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 Monday 3 april. I had to get up once again at the unearthly hour of 04.00... necessary because it always takes me 30 minutes to do my make-up, and another 15 minutes to decide what to wear... then another 15 minutes to change my mind - you know how it goes !I flew to Zurich then caught the Swiss Airlines Cairo flight.There was a driver from the JW. Mariott hotel waiting for me with a sign. I changed some money, went through immigration before the usual queue formed and got a ride in the hotel shuttle bus complete with a cold towel and bottle of iced water. Much nicer than the usual hassle with taxis ! |
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The hotel was superb, set in the grounds of an 18 hole golf club with a lake, and a nicely heated pool. Unfortunately it's in the middle of nowhere, in a place called Mirage City not far from the airport. There was a welcoming drink in the very luxurious lounge, during which time a procession of male hotel staff came past to inspect the new guest ! |
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The room was brilliant with a view over the pool but a bit on the chilly side (over-air conditioned). I spent the remainder of the afternoon at the pool. The air temperature was 26° and the water about 30° but there was a nasty wind blowing. And the usual irritating flies, squadrons of which were divebombing me despite my defensive tactics (a copy of the Herald Tribune). I attempted to sunbathe topless but was very kindly requested to put my top back on. Oh well, when in Rome, do as the Romans do (unless you can get away with doing otherwise). |
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Just before sunset I went for a walk near the golf course, skirting the very pretty clubhouse with its magnificent fountain, and setting off along the winding path through the greens. It was lovely as the birds were singing and the traffic noise was very muted. I hadn't got very far when I was intercepted by a caddy driving a golf cart. Oops... what have I done now ? |
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The caddy, who smilingly introduced himself as Omar, informed me that I was not allowed to walk there but he very kindly proposed a free tour with him in his golf cart. So off we went together into the setting sun - how terribly romantic eh ? |
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Omar stopped the cart on a ridge of palm trees while we admired the sun gradually slipping below the horizon and flaming the western sky with the diffused yellowish light so typically found in desert regions. It's at times like this when one's mind gives rein to deep reflection about the meaning of life. Clearly this is what was happening to Omar who had fallen quiet and was clearly wrestling with some important aspect of his life. He sadly informed me that his wife didn't like sex, and wanted to know how many times a week I had it off with my "husband" and whether he could have a snog so as to compare a French girl's kiss with that of an Egyptian girl ! Well, not only is he very charming but he is highly original ! My problem is that I have such an acute sense of humour that this kind of situation always makes me crease up with laughter... and this only encourages the guy to press on. |
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I was told, in no uncertain terms, that I was supremely beautiful and I was offered a golf lesson... all of which I politely declined... I mean who on earth wants to play golf... |
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... when they can drive the caddy instead ? He let me drive it back to the club house while he put his arm around me. I thanked him very much for the tour which I had thoroughly enjoyed and said I would think about the golf lesson. |
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