the driver Hassan, well, he is just doing his job at least.
We went first to the Valley of The Kings then to Hatshepsut’s and stopped by for the Alabaster Museum. Now, while we were traveling towards the Colossi of Memnon, Mohammad said that I have to pay for this tour since it is a much expensive tour than the Hot Air Balloon. I told him to tell me about it after the West Bank since I am still enjoying the tour. Then I gave them time to explain and to just cut everything off, I gave them more than what they asked for to seal it off and both of them were dropped off somewhere near the East Bank while I was still with the driver since he will send me to the airport with some side trips.
Luckily, Hassan is not fluent in English that he struggled to ask me for an addition 300EGP for the airport transportation fee, to which I told him that I need to talk to his boss to clear the situation and ended up not paying more.
-end of vents-
The 10-hour train ride to Luxor wasn’t as comfortable as the sleeping trains but it is most likely a convenient one. I basically did nothing but sleep, eat and repeat. And at 0430H, the train stopped at Luxor station and immediately looked for the washroom. Flabbergasted to see random locales that early to offer their guide services, they even offer as low as $40 for both West and East Bank Tour. Honestly, if it weren’t for my advanced booking for that Hot Air Balloon, I would get that.
Let’s talk about that Hot Air Balloon Tour.
(This is my complaint section)
I’ve read good feedbacks about it, that it will give you an aerial view of the temples across Luxor (it is practically the best choice of spending half day in the city and back to Cairo) and booked it days before my flight through Agoda under Enjoy Egypt Tours since they have good reviews. Knowing that I will have limited communication while in Egypt, I sent updates via e-mail to which they responded only to know that a night before my arrival in Luxor, it was suspended due to meteorologic changes.
*I was talking to the Tour Operator on the phone in Luxor station using the officer’s mobile*
I totally understand the situation but I asked them if I can have a different tour in exchange with that since I am already in Luxor and will put everything to waste, to which they said that they can refund the money. (To my mind, refund is not the problem. I am basically suggesting them to do a different tour in exchange of what I booked for since I am already there, to which he said that he will send somebody for the it). I also clearly told him that I have flight to Cairo later at 1400H and needs to be at the airport around 1200H, and being new to the place, I need all the time I can get.
The nice officer let me rest in a café in a station and I bought something to eat. Finally, after an hour, one of the tour staff, Mohammad, assisted me to the car driven by Hassan and said that we will meet the tour guide shortly. As I see the sun rises, as much as I would want to see the sun rise from the Nile, they have their own itinerary and plan in which, just to wait for that tour guide, who introduced himself as Ramses but I accidentally saw his real name while Mohammad was calling him (as Ismayel, who claims to be as an Egyptologist). Imagine a 4-seater car with a driver, a company staff, a tour guide and the tourist. Firstly, the guide was informative, obviously he has years of experience with talking to tourists however, he just doesn’t understand that some tourists prefer walking than sitting in a car or buggy. Secondly, Mohammad, the staff, I basically don’t know the reason what the hell he is doing in the tour but just be with Ismayel/Ramses. Thirdly, the driver Hassan, well, he is just doing his job at least.
We went first to the Valley of The Kings then to Hatshepsut’s and stopped by for the Alabaster Museum. Now, while we were traveling towards the Colossi of Memnon, Mohammad said that I have to pay for this tour since it is a much expensive tour than the Hot Air Balloon. I told him to tell me about it after the West Bank since I am still enjoying the tour. Then I gave them time to explain and to just cut everything off, I gave them more than what they asked for to seal it off and both of them were dropped off somewhere near the East Bank while I was still with the driver since he will send me to the airport with some side trips.
Luckily, Hassan is not fluent in English that he struggled to ask me for an addition 300EGP for the airport transportation fee, to which I told him that I need to talk to his boss to clear the situation and ended up not paying more.
-end of vents-
LUXOR.
Honestly, I know little about Luxor than others and only found out about the West and East Banks until yesterday. To my mind, the Hot Air Balloon will cover me for that but what was in store is better.
Valley of the Kings. I was in a place I have dreamed about seeing when I was younger. Those Mummy scenes on-screen can be relatively similar but the surreal feeling of it, to be able to set foot in this part of the Egyptian land, from a person who was born in the Southeast is an incomparable heightened feeling. I felt like taken back from the ancient civilization with the fine sands on my feet. The mountains giving shelter to one another, a surreal feeling. The guide said they can only open 9 tombs in turns for public viewing, three of which is included to the entrance ticket and there are three special tombs with extra charges. With my limited time, I went to the three tombs recommended by my guide, and these are breathtaking with an extra lift from a buggy.
Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple.
Passing the Colossi of Memnon and his wife is the temple of Egypt’s infamous queen, Hatshepsut. To my mind, these places are exactly what I wanted to see, and it’s right in front of me. For sure my father is touring with me from the heavens.
Monaliza Alabaster Museum. I may not be a fan of souvenirs but this one got me. The craftsmanship, hospitality and facts are impressive. I buy not for luxury but to help the locals. The mere fact that I don’t buy souvenirs in the malls or airports but to the local markets.
Luxor Temple and the Nile River.
On the East Bank lies both Luxor and Karnak Temples but I didn’t go inside since my flight is less than two hours away and God knows where it is. So I told the driver to park the car for a while as I sit along the Nile River facing the West Bank with Luxor Temple on the other. And since my colleague was all over their Kofta, I bought 2 for the road form Hazim’s recommendation.
Luxor Airport.
The airport is probably 30 minutes away from where we are, the public market of Luxor, and I didn’t expect it to be impressive. Impressive in a way that airports in the Philippines (i.e. Palawan, Siargao etc) are nowhere near to what I saw. Luxor airport is a modern yet serene type of building with the nicest uniformed personnel. From an Arabic country, the Christmas tree still stands even after the Three Kings which is quite surprising. Though the flight is delayed, there are vending machines and a café shop inside the boarding area. Another surprising thing, I get to bring my water bottle inside.
Honestly, I know little about Luxor than others and only found out about the West and East Banks until yesterday. To my mind, the Hot Air Balloon will cover me for that but what was in store is better.
Valley of the Kings. I was in a place I have dreamed about seeing when I was younger. Those Mummy scenes on-screen can be relatively similar but the surreal feeling of it, to be able to set foot in this part of the Egyptian land, from a person who was born in the Southeast is an incomparable heightened feeling. I felt like taken back from the ancient civilization with the fine sands on my feet. The mountains giving shelter to one another, a surreal feeling. The guide said they can only open 9 tombs in turns for public viewing, three of which is included to the entrance ticket and there are three special tombs with extra charges. With my limited time, I went to the three tombs recommended by my guide, and these are breathtaking with an extra lift from a buggy.
Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple.
Passing the Colossi of Memnon and his wife is the temple of Egypt’s infamous queen, Hatshepsut. To my mind, these places are exactly what I wanted to see, and it’s right in front of me. For sure my father is touring with me from the heavens.
Monaliza Alabaster Museum. I may not be a fan of souvenirs but this one got me. The craftsmanship, hospitality and facts are impressive. I buy not for luxury but to help the locals. The mere fact that I don’t buy souvenirs in the malls or airports but to the local markets.
Luxor Temple and the Nile River.
On the East Bank lies both Luxor and Karnak Temples but I didn’t go inside since my flight is less than two hours away and God knows where it is. So I told the driver to park the car for a while as I sit along the Nile River facing the West Bank with Luxor Temple on the other. And since my colleague was all over their Kofta, I bought 2 for the road form Hazim’s recommendation.
Luxor Airport.
The airport is probably 30 minutes away from where we are, the public market of Luxor, and I didn’t expect it to be impressive. Impressive in a way that airports in the Philippines (i.e. Palawan, Siargao etc) are nowhere near to what I saw. Luxor airport is a modern yet serene type of building with the nicest uniformed personnel. From an Arabic country, the Christmas tree still stands even after the Three Kings which is quite surprising. Though the flight is delayed, there are vending machines and a café shop inside the boarding area. Another surprising thing, I get to bring my water bottle inside.
Back to Cairo.
My vision on seeing the sun setting in Giza didn’t happen due to the flight delay but I was still able to see the dusk in a free monorail from the airport. Desperate to book Careem to Giza and not getting any Wi-Fi, I was like a lost sheep but gladly somebody noticed and helped me and even assisted me to meet my Careem driver, thank you Mr. Ramadan and Osama. Time check: 1800H.
This is a warning; Cairo’s traffic is crazy. And I was crazy enough to think that I wanted to see the pyramids a day before with such short time. Living in the Philippines, and also one of the crazy drivers, I think what I witnessed made me sit at the back of the car and relax. It wasn’t that traumatic though but quite an experience.
And one thing about their Careem drivers, or was I that lucky, that they never leave me in the middle of nowhere until they secured to drop me off at my desired location. So after an hour of being in the car and being dropped in one of the branches of my hostel, one of the neighbors helped me in contacting my host as I rested in a rooftop café. Another sight to see. The rooftop café is called, The View, and it has the view of the pyramids. Imagine seeing the pyramids for free with the light show going on while sipping on a hot chocolate. It seems that everything is falling into place. After an hour of devouring the view and the drink, I went to my host after countless calls.
Apparently, my hostel has 2 branches, one is beside the View Café, and the other, just a few minutes away along the alley. It is basically a studio apartment beside the owner’s house. On a brighter side, the studio has a hot and cold shower with kitchen and a comfortable king-sized bed with decent Wi-Fi.
Farida’s family is very accommodating and hospitable and I am sincerely pleased to meet most of the family members. They even let me inside their house and prepared me dinner (Koshary) and gave me slices of cake before I left. It is definitely sad to stay for a few hours only but I had to (The father also helped me out in buying my beloved Fatayr and let me ride a taxi to the GoBus terminal). Though I checked in at 2000H and checked out to go to the GoBus station at 2350H, everybody in the family has been warm: with the help of Mahmoud, I was able to book my bus to Alexandria in advance, a much cheaper option compared to the train. Thanks to GoBus for not leaving even though I was minutes late.
My vision on seeing the sun setting in Giza didn’t happen due to the flight delay but I was still able to see the dusk in a free monorail from the airport. Desperate to book Careem to Giza and not getting any Wi-Fi, I was like a lost sheep but gladly somebody noticed and helped me and even assisted me to meet my Careem driver, thank you Mr. Ramadan and Osama. Time check: 1800H.
This is a warning; Cairo’s traffic is crazy. And I was crazy enough to think that I wanted to see the pyramids a day before with such short time. Living in the Philippines, and also one of the crazy drivers, I think what I witnessed made me sit at the back of the car and relax. It wasn’t that traumatic though but quite an experience.
And one thing about their Careem drivers, or was I that lucky, that they never leave me in the middle of nowhere until they secured to drop me off at my desired location. So after an hour of being in the car and being dropped in one of the branches of my hostel, one of the neighbors helped me in contacting my host as I rested in a rooftop café. Another sight to see. The rooftop café is called, The View, and it has the view of the pyramids. Imagine seeing the pyramids for free with the light show going on while sipping on a hot chocolate. It seems that everything is falling into place. After an hour of devouring the view and the drink, I went to my host after countless calls.
Apparently, my hostel has 2 branches, one is beside the View Café, and the other, just a few minutes away along the alley. It is basically a studio apartment beside the owner’s house. On a brighter side, the studio has a hot and cold shower with kitchen and a comfortable king-sized bed with decent Wi-Fi.
Farida’s family is very accommodating and hospitable and I am sincerely pleased to meet most of the family members. They even let me inside their house and prepared me dinner (Koshary) and gave me slices of cake before I left. It is definitely sad to stay for a few hours only but I had to (The father also helped me out in buying my beloved Fatayr and let me ride a taxi to the GoBus terminal). Though I checked in at 2000H and checked out to go to the GoBus station at 2350H, everybody in the family has been warm: with the help of Mahmoud, I was able to book my bus to Alexandria in advance, a much cheaper option compared to the train. Thanks to GoBus for not leaving even though I was minutes late.
Day 4
With exhaustion, I slept during the ride and woke up near the bus station. The driver even let me connect to his mobile hotspot for me to book a Careem to the airport. The Careem driver also let me stop over a convenience store to buy some food for the road. Then I checked in thereafter.
With exhaustion, I slept during the ride and woke up near the bus station. The driver even let me connect to his mobile hotspot for me to book a Careem to the airport. The Careem driver also let me stop over a convenience store to buy some food for the road. Then I checked in thereafter.
EXPENSES
Now one of the things I am looking forward for is the damage of my backpack travels. For this trip, I expected roughly 1,500 AED for it, all in.
Let's start with my round trip ticket via Wizz Air: AED 265
JANUARY 9
Careem from Airport (HBE) to New Hotel: 282 EGP
Hotel: $12
Breakfast at Delices with tip: 90 EGP
Taxi to Catacombs: 30 EGP
Entrance Fee: 80 EGP
Tuktuk to Roman Amphitheatre: 15 EGP
Shawarma: 30 EGP
Entrance to Roman Amphitheatre: 80 EGP
Taxi to Hotel: 30 EGP
Minibus: 3 EGP
Cream puff: 65 EGP
Qatab: 7.50 EGP
Starbucks: 65 EGP
Minibus to Stanley: 4 EGP
GAD Shawarma: 55 EGP
Tea: 25 EGP
Bus to Hotel: 4 EGP
Dark Chocolate: 35 EGP
TOTAL: 900.50 + $12 (120AED + $12)
January 10
Careem from Hotel to Train Station: 17 EGP
Train to Cairo: $15
Metro to museum: 5 EGP
Coffee at La Poire: 65 EGP
Museum Entrance: 200 EGP
Tea by the Nile River: 30 EGP
Metro to Ramses Station: 5 EGP
Train to Luxor: $35
Tea: 5 EGP
Water: 5 EGP
TOTAL: 332 EGP + $50 (45AED + $50)
January 11
Luxor
Tea + Bread with tip in Luxor Train Station: $3
Valley of the Kings: 250 EGP + 10 EGP Coach
Souvenir: $100
Hatshepsut Temple: 160 EGP + 10 EGP Coach
Half day Tour: $50 BAD review for Mohammad, Hassan and Ismayel ("Ramses")
Kofta Sandwich x 2: 100 EGP
TOTAL: 530 EGP + $153 (70AED + $153)
Cairo
Careem to Giza: 300 EGP
Hot Choco by the Rooftop: 55 EGP
Farida Inn: $13
Fatayr: 75 EGP
GoBus Fare to Alexandria: 90 EGP
Taxi to Gobus: 100 EGP
Careem from Moharam Bek Bus Station to Airport: 250 EGP
Bread: 90 EGP
Hot Mocha: 70 EGP
TOTAL: 1030 EGP + $13 (140 AED + $13)
FULL TOTAL: 375AED + $228 (820 AED)
Now one of the things I am looking forward for is the damage of my backpack travels. For this trip, I expected roughly 1,500 AED for it, all in.
Let's start with my round trip ticket via Wizz Air: AED 265
JANUARY 9
Careem from Airport (HBE) to New Hotel: 282 EGP
Hotel: $12
Breakfast at Delices with tip: 90 EGP
Taxi to Catacombs: 30 EGP
Entrance Fee: 80 EGP
Tuktuk to Roman Amphitheatre: 15 EGP
Shawarma: 30 EGP
Entrance to Roman Amphitheatre: 80 EGP
Taxi to Hotel: 30 EGP
Minibus: 3 EGP
Cream puff: 65 EGP
Qatab: 7.50 EGP
Starbucks: 65 EGP
Minibus to Stanley: 4 EGP
GAD Shawarma: 55 EGP
Tea: 25 EGP
Bus to Hotel: 4 EGP
Dark Chocolate: 35 EGP
TOTAL: 900.50 + $12 (120AED + $12)
January 10
Careem from Hotel to Train Station: 17 EGP
Train to Cairo: $15
Metro to museum: 5 EGP
Coffee at La Poire: 65 EGP
Museum Entrance: 200 EGP
Tea by the Nile River: 30 EGP
Metro to Ramses Station: 5 EGP
Train to Luxor: $35
Tea: 5 EGP
Water: 5 EGP
TOTAL: 332 EGP + $50 (45AED + $50)
January 11
Luxor
Tea + Bread with tip in Luxor Train Station: $3
Valley of the Kings: 250 EGP + 10 EGP Coach
Souvenir: $100
Hatshepsut Temple: 160 EGP + 10 EGP Coach
Half day Tour: $50 BAD review for Mohammad, Hassan and Ismayel ("Ramses")
Kofta Sandwich x 2: 100 EGP
TOTAL: 530 EGP + $153 (70AED + $153)
Cairo
Careem to Giza: 300 EGP
Hot Choco by the Rooftop: 55 EGP
Farida Inn: $13
Fatayr: 75 EGP
GoBus Fare to Alexandria: 90 EGP
Taxi to Gobus: 100 EGP
Careem from Moharam Bek Bus Station to Airport: 250 EGP
Bread: 90 EGP
Hot Mocha: 70 EGP
TOTAL: 1030 EGP + $13 (140 AED + $13)
FULL TOTAL: 375AED + $228 (820 AED)