Egypt 2014 - Hotel Problem

My passport needed two checks before I was let through. And as soon as I was let through I was confronted by taxis drivers galore. 150, 200, 130 and so it continued. I left them all and headed for the micro buses to Ramses,  hoping to catch a returning taxi. And I did,  Alhamdulillah, for only 80 EGP.

Spectra Inn's description says that it's opposite Mall of Arabs but where was the sign? It took ages and a lot of asking to find it. The taxi driver deserved an extra 20.

It was a big relief to finally find the hotel but only then to discover that they had problems - problems with the police! Big enough problems that meant all of their reservations had to be cancelled!

They apologised of course but wanted to leave it at that. "No, you have to find me a hotel!" I should have found a hotel myself. I would have saved at least £35. The best that they could find me was Movenpick at $90 after an apparent discount.

Another 20 for the taxi driver. Arrived at Movenpick to discover that they charge 145 EGP for wifi! Bargained a 50% (before tax) discount. At least the breakfast was included.

The hotel was nice but I was too tired to take advantage of all the extras, just like the last time...

Egypt 2014 - Al-Italia

Al-Italia is the cheapest of the airlines that give food on board. But not very good food and their planes leave a lot to be desired. Even one of the my window's pane was out of place!  You get what you pay for.

At least the flight from Malpensa to Cairo was mostly empty so I got three seats to myself. Got some uncomfortable sleep in, Alhamdulillah.

Cairo, here I come. Taxi drivers,  here I come...

Egypt 2014 - Turkish/Italian Pizza

Amjad was really bumbling. Nice brother who liked to talk,  mashaAllah. I listened patiently and actually enjoyed his company. His mixed Pakistani/Yorkshire accent was difficult to understand at times,  and certainly for the Italians. I had to "translate" quite a few times!

Here we are at a nearly all night Turkish place. The pizza was nice but too thin. The topping was Italian but the thinness  was Turkish unfortunately. The Boots sandwich was still supporting me.

I paid for most of the pizza and drinks but Amjad paid for all of the breakfast at McDonald's. Egg muffin. Straight after breakfast,  my time had come - at last!

Egypt 2014 - Piazza Duomo

London - Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa - Cairo. This is the first time in my life I've had to change airports in transit. Had plenty of time for the switch though - too much time. The plan was to go to Malpensa straight away and read,  watch and rest top while away the 12 hours. Exploring Milan at night alone was not really an option.

But on boarding the bus from Linate to Central Milan, bumped into a bumbling brother from Bradford. He was on the way to Lahore to visit his sick father. His transit was 2 hours longer.

So we explored Milan together, trailing along our trollies. We must have looked right of place. Walked for about 45 minutes to the central plaza.

The cathedral is impressive, but Milan itself didn't impress me so much. I guess I'll have to see it during the day to really judge.

In the centre we met many Bangladeshi migrants, selling their wares on the streets and squares. Felt sorry for their state of affairs. May Allah not put me in such situations. Aameen. And Alhamdulillah for all His blessings...

Egypt 2014 - Boots

A long time to wait for the gate. Boots for water, freshner and this sandwich. £2 at the airport is good value. It was to proved to be more valuable than I could have imagined. Alhamdulillah.

Egypt 2014 - Terminal 4

Heathrow Terminal Four was very busy but Alhamdulillah I had no luggage and electronic check in makes things so much easier and quicker. Had too much time. Prayed Asr, went through security,  waited, shopped at Boots, waited more,  boarded, waited, before finally taking off about 20 minutes late.

The wait in the plane was not desired but there was no hurry to get to Milan. Hannibal and History of Islamic Spain to pass the hour and a half. A 12 hour would lie ahead...

Egypt 2014 - Millharbour

Another trip to Egypt; another unwanted trip; and this time for much longer; and at our own cost; another holiday cut short.

Embarking on travels have always been happy occasions, even when I travelled alone before marriage. But there were tears in my eyes a couple of hours before leaving home.

The family are going to Westfield, via DLR, while I head to Heathrow via Jubilee and Picadilly. May Allah make it easy for us...