The real Egypt
Review Submitted: November 17, 2009
Date of Stay: November 2009
Having only previously been to Nuweiba in Egypt (Sinai Desert) where we stayed in the beach resort all the time because there was really nowhere to go, and car hire was impossible, we (just 2 persons) chose this villa for our November break mainly as it had a heated pool, (which was great). We flew to Cairo with BMI from LHR. Excellent flight, could pre book a window seat at no extra cost, booked via Expedia (excellent) for lowest rate. We found our driver Ahmed waiting in arrivals and were soon on our way but a vital road was closed and we went bumper to bumper through Cairo which put an extra 2 hours (approx) on on our journey unfortunately. The Egyptians drive very close to one another, and in a 3 lane road expect 5 lanes of cars. They use their hooters in a similar way to how we use indicators. You soon relax into it and Ahmed is a capable calm driver. Maria and staff welcomed us at the villa which we did not expect, and this was reassuring as we were out of our "Eurpean" comfort zone. Hamper was excellent and Maria offered to get us a tray of beers as alcohol has to be bought from specific shops, and these were welcome. I took some wine from Duty Free, a very good move. Maria provides a mobile phone and we used this a lot, a fantastic asset for this holiday. We got used to the call to prayer, it starts pre dawn, (but we turned this around and went to the roof terrace to photograph the sunrise) and the railroad nearby with the honking, and the local dogs. The cook Asrar is a lovely lady and we had 2 delicious meals cooked for us which both lasted 2 days. The bed was the most comfortable we have ever slept in on holiday. The villa was full of homely touches, we loved it, but only went out with our driver. Alexandria was interesting, lots to see for everyone, and I bought a couple of silver necklaces and some scarves. (The Egyptian women wear their scarves beautifully, lots of colour co ordinating going on.) For the most unusual shops Alexandria souk area and Alexandria in general is best as Carrefour Mall has similar clothes to uk. Best point was seeing the Sphinx at Giza. What a day! And we went inside the Great Pyramid too and climbed the steps. The Solar Boat here was amazing, we did not even know about its existence pre this holiday. El Alamein was very interesting and absorbing, and we stopped at Charm Life with a wonderful white sand beach and had it to ourselves. Thanks to Maria, Ahmed, Asrar, Z FANTASTIC TEAMWORK IN ACTION. Holiday to remember
Recommended for:
Adventure Seekers,
Sightseeing
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
No
Helpful votes: 4/5
