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Hashing With The Pharoahs
  • Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

Hashing With The Pharoahs

A 13-day adventure by Nancy Webb...Pat Bonetar Read more
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  • Trip start
    December 4, 2024
    Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarHashing With The PharoahsNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

    Top of the bucket list!

    December 3, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ 🌙 63 °F

    John and I left Cincinnati yesterday at 1100 in 18°F 🥶. We had a lengthy layover in Chicago, then took an overnight flight to London. With only an hour and 15-minute layover, I thought we would miss our connection, but everything went very smoothly and we made the flight to Cairo with time to spare.

    The tour operator met us right as we came off the plane and guided 6 of us through immigration, baggage claim, and customs. Easy!

    We got to the Hilton Cairo Heliopolis around 1900.

    TBC...    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarHashing With The PharoahsNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

    Friends Everywhere

    December 4, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    Today John took a tour to Alexandria. I wanted a sim card, so hung until the shop down the street opened, picked one up, then grabbed a chicken shwarma on the way back for lunch.

    After a short rest, I grabbed an Uber to visit an old friend who now lives in Cairo. We last saw each other when he and his family came to my retirement ceremony in 2018.

    I got back to the hotel at 1800 and several of us met for drinks. John's tour didn't get back until 1900, then about 10 of us had dinner at the hotel's Lebanese restaurant. Yum!

    We called it an early night to try to get on the local time schedule and kick the jet lag. Hopefully we'll sleep well tonight.

    So long (for now), and thanks for all the MOSQUES! ✌️    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarHashing With The PharoahsNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

    Museums & Dinner on the Nile

    December 5, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    A dozen of us left the hotel at 1030 (an hour late) to visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum. Between the two we had a very rushed but delicious buffet lunch. We were so far behind schedule that we practically ran through the GEM, which I truly could've spent all day in 😥. Both museums were excellent.

    At 1615 we were on our way back to the hotel; we were over an hour away and supposed to be there at 1630 🤦. Because we were late, the 40 of us were late leaving the hotel to make it to our dinner cruise another hour away, but luckily they held the boat for us. Another buffet and a terrific show, in which John got to play a little part. What a good sport!

    Then we were back to the hotel for drinks and fellowship. The last group member finally arrived around midnight!! The trip officially begins tomorrow!!!    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarHashing With The PharoahsNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

    Friday Is A Hashing Day

    December 6, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    Today, we had a slow start, not leaving the hotel until noon. An hour later, the Cairo Hash House Harriers graciously took us on trail in Wadi Degla, a former ocean now desert set aside as a sort of park or recreation area. This was John's first hash run, so he and the other "virgins" were "inducted" into the Hash 🤣🤣.

    We got back to the hotel around 1700, where we cleaned up and met in the pub for happy hour. Many of the group got back on the bus to go to the Ace Club for the On After party, but we decided to stay at the hotel. We didn't stay out very late, though, because in the morning we are visiting one of the top tourist spots in the world...the Pyramids!!!!    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarHashing With The PharoahsNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

    Giza Plateau & Egyptian Museum of Cairo

    December 7, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

    OMG OMG OMG. Today was a day of dreams come true...mostly.

    We left the hotel at 0800 bound for the Giza Plateau. At 0930 we had entered the park with the Pyramids 😲! 45 minutes later, we were still standing there, still looking at the big one while the guide was still talking 🤬. I interrupted and demanded to be let loose to go inside, and at 1015 we were given 45 minutes to walk around the huge area, including the time to climb up inside the big one 🤬.

    The inside was very bare with no hieroglyphics, just as I knew it would be. I didn't know, however, how humid it would be, so I was sweating pretty good by the time we had scrambled to the one inner chamber you're allowed to enter. A few pics and amazement at the expertise it took to construct such an edifice 😲, then we were down again.

    Knowing that the Sphinx was visible from the overlook 😲, I and about 10 other Hashers quickly headed down the side of the big one to get a quick pic before going back to the bus. The Tourism Security Officer escorting our group decided he would single me out to yell at, then graciously allowed me to go take my pic before herding us back 🤬. I did ❤️, we did ❤️, and we all got back to the bus before the tour guide 🤬.

    We drove up to an overlook behind the three pyramids for most people to ride camels (we didn't), buy trinkets (we didn't), and take pictures with all 3 pyramids visible (we most certainly did 😲).

    Then we were down to the Sphinx 😲 where we had 30 minutes to walk around a tiny area 🤬. Everyone was back to the bus early, and we were off to a shop where they showed us how to make papyrus paper, then tried to sell us everything we could carry 🤬. John and I were the first one out of the door.

    At 1330 it was finally time for lunch...at the worst place ever 🤬. They took us to a floating restaurant on the Nile 😲, which would have been awesome if the food had been what they said it would be and we didn't have to pay twice what it cost on their menu 🤬. I refused to eat or pay for the food, but I did have an amazing snack with the bus driver in the road outside. Half a pita lined with a type of creamy cheese and stuffed with a hard-boiled egg and a couple of tomato chunks 🤤. The men didn't even make me pay for it 😲.

    It was 1500 when we left "lunch" with everyone bitching and still hungry, but very soon we were across the river and at the Egyptian Museum of Cairo 😲.

    When we arrived, we were given only one hour to see the entire two-story museum 🤬, so I asked someone how to get to the one display you absolutely must see...King Tut 😲😲😲.

    King Tutankhamun's funeral mask and burial items are on display here 😲. How absolutely jaw-dropping incredible 😲. I actually verged on tears looking at the mask 😲. I couldn't take pictures, but the link below tells about him and may have pictures (I haven't listened yet).

    https://m.soundcloud.com/tutankhamun-be/sets/ht…

    Then it was back to the bus. Another drive and we arrived at another boat, a Felucca (with motor not sail), where we met some of the Cairo H3 Hashers for an hour tour of the river 😲. Most everyone had to pee first, so we had to dodge traffic to get across the street and into the Four Seasons, then go through the x-ray machines, then queue for the toilets, then go back across the street to the boats 🤬. Needless to say, we didn't leave the dock until almost dark, but still had a decent time even with nothing to drink or eat 😥.

    We got back to the hotel at 1900 after some serious discussions with the tour guides 🤬, but just in time for happy hour in the Executive Lounge where they have food and drinks for free 😁. A beer, some nosh, and some more bitching with the group, then John and I were off to the room to pack.

    We leave the hotel at 0330 in the morning 😭 for our flight to Aswan. Wish us luck 🤞!    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarHashing With The PharoahsNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    For Sale Or Rent, Just John, and SmartarseRoom 609 😲View from room 609!

    ON-ON to Aswan

    December 8, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    At 0330 this morning 😭, we left the beautiful Hilton Heliopolis Cairo and jumped on a plane. By 0800, we had landed in Aswan 😁.

    We loaded the bus, then drove over and walked around the High Dam. After visiting the Hoover Dam, it wasn't so impressive. However, it's creation and resulting Lake Nassar (the largest man-made lake in the world, according to our guide) meant UNESCO had to move 14 Egyptian temples to keep them from being submerged, which Egypt would not have done on its own 😥. As a result, five temples are now located in other countries, including one in New York City.

    One that remains in Egypt is Philae Temple, the temple of Isis. Badly vandalized when Christianity swept across the region, and even graffitied by Napoleon's troops, it was still a glorious site to behold 😲.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philae_temple_com…

    After about an hour at the temple, we arrived at our hotel around 1330 😲😲😲. Holy cow how amazing!!!! We were straight to the pool, which was icy cold. John loved it, but I couldn't catch my breath 🤣. We settled poolside with a few beers and we're relaxing when a Hasher explained he was.going to lay a trail 😲. Yay! Hashing by the Nile at last!

    At 1630, about 30 of us showed up for the "run," which was a short walk around the hotel grounds with one drink stop (gin and tonic 🤤) and the ON-IN at someone's room 🤣. It was so much fun! Huge thanks to Smartarse and For Sale Or Rent for haring the inaugural Aswan Dam Happy Days Hash House Harriers (ADHD H3) 👏👏👏!!

    After that, it was a few more beers then delicious dinner at the hotel, followed by a well-earned sleep (albeit on a rock-hard mattress 🤣).

    We don't have to be up at the crack of dawn, so we're looking forward to a bit of a lie-in for a change 😌.

    Good day 👍.    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarHashing With The PharoahsNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

    Peaceful Day

    December 9, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ 🌙 64 °F

    We had a very nice late wake-up at 0800, followed by a lovely buffet breakfast. We chose not to go with most of the group at 1000 to visit an essential oils store, so we were able to stay in the room an extra hour to relax.

    At 1100, the bus was running over half an hour behind schedule...shocking. We were picked up with our luggage around 1145 and dropped off with our luggage 5 minutes later and less than half a mile away. We could've easily walked instead of being worried about being late 🤦.

    Because of the way things have been going, John and I also decided not to go to the Nubian village with most of the others. They left as soon as lunch was over, while we sent an invite for drinks in our room 😁. A couple of folks popped in, then everyone pretty much drifted up to the pool deck where we hung out until dark.

    At 1830 and just as the big group was getting back, another Harriette and I laid ADHD H3 Run #2 through the boat, out on the docks where John had a shot stop for them, then back through the boat ending on the pool deck. A short but meaningful circle ensued, and we had another great evening.

    After a beautiful buffet dinner and hilarious conversation, we made it back to our cabin and are just going to sleep. We're hating the 0300 alarm already 😭.    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarHashing With The PharoahsNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar
    Ramses II's temple at Abu Simbel
    Corn and wheat irrigated from the NileSarab, The Desert Mirage coffee shop 🤣Pigeon roostSand, rock, and more sandThe view from our cabin

    Abu Simbel

    December 10, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ 🌙 72 °F

    We were up at 0300 and ready to get on the bus with our box breakfasts at 0330. I put in my earbuds and was immediately back asleep, but John wasn't as lucky. We were about 30 minutes late leaving (yet again).

    The bus stopped once about 2.5 hours later at another milk the tourists bathroom and coffee "shop." We spent about half an hour there, then arrived at Abu Simbel at 0900 (an hour late).

    We were given only until 1030 to experience the two temples. Our guide explained how important the departure time was because we had to be back at 1400 for lunch and so the boat could depart. (Hold that thought.)

    The two temples are simply stunning. Ramses II's tribute to his wife Nefertari is a wonder in itself, but knowing UNESCO actually MOVED these temples in their entirety is even more incredulous than the pyramids.

    Read more here:
    https://egymonuments.gov.eg/en/archaeological-s…

    I could have stayed all day, but time was short, and it was important not to be late. We got back to the bus at 1025, and everyone was ready to leave on time. Except the tour guide, who brought trinkets on the bus to sell for a woman standing outside 🤦. We didn't get rolling until after 1100 🤬.

    We were slowly making our way back, and obviously not going to get back by 1400, but at least we were moving. Then our accompanying van ran out of gas 🤦. Very luckily, it stopped not very far from the only gas station for 100 miles, but the whole episode cost us almost another hour 🤬.

    We got back to the boat at about 1530, but it had repositioned, so it looked like we missed it 😲 😡. We found it though, and they still had the lunch buffet going 👏. John opted out of lunch for a rest in the room; he got almost no sleep on the bus.

    We got underway while I was eating. I was looking forward to sunset on the pool deck while we were moving downstream, but I got back to the room and decided to take a shower, which made me really tired. I laid on the bed and haven't gotten up yet...not even to visit Kom Ombu Temple where we've just arrived. I'm really glad John went, but I'm just too tired.

    Read more here:
    https://egymonuments.gov.eg/en/monuments/kom-om…

    He should be back in an hour or so, then we plan to grab dinner. The alarm is set for 0445 😭, so I know I won't be hanging out tonight 😔.

    Another great day because of the sites, but really frustrating 😞.    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarHashing With The PharoahsNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

    The Longest Day

    December 13, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ 🌙 57 °F

    Alarm at 0345. Must have eaten something bad because I was throwing up. John went on the hot air balloon with the others while I went back to sleep.

    I had just gotten up when they got back at 0730, and we had be out of our cabins by 0800. We had the foresight to pack last night, so no problem. Luggage out then a delicate breakfast before sitting around until the bus left. First it was going to leave at 0900, then the organizer pushed it to 0930, which meant we didn't leave until 1000. But had to leave our luggage in the reception area on the boat (not secured).

    Valley of the Kings. Finally we weren't rushed to see everything. Well, not everything. Your entry ticket gets you entry to only 3 tombs, and you must buy separate tickets for King Tut, Ramses V&VI and Seti I. But what we saw was absolutely incredible. The colors that remain on the wall are stunning. I can only imagine how gorgeous they must have been when first created.

    Afterwards, we went to the tour guide's family's Alabaster shop so they could sell us more crap.

    Fortunately, we had a delicious lunch at Restaurant Paris (best meal of trip).

    Then it was back to ship to sit for over 3 hours 🤬.

    At around 1800, we finally left the boat for Luxor Airport. Our original flight was at 1950, but apparently we all were bumped to the later to the 2130 flight. The organizer didn't bother to tell us that.

    We landed at Cairo and it was 2330 by the time we retrieved our luggage and got on the bus. We left one lady at the airport because she had a flight, and she will eat the hotel room she paid for 🤬.

    We finally got to the hotel, where no alcohol was allowed and no food or drink allowed to be brought in 😱. It was a clusterfuck trying to get us all checked in, yet again 🤬. We just got to our room (almost 0100) 😭, but many folks will only get a couple of hours rest before they have to get back on the bus to go to the airport for their follow-on trip to Morrocco 🤬.

    This Hash trip is over, and we are finally done with the organizer and the tour company.

    Absolutely terrible 🤬🤬🤬.    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarHashing With The PharoahsNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

    Finally Resting

    December 14, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ ☀️ 50 °F

    John and I have been sick with terrible head colds for several days now. I know it's partially because we got very little rest during this last week 😡.

    We only got out of bed on the 13th to get a late lunch, then it was straight back to bed until today. We plan to hit a pharmacy in walking distance to get some meds tomorrow.

    Now, it's back to bed.    Read more

  • Nancy Webb...Pat BonetarHashing With The PharoahsNancy Webb...Pat Bonetar

    Glad I came, but really glad to leave

    December 16, 2024 in Egypt ⋅ 🌙 48 °F

    We are finally leaving this shit hole. More to follow, and I'll add a couple of footprints about earlier days, but our trip is over. Thank god.

    I will never come back here. Ever.

    Trip end
    December 16, 2024
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