Off to Alex for business, and everyone said Train was the way to go. In end they where right but a few hiccups.
First - for newbies = to buy a train ticket in Maadi you can do at Maadi Metro Station, one close to post office. Just buy a ticket to get inside train area, cross bridge and buy train ticket - go figure!!. You should first research which train and time. Go for Spanish Class (no stops). And you can choose first class, but read on when it comes to that choice. By the way, the Egypt trains have a web site saying you can buy tickets on line. Well forget that but their schedules are close but outdated a bit. Choose Special by web site class.
So have tickets in hand (BTW) arabic speaking wifey got them not me. So thinking, to get to Ramsis with two heavy bags best take taxi and not Metro (mistake). Left house at 4:30 pm for train leaving at 5:55 pm. Not enough time. What a experience.
First it was Saturday afternoon and traffic should be lighter. Nope, bad all the way. Got close to train station and driver, knowing the way went into a parking gate. Nope the place was torn up - like a war zone. I jumped out (10 minutes to go and trains leave on time). Adrenalin working, I rushed passed all others heading in a cerain direction. Could see where there use to be lots of entrances but all blocked with whatever one can imagine - all dirt and rubble. Got to one "looked like entrance" where people were weeding their way through rubble. I was flying and let me tell you special forces would hire me seeing me traslate the hurdles. Five minutes to go -- but where? Running litterly over wooden sidewalks asked where is train to Alex - he said here. Ran up the aisle way and could see by condition of this train it would never make it out of station. Through the train windows got a glimpse newer looking train. Shit now I have to turn back and bloody bags are getting heavier and my 67 years is taking it's toll. Got another adrenalin rush and back tracked and ran to first car on the new platform. Asked Alex and guy said yes, grabbed my bags and hauled me in. Sat me down in nice double seat, bags in hand and when I got breath, I said thanks. Still not too sure where I was heading had no choice cause in no more that 1 minute train took off (about 7 minutes late - and only way I got on - wrecked).
Now I am on the move somewhere so asked fellow in my best Arabic - you going to Skandia = got an Aiya and sat down and crashed.
Train picked up some speed and for sure this car had square wheels. Vibration, lurching, aluminum ceiling and door shuttering. But I was on my way and in strange sense was enjoying it. Only about another 10 people in this car and as smoker just go to luggage area and puff away with workers and others of same habit. Guy came by, same dirty brown jacker, and asked if wanted anything and I tried in Arabic but failed and then said in English "want sandwhich, tea, coffee or whatever". Got uneatable chicken sandwhich and bottle of water for 12.50 (with tip 15 and friend for life).
Got my book out and read between lurches and vibrations and really was quite ejoying all the action and movement. Had no incentive to find my seat in 1st class.
When coming close to Alex fellow with dirty brown coat came by and said if getting off at Citigare? (first stop) move to Car 3 - damn my car on ticket. Had to lug bags up about 4 or 5 cars and then saw first class was packed (not my seat though).
OK quandary -in future do I choose first class or just get on damn train and pay conductor in 2nd or 3rd class. whatever?. Same seats - nicer people - definately more ambiance and movement.
Now being spoiled had driver pick me up at station and this time I booked Hilton Green Plaza at my own hook as was not that pleased with Cecil Hotel before. Only say that for $40 above the coorporate discount at Cecil to Execuive Suite at Hilton - no contest.' Except if you like horns and noise all night then go to Cecil.
So in Alex now and Hilton gave me two Sakara on house - not bad so far.
Maybe more later.
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