So the adventure started on July 26th 2019 when Zoe arrived in Cape Town.. seems like a life time ago. Today 80 days later I will make it to Cairo .
Getting out of Luxor has the GPS confused.. It wants to take me down the old road, I hit 2 dead ends and a one way going the wrong way.. Eventually it says follow the road.
After about an hour I realise that I'm heading north east and then east. Cairo is North. There are new big highways from Luxor to Cairo.. but I can't find one.
The road is good and I'm cruising.. I recall that one blog I read warns about bandits in the mountains on this road.. there are a few cars..not many and as I get into the mountain passes my brain is racing.
But soon I hit a police road block.. never been so happy to see the cops..
It is already hot. Probably 40+
But this does't stop Prayers.
Fortunately there are a number of Police road blocks.. they know!
I end up in Port Sataga on the Red Sea. whew an extra 250 k - just what I need.
I need cash, fuel and credit for my sim card.
I find an ATM.. I look for an electronics shop to buy credit.. there is a 50% tax on mobile phone calls..so if you want $10 credit you pay $15.. I see a Samsung sign - looks hopeful. I stop and it is closed..I go into the small general store next door to ask directions to a store that will sell me airtime.. In my best very slow English and sign language I explain my predicament. The young girl ,answers me in perfect English.. "Wow" I say to her, "you speak such good English".. she is pleased.. Tells me her mother has taught her from the age of 5.
She has a machine to top up ..I'm happy ..Tell her I'm heading for Cairo Six hours she says.
I head north along the Red Sea..at first it is bleak .. but after a while I notice signs to resorts on the Red Sea.. there are quite a few..
Impressive structures.. then Condominiums and more resorts and hotels for about 80k
I can't believe the development.
Finally I head west to Cairo - an impressive road 4 lanes each way.. 120k speed limit
but I'm being passed at 140.. Oops! a speed camera ..I didn't see it and neither did the guys driving the Mercedes and Beemers. The road had narrowed to two lanes and 90k.
I hand my drivers licence to the cops.. and park ..It was only a few hours earlier that I was pleased to see them. My name is called Mr.George.. 142 in 90 zone... 350 Egyptian pounds
fine A$35.. not going to break the bank.. I loudly ask the cop for a tourist discount.. those waiting to pay their fines, and who understand English, laugh and so does the cop. Ok 100 Pounds. I pay in a hurry and move on.. and stick to the speed limit.. The Mercs and Beemers shoot past me.. and I smile at the next speed camera stop.. the same guys as before.
At the outskirts of Cairo I google hotels near Giza. It is peak traffic and a guy in a car warns me I have a problem at the rear.. I stop ..my Egyptian number plate is just about to fall off. I fix it with new cable ties and move on.
At the hotel I find an English newspaper.. It makes interesting reading
The hotel is new 3 star US$50 B&B with very friendly staff and a lovely view from the terrace. My room is clean with air con, hot shower and T.V.
I have dinner on the terrace. The view is to die for.
I sleep well
Awesome stuff.....the saga of the black market fuel in the Sudan and that of the crossing into Egypt, is not for the faint hearted. Scary stuff!!! well done George!