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My Farida Adventure
Having been to Cairo several times, I could
not resist an opportunity to go again with my friend Sarah. After
a 27 hour delay in the airport, we were worried that we would not arrive
in time and miss out on one of the planned activities. On arriving
at Cairo airport we were met by Kay and her helper Milly. We drove
off to the hotel in time for our first event, a Moroccan dinner with
dancer, Soraya. We had had our first taste of adventure and things
just got better every day. Our hotel was super: clean, friendly
and lovely staff. We even used to have breakfast in our room which
was a real treat. Every day we had different outings, the visits
to the costumiers were fabulous. We were allowed to try on so many
gorgeous gowns with help from everyone. No pressure to buy but
just help in making sure they fitted perfectly. A trip to the
pyramids which always amazes me and never disappoints. A trip on a
felucca on the Nile - it is so relaxing and takes you back in time.
Seeing Dina perform was just so special. We were right next to the
stage and could see every move. I just watched her in amazement -
she is so talented and has the audience eating out of the palm of her
hand. One evening we had a party at Yasmina's house, with
musicians playing for us. The was such a special evening - we had
a young girl of about 9 years old dancing for us. Well, she amazed
us with her dancing. After this we all found the courage to get up
and join in with Yasmina and her friends and family. One option
was a dance lesson with Raqia Hassan - I did have a few butterflies in
my tummy when we started but within 10 mins I felt as if I had been
dancing for years. She was so friendly and gave you lots of
confidence.
Kay had planned every day and every event
perfectly, she was always around to give help or advice if you wanted
it. For me and Sarah the whole holiday was magical and were lucky
as the whole group was really friendly. The sad thing was that we
had to come home - but are already planning a return trip with Kay.
Marion has been again on another Farida
Adventure since and said she had an even better time second time around.
She felt her confidence had increased so much she took her daughters
back on her own. She sent me the following e-mail on her return.
I can't believe I am back home already.
Everything went as I planned, I was so pleased, all the flights were
on time and we only took 3 1/2 hours to fly to Cairo. Airport was
empty, so it was quite easy to get a people carrier for 50 EŁ to the
Hotel, except he drove round the car park twice. I was beginning to
wonder if he knew where he was going. Arrived at the Hotel no
problems, pleased to see us - I hope. Saturday morning a knock on
my door at 10.30 a.m. it was the girls ready to go, but i had lost my
voice completely and was feeling like a really heavy cold was coming
on, but no problem - off to do some shopping, at Khan El Khalili.
Back to the hotel about 4 p.m. and I had managed to ring the Nile
Maxim to book for the dinner cruise Saturday evening. We caught the
taxi, we thought he knew where he was going, after three times
passing the Nile Maxim and three quarters of an hour riding round and
round - not being able to talk, made it a bit difficult to try and
explain to him, in the end ask a police man who told him where to go.
Lovely show and the girls really enjoyed it. Sunday morning a taxi
to the Pyramids then lunch at the Grant Hyatt and a lovely relaxing
cruise on the Nile in the afternoon. I booked the cruise in the
evening at the Grand Hyatt Hotel and that all went well. Then Monday
back to the Khan El Khalili for more shopping and dinner in the Grand
Hotel, they had to open the dining room just for us and off at 11p.
to the Airport. My big mistake was going to terminal 2 instead of 1
but that was not too much of a problem to sort out and home no
delays. I have since gone down with the most awful cold and cough
but I think I must have picked up something on the plane going out.
But I was really pleased that it went so well. Thank you so much Kay
for all your help and advise, I could not have done this without your
support. I did try to ring Nibel but with hardly any voice I don't
think they knew who I was and it was difficult trying to talk in a
tiny whisper. when you go in December please send her my love for
all the family, especially the new baby.
Many, many thanks Kay,
lots of love,
Marianxxxx
Click on the
pictures for a larger view.
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