Most of the team flew out at 1:00am but we just had to leave our digs at 7:15am (23rd May)- lucky us! We spent 3 hours in Dubai airport buying duty free alcohol for our onward trip and drinking pints in the Irish Bar. Dubai is a bit more relaxed with regards to alcohol rules than Qatar so it was nice to let loose! We nearly missed the plane to Cairo though - made it to the boarding lounge as the last lot were boarding - of course John was as cool as a cucumber! There was lots of hassle finding luggage rack room because people in the Middle East tend to be allowed to bring large hand luggage and packages on board - two guys nearly had a fight over a camera bag fell out and another guy refused to part with his brief case! All lots of fun watching! After 2 wines on a 3.75 hour flight I was quite happy thank you after dry Qatar.We were met in customs by a guy from Travel Talk Tours called Mohammad - we just had to trust him with our passports and money while he organised our visas - he got us through customs fast and explained later that he has a license to be on the other side of the customs hall - we just weren't used to that! We got a real good look at the poverty side of Cairo - 8 million people and many living in unfinished buildings. The little beaten up Lada taxis drove like maniacs - many were also broken down by the side of the rode - we were thankful to be in a van! There were no working traffic lights to be seen and no lanes - drivers chose their own route! We saw a Mosque with the sun setting behind it and crossed the mighty Nile (see posting above) to our resort which was really in a rural / farming area of Cairo - families on carts pulled by donkeys a common sight. Arrived at the Cataract Resort at 7pm -tired but comfortable rooms and a great big pool to swim in tomorrow! Robyn got bitten alive by the mosquitoes in their room though! Some duty free helped dull the pain
This photo below is the missing one of Robin with Keri and Rob
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