Arrival

After a 10+ hour flight, I finally made it to Cairo. I was lucky enough to have exit row seating, but unlucky enough to have exit row seating next to the bathroom. The constant stream of people, aromas, and lights made sleeping difficult. Oh well--it's all part of the experience. And Delta didn't lose my luggage this time, so no complaints.

Walking out of the airport was like walking into another world. The heat, melody of car horns, and sheer amount of people in Cairo make Casablanca look like a walk in the park. (For those of you unawares, Cairo is the biggest city in Africa--and Europe for that matter). The ride to the hotel was like being on the world's best and worst roller coaster. I can't believe we didn't hit something/someone or get hit ourselves. Lanes and speed limits mean nothing. There might be 3 lanes and 6 cars all juggling for road superiority. I will definitely record a video of Cairo driving for all to see.

The hotel couldn't be better. I've managed to get a single, so I've got plenty of space to unwind. It's also facing the Nile River, so the view is out of this world. The hotel was the former headquarters of Napoleon Bonaparte, so there's some history here. Winston Churchill was also a distinguished guest. The Fulbright Commission is taking great care of us here during out first month in Cairo.

We did eat dinner at a swank Lebanese restaurant called Taboula (a little ironic on our first night in Egypt). Food was great, cheap, and filling. It was nice to get out and experience some night life. Hookahs (water pipes) were going full blast and Arab music filled the background.

I'm planning on going to see the Pyramids tomorrow. I'll also include pictures in tomorrow's post. Too tired to do anything camera-related tonight. Or any other typing/thinking for that matter.

Over and out.

For Artur: I can't describe how smelly it is in Cairo. Ribbit.