I began my journey on December 18th from DC. My brother and sister joined me with great enthusiasm eventhough it was one of those spur of the moment plan. Escaped the snowstorm just by a day! A good omen. My mindset is already like the shepherd boy in the novel Alchemist by Coelho.
Reached Zurich the next morning. Swiss Air flight from Zurich to Cario was on time and landed in Egypt around 3.30pm. Customs and immigration was a breeze and we reached Ramses Hilton by 5.00pm.
The taxi driver showed us the important sites on our way. First the Military Academy with its impressive campus. Secondly, we passed the residence of President Mubarak. The security around his residence was very high with barricades and armed personnel. Next is the Baron Empain's palace in Heliopolis with its Hindu architecture. For a minute I thought it was a real temple!.
The landscae is studded with numerous minarets, some church domes, high rise buildings and shanty towns. Cairo looked like a stoic ancient sage who is not affected by the sounds, silence, smell, pollution, luxury or poverty. A city can look majestic inspite of all the ups and downs. It looks like histroy has bestowed that confidence in Cairo who has seen centuries after centuries of history unfolding in front of her.
Rames Hilton is located in the banks of the nile. We were welcomed by the ever smiling and helpful hotel staff. The executive lounge was nicely decorated for Christmas. Time to take a break and to prepare for the exciting journey to the pyramids tomorrow.
