Last time, I loved my hotel in front of the Sphinx so much that this time, JB found another hotel even closer to the Sphinx for me. Part 1: Travel JournalPart 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Journal Day 3 (continued) I know everyone is impressed by the pyramids, but I find them lacking in special energy. On the other hand, the Sphinx impressed me a whole lot, and it has such a presence, such a special energy that I want to get as close to it as possible. Last time, we stayed at the Egypt Pyramids Inn guest house (Booking link), which I highly recommend because it looks the…

After dropping off our luggage at Mena House, we grab our smartphones, cameras, and water bottles and walk to the pyramids. The taxis in front of the hotel offer to take us to the entrance for $10, but that’s way too much for just a 7-minute walk. We bought our entry tickets in advance on the official website, which saves us from waiting in line at the ticket office. In addition to the Giza Plateau entry, we also opt for the entry inside the two pyramids of Khufu and Menkaure (a surcharge that must be decided when buying tickets, not in front of the pyramid). Last time, we went inside…

In Egypt, there are three historic hotels that really appeal to me: Winter Palace, Old Cataract, and Mena House. Last time, we stayed at the legendary Winter Palace in Luxor. This time, we’re thrilled to spend a night at the legendary Mena House, at the gates of the pyramids. Part 1: Travel JournalPart 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Journal Mena House Hotel (Booking link), located at the foot of the majestic Giza Pyramids in Cairo, is one of Egypt’s most iconic establishments. Built in 1869, originally as a hunting lodge for King Ismail Pasha, who wanted to host foreign dignitaries during the inauguration of the Suez Canal. Built in…

Welcome to this new road trip in Egypt and beyond. We weren’t able to properly celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary because of Covid, so we’re taking advantage of a slightly more relaxed time at work this year to celebrate our 10th anniversary a few years late. Let’s take the opportunity to celebrate anything and everything because there’s always an excuse to treat ourselves, right? Part 1: Travel JournalPart 2: Practical Tips Part 1: Travel Journal Day 1: Chaotic Arrival in Cairo We weren’t originally supposed to go to Egypt, but to get to Saudi Arabia from Athens, we have to make a stop in Cairo. We’ve been there before, but…

Today is our last day in Egypt. Good things go by quickly, too quickly Reminder: if you haven’t done so yet, please read our previous travel diaries in Egypt first: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10 and 11 We look at the Sphinx one last time during breakfast from the terrace of the hotel. We are going to miss this place a lot, despite the chaos, the noise, the pollution.. Today’s program is very simple: wander around Islamic Cairo. All our suitcases are kept in the car with the driver and JB just walks around with our most precious belongings in a backpack (computers, passports…) I…

Reminder: if you haven’t done so yet, please read our previous travel diaries in Egypt first: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8 and #9 We leave Aswan early in the morning for a flight to Cairo at 8:55 am. Unfortunately, our flight is two hours late and we are bored like dead rats at the airport. The day before, I made a bad manipulation on my phone. My Egyptian line is blocked, we don’t have Internet or phone at all. Fortunately that our guide, who led us to the airport, was aware of the delay and warned our guide in Cairo. From the plane, sitting on the right,…