Tuesday, 14th October 2008

Hussein and two others are at the hotel this morning. Hussein says that he now only goes with this group and the “Berliners” have another guide. He is slightly annoyed, but tries not to let it show. At some point he asks if I have called the travel agency. I tell him briefly what happened last night. A little later he complains that he is now missing part of the tip. Aha! There lies the rabbit in the pepper…

First it should go to the citadel and the mosques. I suggest because of the hazy weather to visit first the Egyptian Museum. Somewhat reluctantly he agrees. At the museum a chaos. Buses, tourists and tour guides are scurrying around. At Hussein’s behest, we meander past the waiting people on the right. He has a nice but funny way of getting to the front quickly. And inside we are…

Top! Absolutely impressive what is exhibited there over the years. 120000 exhibits. The museum is bursting at the seams. A quarter of the entire museum belongs to the Tut-Ench-Amun pieces – of course with the death mask. Can’t be described, must be seen. There also no photos help (which also do not exist, since photographing in the museum is forbidden).

After a good three hours in the museum, a short drive to the citadel. The rides alone are worth the money. Cairo is a single traffic chaos. Indescribable! Everyone scurries wildly, in between pedestrians and a few bicycles. There are only a few traffic lights and everyone drives as they please. The amazing thing: It works – somehow.

The citadel with its alabaster mosque is less impressive. Hussein talks and talks, I have little time to take pictures. When he has finished talking, it is usually “So, go on, here…”.

Unfortunately, also due to the hazy weather, as the overview of Cairo is lost in the haze.

In the meantime, the tour guide and the people from the travel agency have also understood that I would like to book a tour to Alexandria for tomorrow and “Cairo by Night” tonight. They also know only since Monday morning.

Short drive to the Rifai Mosque. Aha. That is already something else. Great ambience inside the mosque. Here lies the tyrant of Persia (Shah Resa Pahlewi) buried.

Unfortunately, I have to ask Hussein if at some point a break could be taken. Toilet is sometimes a must! A coffee would be also not bad. He could have thought of it by himself… We drive to the bazaar Khan El Khalili. There into a café – allegedly the oldest in Cairo. Coffee is strong and takes some getting used to. However, not so habit-forming as the loo. My God, this is the hammer. Don’t forget to clean the soles of your shoes at the hotel. The bazaar is fun and not so annoying. The merchants understand immediately if you don’t want to buy anything and are not so pushy. Was originally planned for the evening – at least that’s how I understood the travel agency in Germany, but this is studiously ignored. At shortly after three o’clock the day is over.

Back to the hotel. Hussein says goodbye. Tonight Mohammed accompanies the “Cairo by Night” tour.

Mohammed is punctually at 7 p.m. in the hotel. And then comes the absolute highlight. The drive through the city in the evening is more than adventurous. Cars stop where they want, blink, honk, without light but with active flashers. No matter, the main thing is that the rust bucket drives or moves forward. The way goes from Giza city to the Cairo old town. Great flair – even if only from the car. After a few photo opportunities at various mosques, still to the Grand Hyatt on the Nile. There is the Hard Rock Cafe. Great view over the evening Nile to Cairo Downtown. Satisfied, we return to the hotel.