Egypt Uprooted: Part 1

In the name of Allah the Most Merciful, Most Compassionate.

26 Jan 2011:

Arrived KLIA about 7 pm and check in at Qatar Airways counter went on smoothly. Met Dato Dr Wan Mokhtar who was there to send off his relatives, also to Egypt. The flight took off smoothly at 9.05 pm. The flight would have been smooth had it not been due to two aliens from Middle Europe, seated behind me who kept talking, coughing and laughing all the way. Occasionally they pushed my seats due to space constraint, hence disturbing my sleep. Mid way through the journey I confronted both of them for putting the feet against my seat in front. Their smelly shoes almost rub against my arm.

Duty Free: Doha International Airport

Landed Doha airport after 8 hours flight. Headed for the transfer lounge. A 7 hour transit. Our next flight was at 7.05 am, counter 20, Doha-Alex. After a nap I decided to go on line. Surprise Amal was there and chatted with her for a while. Anxious, both on her part and ours, to meet for the first time after 4 parting months.

Discovered the duty free shop downstairs and did some purchase of Lyndt, my favorite chocolate. Enough for Amal and us in Alex. For the trip home, I shall be stopping over for another 3 hours. I shall buy then, for the love ones at home. That was my plan.

27 Jan 2011

Flight to Alex ready for boarding. At the departure hall, Umi’s hand luggage was stopped into the cabin and directed to be checked in. Too large, and heavy, it seem.

11 am landed Alex Airport. Fist surprise, the El Nouzha airport was really in poor shape. Long queue to get through. Once my turn, the passport was examined and instead of being given back to me, it was chucked into a small box for the next officer next door. The same went for every one. Walked past the counter without the passport.

First impression of Arab system. We waited with large groups of Arab travelers for our passport back. We were the only two non Arabs. In batches, the passports were given back, one by one through name calling. What a system!

We hurried to conveyor belt to collect luggage once the immigration procedure cleared. Loaded the luggage on the handle less trolley and was stop by the custom officer for the boxes of dry stuff we brought along. Not much hassle all cleared within second. Changed US 300 for the Genih at the airport “bank”. Headed for the taxi. My first fear in this alien land.

60 Genih to Sesostress Street!

No! Only 40.

No! This a Government controlled.

Headed for another taxi

How much?

75 Genih! Government Controlled.

Heh..Goverment controlled! Ustaz Fajuri’s advices came into practice right away. Just go on and on till you get the cheapest!

How Much? Next taxi

50 Genih ok?

OK. Done.

The infamous Alexandria Taxi: old Junk!