Egyptian Road Trip to The Red Sea
Trip Start
Sep 19, 2010
1
23
32
Trip End
Oct 26, 2010
Hurghada, Red Sea and Sinai, Egypt
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
- Dick Hallorann (Scatman Crothers), "The Shinning"
We watched Luxor fade behind us as we took off through the Egyptian desert toward the coast of the Red Sea and the beach resort town of Hurghada. This was just a one night way station for us because we had a flight to the Sinai Peninsula the next morning. And Shukran Allah, because this place was a hole.
We were greeted by another cheery Egyptian man who was the proprietor of what appeared to be an all-inclusive resort that catered to Russians. The first thing I laid my eyes on was a very tall, a very tan, and a very poorly-aged Russian Mail Order Bride in a florescent pink strappy mini-dress. She had peroxide white blond hair and a matching long, curly phony pony attached that went to the bottom of her spine. I was entranced. I wanted to take a picture, but I thought she may explode from the flash.
She was looking at the ground as her man guided her to a sit in the lobby, "Now stay here, I be right back." I could not stop staring. But, I had to as we were shown our room, and what a treat that was. The room was camp-like with beds that sloped from under slats, outlets that didn't work, missing lightbulbs and the real doozy - the bathroom. Black mold covered the shower curtain that was all but useless thanks to the one inch border on the floor that caused massive flooding.
But hey - food was included. Oh my God...it was Casa Bonita meets a cruise ship. But, the Russians loved it, they were all there for breakfast and dinner. Even the lovely blond and her owner. He dressed for dinner - in a Hawaiian-like floral shirt, white socks and sandals. Mamma Mia - how the standars fall with the lack of a paycheck.
We abandoned ship for some food and wifi and found a great pizza place run by Italians living in Egypt. Peanut butter and jelly time had still escaped me, so pizza was a fantastic alternative. There was nothing remarkable about Hurghada, it's a very typical resort town with loads of junk sold on the streets, flirty salesmen, lots of neon announcing food and alcohol. Muslim standards go out the window here and tourists in bikinis are normal, women drinking is acceptable, and there's a party feel.
Our less-than 24 hour stint here was all we needed. We boarded Egypt Air for Sharm Al-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula where the vacation would continue. Next up - a few days relaxing on the beach, and we will finally put away the alarm clock and possibly, unpack for a few days.
A few pics: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=298244&id=633950714&l=d9e2b81e57
Comments
Hilarious account except for the moldy shower - ugh! I guess one bad day/night isn't so bad when you consider how many awesome ones you've had. Enjoy the beach! :)