Sunday, October 12, 2008
Travel to Rome Italy
Well my time in Egypt has come to an end and so it is time to reflect on the last 16 (or so) days. First, Egypt is all I dreamed it would be. No disappointments here. I was prepared for a lot of things when I got here (which is weird since I have really not been outside North America much). Egypt is the one place I have always wanted to visit and now I have. It's almost like I have to completely reassess my life goals and find something else to work for. I spent so much time catching my breath (because what I had seen took it away) and collecting my head (because I could not keep up with the names and dates and everything). As much as I loved it though, I find it hard to think about returning as the first impression is the last impression I want this country to leave on me. I hope that makes sense because right now…it does to me.
Some of the most common things I heard while in Egypt:
1. Ahh, you from Canada…...Canada Dry right.
2. Where from?
3. Come, look in my shop, I make good price for you, I promise.
4. Ahhh, my colour.
5. Egyptian?
So with that I say good-bye to Egypt and head to Italy. So I arranged transport from the Resort to the airport by the hotel (for free by the way, why did I not think of that when I arrived). They said to be ready by 0745 so naturally it was 0845 when they arrived (that’s Egypt…what can you do). No worries I made my flight on time. Getting from terminal one to terminal two in Cairo was a pain in the ass though. There is a free shuttle but for some reason I could get no straight answer on how to get there (I think they share cash with the taxi drivers). I did find the correct place (a group of Brits were also trying to get there so we all made it together). Cairo airport is a bit of an adventure in itself. For those who have been there you know what I mean. There are like 3 levels of security. First you have to put your bags through the x-ray machine….so you can get to your check-in desk (that seems to be standard in this country). Once you get your ticket you need to go through passport control ( they seem to take more time letting you out of the country than letting you in). There is apparently a $15 USD exit tax that you need to pay….but I did not pay it and nobody asked so whatever. Then you have to go through another set of security it get to your gate (which they don’t let you do until the plane actually arrives…and they will take all your liquids so don’t try to bring water onto the plane). Oh and I guess there is a fourth because as you get set to load the plane….they double check your passport to make sure you have an exit stamp…..seriously…what’s that about. Needless to say, my plane left almost an hour late (scheduled departure 1555, actual departure 1645) yet somehow we managed to land only 15 minutes late (I think they include delay time when they list the length of flight).
Anyway, I arrive in Rome with no euros to my name and I am pretty sure they will not take Egyptian pounds here (worthless outside Egypt but I managed to get down to almost nothing before I left). I managed to find a bank machine (I am now wishing I was back in Egypt where the exchange rate is much more favourable.) I had set up an shuttle to my hotel (not for free I am afraid) as Rome is a mystery to me and had no idea where I was heading. The shuttle got me right to the door and the manager was waiting outside for me. I have opted for a Guest House versus hotel for this stay in Rome. Basically I have a room (with a private bathroom) in a five bedroom apartment. Not a lot of frills but really clean and really quiet. Breakfast I am told is around the corner and hopefully I can find it in the morning.
So I am about to spend my first night in Rome. I have already caught of glimpse of the coliseum (I will have to wait until later this week to visit there) and I very excited about the days to come.
Julie
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