On the Road to....the baths??

Well, we're not Bing and Bob, but the trip from London to Cairo was an adventure worthy of their hit movies of my youth. In fact, I think much of this trip may have been inspired by those humorous "On the Road" adventures...I loved them and spent way too many afternoons of my youth watching them. (Even then I was an escapist.)

The flight out of London was first delayed by a mechanical, then the repalcement equipment was a different type of aircraft with fewer business class seats, which once boarding began caused some almost violent conflicts between irate travelers and frustrated BA attendants (resulting in an additional 40 minute delay in the baording process), then 3 checked in passengers failed to show on the aircraft so their luggage had to be pulled for security reasons (another 45 minutes) so we were 3 hours late in departing and then we hit BAD turbulence over the Alps and finally got into Cairo at 1am....three other flights arrived within minutes of one another and the customs department was not prepared for such an onslaught so that process took an additional 90 minutes and so we (my little travel buddy, JO and I) hit the hotel at 3:00am...surprisingly the staff was awaiting us and could not have been more hospitable---tired but very hospitable.....now the good part....I LOVE the hotel!!

Only The Nomad could fly half way around the world and end up staying in a bath house. That's right, bathhouse! It was originally built in the 1900's as the formal baths of the Egyptian Royal family. Very elaborate and ornate. Then in the 1930's it was taken over by the British for high ranking officials and then in the 40's became a British Officer's Club. It hasn't changed since then--It's not clean, modern, quiet or convenient but it is right out of the British rule era of the early 40's. Today, it's called the Windsor Hotel. There is dust and cobwebs everywhere BUT somehow it doesn't feel dirty, just old....

There is a wonderful old, creaky cage lift of the period that still grudgingly carries you to your room. I am on the 4th floor in a huge room with 18 foot ceilings (no exageration), sitting area and a balcony with floor to ceiling doors which open onto the city. Two old army twin beds (but very comfortable), a vintage armoire, old and I mean OLD heavy telephone from the 30's....and a private bath and shower....we love it....and yes, they have towels, maid service, room service and the amzing old officer's club bar called the Barrel Room that hasn't changed since the British owned and operated it. All for $32.00 US a nite.....it is FABULOUS!! Pics will follow---

Anyway, we're here and we're enjoying the adventure...tonight, it's "On the Road" to the sound and light show at the Pyramids of Giza....Bob and Bing, eat your hearts out!