The new chapter is entitled 'Arrival in Cairo', however, it opens a little earlier with our intrepid travellers still sitting in the lounge in Los Angeles Airport. Eventually their flight is called, and they begin their long, arduous but very luxurious and comfortable flight to Cairo, arriving the following evening at the fabulous Palace of Khedive Ismail, (now a luxury hotel), situated on Gezireh Island, in the middle of the Nile.
There were two very attractive stewardesses to greet them at the entrance to the 'plane.
Jim was half expecting them to greet him in Arabic - but no - it was a greeting in perfect English, with a very pleasant accent.
طَيَران الإمارات - Ṭayarān Al-Imārāt) is an airline based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The airline is a subsidiary of The Emirates Group, which is owned by the government of Dubai's Investment Corporation of Dubai. It is the largest airline in the Middle East, operating over 3,600 flights per week from its hub at Dubai International Airport, to more than 150 cities in 80 countries across six continents. Emirates operates a fleet of more than 250 aircraft, and operates the largest fleets of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s in the world.
Then Jim and Zac and the 'boys' were taken to the First Class cabin, which was quite small, although the 'plane itself was huge.
It was maybe small - in comparison to the size of the 'plane - but the accommodation, the seats, were incredibly roomy - particularly when compared to the Cessna.
"Well this is more like it !....
I think, Teddy, we're going to enjoy this journey.", Ethan said - instantly approving of the overwhelming sense of luxury.
And each seat had it's own little flat screen TV, lights and all 'mod cons'.
"Well I like it.
It's got a nice 'teddy-bear size' table, light and TV, but I will need some cushions or pillows...as I'm not sitting on your bony knees all the way to Cairo.", Teddy said.
Meanwhile, aware of his responsibilities, Jim went round to all the 'boy's, and Zac checking that they were OK.
Ethan, of course, passed on Teddy's request about cushions or pillows to one of the stewardesses, who said she would bring some as soon as the 'plane had taken off - some regulation about seat-belts it seemed.
So it was an exciting start to their trip, and only Max seemed to be not entirely happy - but as has been said, he was a 'nervous flyer' - and as with some people - the bigger the 'plane, the more nervous it made him , and the Airbus A380 was the largest airliner in the world.....
Fortunately for Ethan and Teddy, they had a window seat, although it did mean that Ethan was given a 'blow by blow' account of the preparations taking place on the tarmac below.
Of course, being such a large airliner, and being allowed on board first, as they were First Class passengers, it did mean quite a wait before anything happened, but eventually the huge 'plane started to taxi away to its take off position.
The jets revved - Max closed his eyes - Teddy started to give a mind-numbing account of the intricacies of take-off...and Ethan switched off his earphones.
The 'plane lurched forwards as the brakes were released, and it sped along the runway.
All of a sudden everything seemed to smooth out, as the huge airliner, rose seemingly effortlessly, into the sky.
Max let go of the arms of his seat, and Jim smiled.
The feeling of take-off reminded Jim of his 'vision' of rising up to Mount Parnassus - but that was along time ago....and he doubted if he would meet with Apollo and the Muses in the skies above Los Angeles - but that's another story - 'The Story of Gracchus' in fact.
At this point Teddy was still discoursing on the complexities of the aerodynamics of taking off - but soundlessly, of course, and still imagining that Ethan was listening through the headphones, when the stewardess came with some pillows.
Ethan thanked the pretty young stewardess, and made Teddy comfortable.
It was difficult to imagine, however, what she thought of Ethan with a teddy-bear on his lap.
"You do know that I've switched the sound off ?", Ethan said to Teddy
Teddy instantly sulked, and spent the next ten minutes looking out of the window.
While Teddy was sulking the 'Captain' came on the intercom, talking in that infuriating, exaggeratedly 'laid back' way that all airline pilots seem to adopt in the thoroughly mistaken belief that such a manner of speaking will help the passengers to relax.
In fact, in most cases, it encourages passengers to wonder if the pilot has been drinking, or maybe taking tranquilizers before coming on board.
The captain gave a lot of information, that almost everybody forgot almost instantly, about airspeed, wind direction, temperature, 'eta' (estimated time of arrival - which apparently is never correct), etc. etc.
The only piece of useful information was that 'passengers may remove their seat-belts' - and presumably wander about.
Ethan eventually switched his earphones back on.
"Sorry Teddy - but you do go on a bit, sometimes..", Ethan said.
"OK Ethan - maybe I was a bit nervous, and I was just talking to calm myself.", Teddy replied.
"No 'problemo', my little furry friend.", Ethan replied.
"So what about having a look around this flying 'tin can', Teddy ?", Ethan suggested.
Now.... as a result of Franklin's convoluted conversations with the Emirates officials at Los Angeles International, it had finally dawned on those same officials that a 'very important person' was flying on that evening's flight to Dubai (and then on to Cairo).
Not important because he was connected with the 'government', or anything like that, but simply because he was very, very rich (something that Jim, and those around him tended to forget).
So a message was sent to the Airbus, which by then was winging its way to Canada......
(Canada ? - yes, it's the weird way that routes are planned for high flying jet aircraft), informing the captain that Mr Johnson, (that's Jim), and party were to be afforded 'special' treatment.
And so Jim and Zac were invited to speak to the very friendly and charming pilot, which they did.
At the same time, as Ethan got up with Teddy to take a look around the Airbus, the senior cabin steward (purser) popped up, seemingly out of nowhere, with an offer to show Ethan round.
First the steward pointed out the Bowers & Wilkins E1 headphones, using noise-cancelling technology to block out ambient cabin sounds.
"Cool...", Ethan commented, although really he was not very interested, as they didn't really compare to his Sennheiser HD 820s - which he had brought with him.
The steward also pointed out the interactive touchscreen TV, which doubled as a gaming system, and also a phone in the armrest, which could be used to call the flight attendant to place an order - like hotel 'room service'.
The next item on the tour was the very cleverly designed bathroom - complete with shower ! - not that Teddy was interested in having a shower, as it would cause all sorts of problems with his fur.
Finally Ethan and Teddy were taken to view the First Class Lounge (really 'the bar' - for passengers who could not manage for all those hours without a drink).
Once at the 'bar', Ethan was offered champagne ('on the house').
"I'm afraid I don't drink, but a 'Pepsi Max' would be fine - but nothing for Teddy, if it's all the same.", Ethan said very innocently.
The bar-tender and purser seemed to find Ethan's reply quite amusing, not only because it was quite unusual for young Americans to refuse alcohol, but also because Ethan treated Teddy as if he was a real person.... (if only they knew).
But they did have 'Pepsi Max', so at least Ethan would not be getting 'withdrawal symptoms'.
As Ethan sat in the lounge (bar) sipping his 'Pepsi Max', Jim and Zac arrived.
"I see you've found your 'Pepsi Max'...", Jim said.
"Yep....I was surprised - and they offered me champagne, but I've never tasted that, and I thought it would be safer to stick to what I knew." Ethan said.
"Yes...and we don't want you getting drunk..", Zac said.
"Now if Teddy promises to talk quietly, can I get rid of these 'phones - only it's quite uncomfortable ?", Ethan asked Jim.
"Well OK - but Teddy - keep the talking quiet !", Jim warned.
With some relief Ethan took off his headphones.
"So tell me, Jim, about where we are staying in Cairo..", Ethan said.
"Well I had to take the advice of the people at the travel service, as I know practically nothing about Cairo or Egypt, so they gave me some suggestions, and they said the Gezira Palace is probably one of the best hotels in Cairo.", Jim explained.
"OK, so just give me a moment while I check that on my database...", Teddy said, 'sotto voce'.... (very quietly).
"Well if I'd known you had the information, I would have come to you...", Jim said, half seriously.
"Ah yes....it's very good.", Teddy said, approvingly, ignoring Jim's previous comment.
"And where is it Teddy ?", Ethan asked, being none the wiser.
"Gezira.", Teddy answered.
"But that's the name of the hotel...", Zac said.
"Yes...but it's where it is....it's on 'the island', in the middle of the Nile.", Teddy said.
"You see it's confusing...", Teddy began.
"الجزيرة is Arabic for 'island', so 'Gezira Palace' means the 'Island Palace' - so there's no need to ask where it is....the island we're talking about is a big island in the middle of the Nile called 'the Island' - it doesn't have another name."Teddy explained.
"Is everything in Egypt going to be this complicated ?", Ethan asked.
"Probably ", Teddy replied - still being very good, and talking quietly.
"Let me explain a little more, as none of you seem to know anything about Cairo.", Teddy said dismissively.
"Gezira is an island in the Nile River, in central Cairo.
The southern portion of the island contains the Gezira district, and the northern third contains the Zamalek district - 'football' you know (at that point his listeners were completely lost).
Gezira is west of downtown Cairo and Tahrir Square (Freedom Square), connected across the Nile by four bridges, each on the east and west sides.
These bridges are the 'Qasr El Nil Bridge', the '15th of May Bridge', 'Al-Gala'a Brigde' and the '6th October Bridge'.", Teddy explained.
"Funny names...all date-thingys and funny words....", Ethan said
"Yes, that's known as history - and Arabic'.....
Anyway, under the rule of Khedive Ismail the island was first called 'Jardin des Plantes' (French for 'Garden of Plants'), because of its great collection of exotic plants shipped from all over the world - and he built a palace there - and now it's a hotel, and that's where you're staying.", and with that Teddy sat back, looking very self-satisfied.
"What...in a palace ?", Ethan said, wide-eyed - and Teddy nodded and twiddled his ears (twiddling his ears was something he did only when he was very pleased with himself.)
"I must tell the other guys about this !", Ethan said, enthusiastically.
"Well perhaps not...I think it's time we all had a little sleep...", Jim said quietly.
"Except me...", Teddy muttered.
"Yes, Teddy....except you.", Jim agreed.
So Ethan carried Teddy back to their seat.
Teddy got his bright blue laptop out of his travel bag, along with a DVD of 'Bambi', while Ethan settled down to relax.
Teddy then made himself comfortable on Ethan's lap, fluffing up his pillows, plugged his audio lead into the laptop headphone socket, and settled down to watch one of his favorite movies - and as he did so, the cabin lights dimmed.
"Good night, Teddy.", Ethan said sleepily.
"Good night, Ethan...sweet dreams.", Teddy said as the stars came out.
 |
| Emirates - Air Bus - First Class Cabin |
And each seat had it's own little flat screen TV, lights and all 'mod cons'.
"Well I like it.
It's got a nice 'teddy-bear size' table, light and TV, but I will need some cushions or pillows...as I'm not sitting on your bony knees all the way to Cairo.", Teddy said.
Meanwhile, aware of his responsibilities, Jim went round to all the 'boy's, and Zac checking that they were OK.
Ethan, of course, passed on Teddy's request about cushions or pillows to one of the stewardesses, who said she would bring some as soon as the 'plane had taken off - some regulation about seat-belts it seemed.
So it was an exciting start to their trip, and only Max seemed to be not entirely happy - but as has been said, he was a 'nervous flyer' - and as with some people - the bigger the 'plane, the more nervous it made him , and the Airbus A380 was the largest airliner in the world.....
Fortunately for Ethan and Teddy, they had a window seat, although it did mean that Ethan was given a 'blow by blow' account of the preparations taking place on the tarmac below.
Of course, being such a large airliner, and being allowed on board first, as they were First Class passengers, it did mean quite a wait before anything happened, but eventually the huge 'plane started to taxi away to its take off position.
 |
| Take-off |
The 'plane lurched forwards as the brakes were released, and it sped along the runway.
All of a sudden everything seemed to smooth out, as the huge airliner, rose seemingly effortlessly, into the sky.
Max let go of the arms of his seat, and Jim smiled.
The feeling of take-off reminded Jim of his 'vision' of rising up to Mount Parnassus - but that was along time ago....and he doubted if he would meet with Apollo and the Muses in the skies above Los Angeles - but that's another story - 'The Story of Gracchus' in fact.
At this point Teddy was still discoursing on the complexities of the aerodynamics of taking off - but soundlessly, of course, and still imagining that Ethan was listening through the headphones, when the stewardess came with some pillows.
Ethan thanked the pretty young stewardess, and made Teddy comfortable.
It was difficult to imagine, however, what she thought of Ethan with a teddy-bear on his lap.
"You do know that I've switched the sound off ?", Ethan said to Teddy
Teddy instantly sulked, and spent the next ten minutes looking out of the window.
While Teddy was sulking the 'Captain' came on the intercom, talking in that infuriating, exaggeratedly 'laid back' way that all airline pilots seem to adopt in the thoroughly mistaken belief that such a manner of speaking will help the passengers to relax.
In fact, in most cases, it encourages passengers to wonder if the pilot has been drinking, or maybe taking tranquilizers before coming on board.
The captain gave a lot of information, that almost everybody forgot almost instantly, about airspeed, wind direction, temperature, 'eta' (estimated time of arrival - which apparently is never correct), etc. etc.
The only piece of useful information was that 'passengers may remove their seat-belts' - and presumably wander about.
Ethan eventually switched his earphones back on.
"Sorry Teddy - but you do go on a bit, sometimes..", Ethan said.
"OK Ethan - maybe I was a bit nervous, and I was just talking to calm myself.", Teddy replied.
"No 'problemo', my little furry friend.", Ethan replied.
"So what about having a look around this flying 'tin can', Teddy ?", Ethan suggested.
Now.... as a result of Franklin's convoluted conversations with the Emirates officials at Los Angeles International, it had finally dawned on those same officials that a 'very important person' was flying on that evening's flight to Dubai (and then on to Cairo).
 |
| The Friendly Captain |
So a message was sent to the Airbus, which by then was winging its way to Canada......
(Canada ? - yes, it's the weird way that routes are planned for high flying jet aircraft), informing the captain that Mr Johnson, (that's Jim), and party were to be afforded 'special' treatment.
And so Jim and Zac were invited to speak to the very friendly and charming pilot, which they did.
First the steward pointed out the Bowers & Wilkins E1 headphones, using noise-cancelling technology to block out ambient cabin sounds. |
| 'Room Service' |
The steward also pointed out the interactive touchscreen TV, which doubled as a gaming system, and also a phone in the armrest, which could be used to call the flight attendant to place an order - like hotel 'room service'.
 |
| Emirates Airbus First Class - Bathroom |
Finally Ethan and Teddy were taken to view the First Class Lounge (really 'the bar' - for passengers who could not manage for all those hours without a drink).
Once at the 'bar', Ethan was offered champagne ('on the house').
"I'm afraid I don't drink, but a 'Pepsi Max' would be fine - but nothing for Teddy, if it's all the same.", Ethan said very innocently.
 |
| Emirates Airbus First Class - Bar |
But they did have 'Pepsi Max', so at least Ethan would not be getting 'withdrawal symptoms'.
As Ethan sat in the lounge (bar) sipping his 'Pepsi Max', Jim and Zac arrived.
"I see you've found your 'Pepsi Max'...", Jim said.
"Yep....I was surprised - and they offered me champagne, but I've never tasted that, and I thought it would be safer to stick to what I knew." Ethan said.
"Yes...and we don't want you getting drunk..", Zac said.
"Now if Teddy promises to talk quietly, can I get rid of these 'phones - only it's quite uncomfortable ?", Ethan asked Jim.
"Well OK - but Teddy - keep the talking quiet !", Jim warned.
With some relief Ethan took off his headphones.
"Well I had to take the advice of the people at the travel service, as I know practically nothing about Cairo or Egypt, so they gave me some suggestions, and they said the Gezira Palace is probably one of the best hotels in Cairo.", Jim explained.
"OK, so just give me a moment while I check that on my database...", Teddy said, 'sotto voce'.... (very quietly).
"Well if I'd known you had the information, I would have come to you...", Jim said, half seriously.
"Ah yes....it's very good.", Teddy said, approvingly, ignoring Jim's previous comment.
"And where is it Teddy ?", Ethan asked, being none the wiser.
"Gezira.", Teddy answered.
"But that's the name of the hotel...", Zac said.
"Yes...but it's where it is....it's on 'the island', in the middle of the Nile.", Teddy said.
"You see it's confusing...", Teddy began.
 |
| Gezira Island - Cairo - Egypt |
"Is everything in Egypt going to be this complicated ?", Ethan asked.
"Probably ", Teddy replied - still being very good, and talking quietly.
"Let me explain a little more, as none of you seem to know anything about Cairo.", Teddy said dismissively.
"Gezira is an island in the Nile River, in central Cairo.
 |
| Khedive Ismail Pasha |
Gezira is west of downtown Cairo and Tahrir Square (Freedom Square), connected across the Nile by four bridges, each on the east and west sides.
These bridges are the 'Qasr El Nil Bridge', the '15th of May Bridge', 'Al-Gala'a Brigde' and the '6th October Bridge'.", Teddy explained.
"Funny names...all date-thingys and funny words....", Ethan said
"Yes, that's known as history - and Arabic'.....
 |
| Gezira Palace - Cairo |
"What...in a palace ?", Ethan said, wide-eyed - and Teddy nodded and twiddled his ears (twiddling his ears was something he did only when he was very pleased with himself.)
"I must tell the other guys about this !", Ethan said, enthusiastically.
 |
| Emirates First Class cabin - Night |
"Yes, Teddy....except you.", Jim agreed.
So Ethan carried Teddy back to their seat.
Teddy got his bright blue laptop out of his travel bag, along with a DVD of 'Bambi', while Ethan settled down to relax.
 |
| Thumper and Bambi |
"Good night, Teddy.", Ethan said sleepily.
"Good night, Ethan...sweet dreams.", Teddy said as the stars came out.
"All I want to do is get a breath of real fresh-air, and go for a nice long walk...", Glen said, sounding undoubtedly miserable.
For all of them the flight seemed simply endless.
Jim and Josh spent a great deal of time on the internet, dealing with business matters, while Zac, Ethan, Glen and Max spent time watching Netflix and playing computer games.
On occasions, when Ethan was happily occupied, Teddy simply switched himself off - or ran through his data-base.
The only other activity for occupying the time was eating, (although Teddy was excluded from that activity).
The food was excellent, but the 'boys', being 'fitness fanatics', were concerned about gaining weight, and felt that they should limit their intake, despite the availability of food, and the inevitable boredom of a long-haul flight.
Eventually their cheerful, laid-back Captain announced that they were approaching Dubai.
"Dubai ?...I thought we were going to Cairo !", Ethan said, sounding alarmed.
دبي - Dubai is the largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. Located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is the business hub of the Middle East. It is also a major global transport hub for passengers and cargo. A centre for regional and international trade since the early 20th century, Dubai's economy relies on revenues from trade, tourism, aviation, real estate, and financial services. Dubai has one of the world's lowest crime rates, and is also very, very hot. the ruler of Dubai is His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Emblem of the UAE
"We are going to Cairo....this is just a two hour stop over...", Teddy said very quietly.
"You mean in another few hours we'll be free ?", Ethan said, sounding very relieved.
"Yes...", Teddy replied.
Some time later the huge Airbus began its slow descent to Dubai International Airport.
As they came in lower, Ethan looked out of his window and got a surprise.
"Wowy !....what a freaky place !", Ethan exclaimed as he caught sight of some islands in the form of huge palm leaves.
"Ah yes....that's one of the three 'Palm Islands' on the coast of Dubai.
 |
| Palm Islands - Dubai |
"Wowy !....what a freaky place !", Ethan exclaimed as he caught sight of some islands in the form of huge palm leaves.
It was all the idea of the ruling Sheikh - so don't say anything nasty about them, as the people here are very proud of them, and think they're very pretty.
Unfortunately the islands are already being eroded by wind and sea - so get a good look at them, Ethan, while they're still there.", Teddy explained.
Then came the part of the flight that Max really didn't enjoy.
 |
| Landing at Dubai |
And then, added to that was the noise of the undercarriage being lowered.
And so the Emirates Airbus made the final part of its slow descent onto the runway at Dubai International Airport.
Now being 'first class' passenger, Jim, Zac and the 'boys' were allowed to disembark before the other passengers, and were escorted to the first class passenger lounge. |
| Emirates - First Class Lounge - Dubai Airport |
"So this is the 'mysterious east'....", Ethan said.
"OK, you can go and do some shopping, but don't buy anything large - or you might not be allowed to bring it back on the plane.
You can use your 'cards' - but remember that there will be a better selection in Cairo, and Cairo prices are much cheaper - and don't be long - the 'plane won't wait for you.", Jim warned them.
Zac stayed with Jim as they spent time working out the rate of exchange, and changing some dollars into dirhams - jut in case - despite the fact that US dollars were generally accepted everywhere.
They also changed some dollars into Egyptian pounds.
The variety of goods on sale was remarkable, but the boys had taken into account the advice that Jim had given them.They were, in fact, more keen on simply stretching their legs, than in doing any serious shopping.
They had been sitting either in the main cabin or the bar/lounge for so long that their legs felt cramped, and they felt in need of exercise.
 |
| McDonald's - Dubai International Airport |
He had seen the one thing that he had not expected to see in an airport in the Middle East - a MacDonald's restaurant.
"Come on, Teddy.
It's either a MacDonald's, or it's a mirage.", Ethan said.
"You only see mirages in the desert - not in airports...", Teddy whispered.
"And it's a very nice McDonald's - very classy.", Ethan said.
And that was that....
The boys spent the rest of their time in McDonald's.
It might not have looked like an American McDonalds, but the food and drink was identical - and they found it reassuring after a what had been to them a very strange and disconcerting couple of days.
And then it was back to the Air Bus, and another take-off.
This time they all knew what to expect, and even Max seemed more relaxed and confident - despite the fact that this takeoff was at night.
The flight itself - from Dubai to Cairo - was only three and a half hours, so excitement was growing with the prospect of the long awaited landing in Cairo.
 |
| Night Take-off - Dubai |
As it happened, nobody had actually bought anything in Dubai, apart for some postcards - and on returning to the 'plane everyone had simply resumed their seats, and gazed rather distractedly out of the windows.
 |
| Dubai at Night - Window View |
Despite this, however, the nighttime views from the windows were spectacular, and there was still the magical scenes to be savored when they would fly over the Egyptian desert and the river Nile....
 |
| Night View Over Dubai |
He then felt the 'plane banking, and for a moment he panicked.
"Do you think everything's OK, Teddy ?".
Teddy looked calm.
"Yes, we're just turning to make our way over the Delta, and then fly up the Nile to Cairo.", Teddy replied.
Ethan was non the wiser, but if Teddy thought it was OK, then that was good enough.
Teddy, of course, had been looking at the animated map on the flat screen TV.
Not as interesting as a good cartoon, but very informative.
Now, however, it was getting late, and the cabin crew dimmed the lights.
Once again the stars glowed on the ceiling, and Ethan was hoping that Jim might arrange something similar for the bedroom in the Penthouse back in 'Vegas.
 |
| Cabin Lights Dimmed |
Teddy nudged Ethan, drawing his attention to the scene outside, as the plane banked round to make it's final run along the course of the Nile.
If you are used to seeing an image of Egypt from an atlas, or similar representation, this image may looks strange, (upside down), but you must remember that the Airbus is flying from North to South - down the Nile, from the Delta, and then to Cairo (the bright section in the center)."Wowy ! ....All those lights....
But why are there so many parts completely dark ?", Ethan asked.
"The dark parts are the desert - where there are no towns or villages, because there is no rain. Just like in Ancient times people had to live close to the Nile and its tributaries.", Teddy said quietly.
"Gee...you are clever, Teddy.
You seem to know about almost everything.", Ethan said - and he was not being sarcastic, but very serious".
Now at that point, if Teddy could have blushed he would - but blushing is not possible if you are covered in thick fur.
 |
| Central Cairo - Egypt - Night |
"Now when we get to the airport building we will come up against Egyptian security.
There have been a lot of problems in Egypt with terrorists, and apart from that the government and police are very sensitive about being criticized - so no 'clever' remarks - they will not understand you sense of humor.
We will need to talk with the security people for a while, to confirm what Franklin has arranged, so just keep quite, and put Teddy out of sight in his plastic bag.", Jim said, obviously being serious.
Teddy was annoyed, but understood that the security people would probably be suspicious about an adult carrying a teddy-bear.
Slowly the Airbus began it's long descent into the warm, thick, humid - not to mention 'polluted' - air surrounding the Nile Valley.
 |
| Landing at Cairo International Airport |
By the time their 'plane landed at Cairo it was gone eleven at night.
The 'touch-down' was a little bumpy, followed by the roar of the retro jets as the huge plane slowed and then taxied to the terminal.
Then it was a matter of 'first on - first off', one of the many perks of travelling first class.
"Well I'm glad that's all over....", Max sighed, as he zipped up his cabin bag, and made his way to the exit.
مِصر (Miṣr) Egypt - officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a country in the northeast corner of Africa. From the 16th to the beginning of the 20th century, Egypt was ruled by foreign powers: The Ottoman Empire and the British Empire. Modern Egypt dates back to 1922, when it gained nominal independence from the British Empire as a monarchy. However, British military occupation of Egypt continued. Following the 1952 revolution, British involvement ended. The new military government nationalized the Suez Canal, exiled the Egyptian King Farouk, and his family, and declared itself a republic.
Soon they were in the terminal building.
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| Cairo International Airport - Egypt |
"Yes....and I think they knew we were coming....", Ethan said.
"Why 'you say that ?", Max asked - as he was so tired that he was not really paying attention to anything around him.
"Because of that....", Ethan replied, referring to a line of heavily armed Egyptian Security Police.
"Oh...!," Max said.
"And why the sunglasses in the middle of the night ?", Glen foolishly asked.
"Shut up, Glen !", Ethan said.
"They probably understand some English."
So they modestly walked past the apparent 'guard of honor', trying to look at everything but the police.
"Now we'll see if Franklin can really arrange things.", Jim said to Zac.
The Police Captain was young, and apparently very well educated.
(well what can you do if you come from a good family, are smart enough to get a university degree, and then can't find a job - you join the Egyptian Mukarabat - Security Police).
Fortunately he was very amenable, polite and even friendly.
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| Egyptian Central Security Police |
And yes, he knew all about the arrangements that had been made.
When it was made clear to him that the telescope was for the boys who were crazy about astronomy, he was very interested, and on opening the carrying case, he was duly impressed by the quality of the instrument.
His only advice was to only point the 'scope at the sky, otherwise they might be suspected of spying.
(almost everyone in Egypt, it seemed, was paranoid - and mainly about the Israelis ?)
As for the weapons, the young officer had been informed about Jim's 'uncle' (the 'Boss') being kidnapped by terrorists, in Mexico, and killed during his escape, and understood that a person of Jim's standing needed 'private' protection, but assured Jim that additional resources would also be offered by Egyptian Security for the duration of the visit.
Zac, as Jim's 'head of security' was then given permits to carry weapons for himself, Jim, Josh and Ethan, along with a notification to the hotel security with regard to keeping the weapons under lock and key - when necessary - in the hotel.
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| Drive to the Hotel |
Although Jim, Zac and the 'boys' didn't realize it at that point, driving, or even walking for that matter, in Cairo, was a 'hair-raising' and potentially dangerous experience, but very late at night, it was just about manageable.
And that was just as well, as they had all had quite enough of 'everything' for the last two days.
"You know, I'm sure one of those police guys looked just like Faunus - but I'm probably hallucinating - I'm so tired...", Ethan said to no one in particular.
"Wouldn't surprise me if he turned up here - probably in that stupid Edsel, and with Glaux....", Josh muttered.
"I'd really like to get out of this plastic bag !", Teddy quietly and mournfully squeaked, ignoring what the others had been saying.
"Quiet Teddy... wait until we get to our room...", Ethan said.
Once across the Nile, and onto the 'Island', it was only a short distance through the leafy streets to the Gezireh Palace.
If they had been sufficiently awake to notice, the island of Gezireh was undoubtedly the most affluent part of Cairo.
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| Floodlit Front Facade - Gezireh Palace |
 |
| Security Check - Gezireh Palace |
The other thing that they thought strange was the fact that there were Egyptian police actually on duty inside the hotel checking people, and using scanning equipment.
"Sorry Teddy but you've got to go through a scanner again, so stay still, and be quiet...", Ethan said.
"It's crazy... you'd think there was a war on here.", Max said.
"Well there is, of sorts, but I think the problem here is with other Egyptians, and not with people from outside.", Jim suggested, although he knew very little about the political situation in Egypt.
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| Reception - Gezireh Palace |
So, having got Teddy through the scanner, they showed the police in the hotel the permits that the police captain had given them.
That then involved the police in having a series of discussions and 'phone calls before they finally decided to check in all the luggage.
By then our intrepid travellers were beginning to despair of ever getting to bed.
They were then escorted to the reception desk.
Fortunately the night duty-manager had been well briefed regarding Jim and his party, and soon Jim was being taken to inspect the rooms that had been reserved (and paid for, for that matter).
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| A Lounge in the Gezireh Palace - Cairo |
"I think I'm going to like it here....", Ethan said, as he looked around at the palatial surroundings.Tea is the national drink in Egypt. In Egypt, tea is called 'shai' - usually drunk from a glass. Egyptian tea comes in two varieties: Koshary and Saiidi. Koshary tea, popular in Lower (Northern) Egypt, is prepared using the traditional method of steeping black tea in boiled water and letting it set for a few minutes. It is almost always sweetened with cane sugar and is often flavored with fresh mint leaves. Koshary tea is usually light, with less than a half teaspoonful per cup considered to be near the high end. 'Saiidi' tea is common in Upper (Southern) Egypt. It is prepared by boiling black tea with water for as long as 5 minutes over a strong flame. Saiidi tea is extremely heavy, with two teaspoonfuls per cup being the norm. It is sweetened with copious amounts of cane sugar (a necessity since the formula and method yield a very bitter tea).
Egyptian Shai
"Well I'm not... if I'm going to be left in this plastic bag...", Teddy grumbled.
"But this tea is very weird...", Glen said, ignoring Teddy's complaint.
"No milk, lots of sugar, and a glass instead of a cup... and I thought Arabs always drank coffee.", Max added.
"Well, it's so strong... at least it's keeping me awake.", Zac said.
Jim, of course, had not been given any 'shai' or dainty snacks, and it didn't help that the under-manager wanted to show off one of the magnificent staircase, rather than use the elevator. |
| Jim's Suite - Gezireh Palace - Cairo |
So everyone went off to bed, but were so tired that they hardly even noticed their rooms - and obviously left their unpacking until the next morning - and that would be late in the next morning.
When Ethan arrived in the suite he was suitably impressed.
"Come and look at this, Teddy - I think you're going to like it...", Ethan said, as he opened the plastic bag, and let Teddy crawl out onto the large bed.
"Oh it is nice, and I want those two blue striped cushions - the blue will contrast nicely with my fur.".And so Teddy made a comfortable place for himself in the centre of the bed, up against the head-board.
Meanwhile Jim and Ethan prepared to shower.
Now as has been explained before, Teddy rarely had a shower - because, although he was 'guaranteed waterproof', it caused all sorts of problems with his fur, which needed to be dried very carefully - so for that reason he didn't shower on the Airbus.
Teddy, however, knowing how much humans enjoyed spraying themselves with water, and even diving into deep water, (in swimming pools, rivers and the sea), always like to show an interest in bathrooms.
"So what's the bathroom like, boys ?", Teddy called out.
"It's a good size, with a separate bath and shower, lots of marble, gold fittings and a crystal chandelier.", Ethan replied.
"Ah... that sounds very good.", Teddy replied, as he settled down on his cushions, with his laptop, to make an entry in his e-diary about his arrival in Egypt.
"It should be good... it cost enough...", Jim said.
Eventually everyone was asleep - except for Teddy, who was till working on his diary, and updating his data-base.
So .... in the morning, their adventure in Egypt would begin.
Egypt, and Cairo can be strange, and even dangerous, so on the first morning Jim, with the help of Teddy, sets the 'Ground Rules'. Then they explore the hotel, and finally meet up with Faunus and Glaux - who had made their own way to the 'Mystic Land of Egypt. Then it's a few days of sightseeing - just like ordinary tourists, while they wait for a further 'message' to be delivered to Glen.LINK
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 2021