We are not sure what to make of the canal and Egypt. We spent 7 days in all
to make a transit of 2 days although we had allowed for 1 extra day in
Ismalia.Various reasons were given by the authorities for the delay but in
general it is just their attitude to work and their continual schemes to get
baksheesh.
Egypt was very nice and the people were very outgoing and friendly. We had a
wander about port said and Ismalia and the latter in particular was very
interesting. In both there were no Europeans to be seen while we were there
and Margaret raised a lot of interest amongst both the men and women as she
, although modestly clad, was not wearing a headscarf.The cities were
vibrant at night with crowds of both men and women , usually in separate
groups, wandering around. The women's costumes were uniform in style but
very colourful. We ate out at Egyptian restaurants and the food was
excellent and everywhere we were made very welcome.
Those in authority were hopeless however and their systems are very
frustrating. In the end we were glad to get away which is a pity .The
shipping in the canal was amazing to see, huge vessels from all over the
world alongside small local dhows fishing and playing chicken with the large
ships
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