WE MADE IT TO CAIRO!!!

We were rather arrogantly expecting streamers, a welcome party and fireworks as we pulled into Cairo. It was certainly one of those celebratory moments when you realise what you have not only achieved but survived. As it was our bodies were merely holding out for the downtime we subconsciously craved. After a yummy meal at Chilis, all four of us crashed in some way or another. In true Campbell style he slept...for 24 solid hours.

A couple days later when we were all compus mentis and able to accept the gravity of the situation - having driven from Cape Town to Cairo - we reeeeally celebrated. Since alcohol was scarce we celebrated with lots and lots of gelato at one of Cairo's many scrumptious gelato and pastry stores. Yum yum.

Blue Steel >>>Who said those Pyramids where big? Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx >>>

Cairo is just as crazy, although massively more cosmopolitan, than any other African city. Thanks heavens for sound proof windows. Take a listen to this noise outside our hotel window:



Sadly, the time has come for the Gummi Bears to go their separate ways. We have loved traveling with Danny and Jill on and off since Malawi and wish you guys only the best on your travels East and beyond. After hunting high and low we found some "Red Lion" whiskey to drown our tears into as a final farewell to our friends. Coochie coochie and "I am Freeeench" will miss you terribly. xx

OVERLANDER GEM: Visemar Line ferry from Alexandria to Venice - book through aferry.com

There is a new ferry line that runs a service from Alexandria to Venice. This ferry line is so new we booked onto its maiden voyage. We were among 8 travelers set to make overlanding history.

However, in true African style, on our way to Alexandria we got a call. It was a bad call. The Egyptian port authorities have denied transit for the maiden voyage. We would have to wait another week. We were told there was zero chance of us sailing as scheduled.

So, we had resigned ourselves to spending a week in a budget hotel waiting to see if we could sail. Alexandria is a sprawling city with 15million people and not enough parking. It was mayhem trying to find somewhere safe to leave Kaspuur. A few hours before our ferry is due to sail we get a call from the ferry company. “If you can get to port we can get you on the boat”. Considering the rigmarole and full day of paperwork it took to get us into Egypt we never ever thought we would make it. It is amazing what pushy Egyptians and a lot of baksheesh can achieve. With 30minutes to go before the boat left the docks 8 overlanders did indeed make overlanding history. It is a fantastic way to leave Africa's red dusts in your wake.

Ben and Campbell having a drink. Cheers to Africa - we love you! >>>