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Letters from abroad: Egypt
by David Reay-Scott
(A humanHi SELECT location)
This was my third visit to this land of mystery and contrast; it was however my daughter Victoria’s first. I had waxed on and on with stories of this land, its vast history, culture its people. So when I asked her what she wanted for her graduation present, she replied, a holiday to Egypt.
I decided that the best way to take in as much as possible in only eleven days was to spend the first four days in Cairo followed by seven days on a cruise down the Nile.
Cairo, a city where every stone is a reminder of an ancient and fascinating civilisation. For centuries her timeless Pyramids, mosques, churches and temples have attracted travellers from around the world. Overlaid on this rich heritage is modern Cairo, a vibrant and energetic city.
We decided to begin our voyage of discovery by negotiating a limo and guide for the day, to explore Cairo’s ancient treasures and unravel if you can the many mysteries of Egypt’s past. Take my advice don’t use the black and white taxi’s, they are ready for the scrap heap, for a little extra your concierge will organise an air conditioned, cleaner and safer modern limo. It only cost us £17.50 for over 6 hours including tip.
Having already visited the Pyramids after breakfast by foot we decided to visit the Sphynx , a perfume house, and a papyrus museum, followed by a few hours round the Cairo Museum, a fascinating guided tour of 7,000 years of Egyptian history. The museum houses the world’s greatest collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, including 12 rooms filled with the golden treasures, like the boy-king TUTANKHAMEN and the room of mummies, including the great pharaoh RAMESSES II.
OTHER SITES WORTH VISITING
MEMPHIS AND SAKKARA
Memphis, almost 40kmoutside Cairo is the capital of the old kingdom and has a colossal reclining statue of RAMESSES II and the alabaster Sphynx.
THE CITADEL, THE MOSQUE OF MOHAMED ALI
Tour the Citadel, the medieval fortress of Salah el Din and the beautiful alabaster mosque one of the largest in the world.
KHAN EL KHALILI BAZAAR
Roam through the ancient twisting passages of the famous 13th century bazaar, filled with small craft and goods shops.
WHERE WE STAYED IN CAIRO
MENA HOUSE OBEROI
Here at Giza, under the shadow of the Great Pyramids and the Sphynx, the only surviving “Wonder of the Ancient World” lies a unique hotel with its own colourful history. Surrounded by 40 acres of Jasmine scented gardens with the Pyramid of Cheops towering above, the hotel has enchanted distinguished guests since 1869. This once ancient Palace has been caringly transformed into a luxury hotel with immense character and sense of style. Exquisitely crafted interiors, arabesque furniture inlaid with mother of pearl, hand crafted mosaic tiles and original works of art and magnificent antiques exude luxury rarely found in modern hotels. Combine this with beautiful open spaces and amenities, swimming pool, spa and gym, golf course, riding, horses or camels, excellent cuisine from an array of restaurants, lounges, bars and club. Always greeted with a smile and royal service; this is the only place to stay in Cairo. After our amazing amuse bouche in Cairo, we flew to Luxor for our main course and desert.
THE NILE CRUISE
THE OBEROI ZAHRA
The Jewel of the Nile, this sleek five-deck ship is the latest addition to Nile cruising. The Zahra is in a league of its own with only 25 cabin suites and 2 luxury suites it accommodates fewer than half the capacity of most cruisers on the Nile. With a maximum of 54 passengers at any one time it’s like being on your own private charter.
Our leisurely cultural cruise kicked off in style with champagne served in the lounge whilst we registered.
The 5 star luxury cabins are equipped with every modern convenience, LCD TV’S, DVD, mini bar, wireless internet, elegant furnishings, large windows with panoramic views of the Nile. The Zahra caters to all your needs while you rest your weary bones from excursions and the desert heat, swimming pool, sundeck, spa, gym, library, cigar lounge, and theatre.
The food on board was absolutely exquisite, international cuisine, created by executive chef Siddhartha Chowdhry and his brigade and served to perfection by the excellent restaurant team lead by Sameh Ahmed. Choose from the á la carte restaurant or the pool deck bar and restaurant, then enjoy a relaxing digestive in the cocktail lounge. Nothing is any trouble to them, they will create and serve what ever you desire and always with a great smile. As well as all your meals and little tit bits, the fully inclusive trip includes everything you could possibly require, all transfers by luxury mini coaches, that follow the cruise, all excursions and entry fees to tombs and temples, multilingual Egyptologists/guides (1 to every 6/9 guests), private docking.
Our trip was expertly planned to take in all that the Nile and Egypt has to offer, Luxor Temple, Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Queens and Nobles, Dendara, Edfu, Komombo, Aswan and Abu Simbel. Some were private viewings purely for Zahra guests some with cocktails and canapés, sound and light shows, felucca ride, folklore shows, all expertly explained and brought to life by our charismatic Egyptologist Sameh Samir.
Well all good things must come to an end, unfortunately. We say our goodbyes with faint heart to our friendly crew lead by manager Tapan Piplani, our fellow intrepid travellers, too Egypt, the Nile, with all their wonderful mysteries, stories and unanswered questions, but we take with us unforgettable memories of a land its culture but most of all its people.
“Assalaam Alykum”
Useful contacts:
www.oberoihotels.com
www.egypt.travel
www.sakkaragroup.com
Sameh Samir, Egyptologist/guide e-mail to: princeofthebes@hotmail.com