(No images edition)

We left the ship this morning – reluctantly – and flew back to Cairo. The city welcomed us again with energy, colour, and traffic that truly challenges the concept of lanes.
It felt strange to be among tall buildings again after days of Nile horizon lines.

This time Cairo felt familiar:

·       the soundscape

·       the patterns of traffic

·       the beige-pink tone of the city in afternoon light

We didn’t schedule much today. Some went to the Museum of Ancient Civilizations and the old Cairo Museum but Josh and I stayed back at the hotel, had lunch by the pool and then wandered the streets with Parisian feel buildings to a quirky modern art and product design store called Cairopolitan. It was good to see a modern and progressive scene and young people. The perfect place to add a Dancing Lady sticker.

Crossing the road this time was not as hair raising as the last time. Something must have changed in me.

Before dinner we sat in Michelle and Enricos poolside deck for cocktails thankful for the time we have spent together.

Tonight’s Farewell Dinner was held in the buffet restaurant of the Four Seasons. We dressed up and enjoyed the company of people who know their time together is almost up.

The food was excellent (Uniworld really doesn’t miss), the company even better, and as it was the actual day of Kathy’s birthday, we ended up celebrating it again. Another cake appeared, more clapping, more laughter, and Kathy looking both delighted and slightly overwhelmed at being Egypt’s most celebrated birthday girl. It was the perfect soft landing for our final night.

Tomorrow we return to the pyramids again. I can’t wait to take them in without the pressure of seeing them for the first time!