Photo by Elizabeth

The woman started flipping fresh bread onto a backset on her head, and then made a really loud noise like “ALALALALALA” As we took photos.

Photo by Jane

Then it came down to sit and have lunch. We looked out on the grounds into what was almost an unofficial petting zoo. Goats and chickens wandered the grass, and monkeys in cages danced around the far side of the area.

Photo by Elizabeth

But the real standout was the food. Grilled chicken and meat were presented on mini grills that smoked and kept the food warm. Delicious bread, falafels, and various veggies were passed around. It was so delicious and filling.

Photo by Magda.

We sat and talked to our group members and had a great time. But then it was time to go back to our hotel to collect our bags before heading on the 4 hour journey to Alexandria. I sat on the inside of the bus for the first part. While we drove I napped, wrote in my journal, watched the scenery turn more deserty, and read The Martian by Andy Weir. About halfway we stopped for bathrooms. Wanting to hoard what little change I had, I wondered if I could pull my “Heres one coin” and dash plan, but the attendant wouldn’t let us pass until we had paid, but thankfully he did make change.

When I came out, everyone had bought ice cream. At first I didn’t want any, but after everyone saying it was delicious I got some as well and ate it quickly and greedily before getting back on the bus. This time I was near the window, and felt a bit trapped with all my crap, Elizabeth’s stuff, in the small space. (This would be the last time either Elizabeth or I would sit together in a 2 seat arrangement. I think we had an unspoken realization neither one of us wanted to be trapped near the window again, so for the rest of the entire time in Egypt, we beelined to the row of single seats.)

Usually I like looking out at the scenery but it honestly got kind of boring so I just alternated between sleeping and reading for the rest of the journey. It started getting darker and the scenery started to once again become more lush. I could see us passing lakes as we made our way to Alexandria. When we arrived to our hotel (a very nice Sheraton) after dark. While waiting for our bags to be removed out of the back of the van, the hotel served us hibiscus tea. Unfortunately, this version was very tart and sugary and most people couldn’t drink it. But we were all delighted to find out there was in-room wifi, so we eagerly all got our individual 1-day use codes.

Mikel asked if we wanted to all eat together, but the general consensus is that most people wanted to eat at one of the hotel’s restaurants. However, after having such bad food at the last hotel, I wanted something different. Elizabeth and I went outside and asked one of the guards where he would eat. He pointed us down the street saying there was tons of fancy fish restaurants. I think both Elizabeth and I made a face, as neither of us like fish. The guard then suggested a shawarma place a little further down the road.

So we set off, just the two of us. It was obvious tourists don’t frequently this area or at that time of night, as we did get some stares. We passed fancy and local eateries still searching for shawarma. I had never had it, but Elizabeth insisted it would be good. We came to a busy round about, and could smell delicious food from across the street. Armed with our knowledge of Egyptian traffic, we found some other locals crossing…and then ran across in between the cars.

We then sat down at a small table, just out there on the sidewalk. As we looked through the menu we realized a chicken shawarma and a soda (and table service) was less then 3 USD! So we both ordered the shawarma. It came to us rather quickly, still hot. And it was heaven. It was my first shawarma, and also the most delicious (as it quickly became my go-to dish in Egypt). We ate in an awe-like silence, taking in the locals eating on the street, the traffic going by, young children playing on the sidewalk. We congratulated ourselves for not only finding much cheaper and delicious food, but for having a more real experience in Egypt, and not being afraid to go out on our own. And then….it started raining. And of course we had both left our umbrellas in the room!

We flagged down the shop keeper, paid our bill, (as he handed us free falafels) and then ran between traffic and up the street back to the hotel. Not wanting any falafel, I gave mine to Elizabeth who said it was one of the tastiest she had ever had. We stayed up checking the internet. I found out that the day before we arrived in Alexandria there was massive rain-storms unusual for that time of year. And that the streets had flooded badly, and in one case a live water killed some people. People were calling for key government officials of Alexandria to step down for failing to maintain the storm drains.

Later in the middle of the night I woke up to Elizabeth feeling sick. I tried to help her, but at that point there wasn’t much I could do for her. I felt so bad for her, and remembered the time both I and my roommate were sick in Florez, Guatemala. But thankfully this time the hotel had AC. Elizabeth thought it was her migraine medication, while I secretly decided not to eat falafel in case that is what made her sick.