Arriving in Cairo
I wanted to do my 5th continent (Africa) and see a world wonder for my 30th and Egypt had been on my bucket list for a while now, so it just made sense. We flew into Cairo from Rome, landing in what appeared to be an all-sand airport. The buildings were sandstone coloured and there was just sand as far as the eye can see. We were shuttled through the airport to the “visa” area. It was a window where we gave over $20 American and received a piece of paper glued into our passports without a glance up.
We had booked a private transfer from the airport to our hotel. The driver met us at the front of the airport and guided us to a seemingly public carpark which was about a 10-minute walk away. Upon arrival at the vehicle, I was extremely underwhelmed with our VIP car. The driver opened the door (his friend was in the passenger seat) and a piece of plastic came off. Unsure what part of the car this belonged too he discarded it on the road. He than proceeded to grab my bag and tell me it would go on the roof to be tied down with a plastic rope that had seen better days. I protested as there was room in the vehicle however the bag ended up on the roof with a sketchy knot.
We than travelled over a shin deep pothole ridden road through Cairo at 120km an hour until we reached our hotel. We went through 2 levels of security to get in. The first being a chicane set up with uninterested guards with varying levels of weapon handling skilled holding AK47s. Some where using the weapons to poke each other or using the barrel as a resting point for their faces. Some with magazines attached some without. The actual gate consisted of a bomb check with an extremely unmotivated golden retriever who circled the vehicle after multiple prompts and a mirror and boot check from the guard.
So far so good. We arrive at Mena House Hotel. For the first time I was blown away at the incredible hotel that exceeded the pictures. I found a picture on Instagram of the view from a room and said that’s where ill be staying. Luckily for me the hotel was exceptional. After viewing other high-end hotels that we drove past we had made a great decision.
On arrival further security of metal detectors at the lobby followed. We checked in and opted for the Executive room package which was $50 USD per room per day and included breakfast, morning tea and dinner plus drinks included. Again, a great choice and we used it as a social gathering area. We had 3 rooms two with pyramid views and one with Cairo views. I would recommend the Pyramid views.
The Road Often Traveled blog 