So let’s assume you have your bags neatly packed and are ready for the airport. International travel sounds friendly enough, but in my opinion going to Egypt should be a new Olympic event in endurance. When you include layovers (Atlanta, Paris or London, etc.), you are looking at over 24 hours travel time. The key is distractions! My carry-on has the usual: books, magazines, I-Pod, Game-boy, snacks but you need to also pack earplugs, an eyemask, neck pillow and whatever else you can think of to occupy your time. Once you arrive in Cairo, things are pretty easy. You pick up your “Travel Visa” in one of the kiosks and move through customs. Pick up your bags, which is undoubtedly 10 times faster than Birmingham’s baggage service, catch a driver and you are off to the races.
Here is where most foreigners will lose their minds. Traffic in Cairo is like a Nascar race on steroids! You mix one part modern cars, 2 parts antique Fiat cabs, throw in some horse drawn carts and a few crazy pedestrians for good measure and Wha-la! Did I mention no traffic lights in a city of 17 million people?
Now for all that trouble, the trip better be worth it right? I can say without a doubt Egypt is one of the most unique and beautiful places that I have had the privilege to visit. The people are warm and inviting and the landscapes are truly breathtaking.