The Trip Home

I’m writing this on the plane home. We’re currently over Greenland. About half way to Chicago from Heathrow. Got started late from Alexandria and had to circle a bit so the connection was tight. Needed to take a shuttle bus from the plane to the terminal, go through security again and run part way in order to make my connection. I’m not sure if my bag made it or not. After all that we got held up at the airport for nearly an hour due to weather. My 2 hour connection in Chicago is now down to 1 hour. Hope I can make that one.

I’m a little tired. It’s been a full day already. Egypt is 7 hours ahead of Cleveland so when I land at 10:30 p.m. it will be like 5:30 in the morning. I should sleep well tonight. (I was just adapting to the time zone – had my best night of sleep last night although it was a bit short since we stayed in the bar until after 11:00. – It always works like that)

I’m bringing home:

• A sheesha and apple tobacco (middle eastern water pipe) – It will make a nice decoration for my den at home.
• Chocolates from Switzerland
• A ceramic cat for Diane
• A Barbie type doll with the full robe and headdress. – forget what it’s called but it’s not the burka that covers the face too.
• Three small pyramids, graduated sizes
• Some papyrus bookmarks (fake, I think)
• And a piece of stone from the great pyramid of Cheops. – The last remaining one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.

I miss Diane very much. Wish she were able to travel with me sometime

I miss Justin too. I never go 2 weeks without talking to him. I was able to send him a couple e-mails and got replies though.

I don’t think I will go back to Cairo again. It’s very dirty and hot. But the dinner cruise up the Nile was an experience I won’t soon forget. Inside the main cabin it was smokey and the music was too loud. The view was nice but the lighting inside was so bright that seeing outside was hampered. I went up top on the deck after dinner and spent the rest of the cruise up there. I didn’t need to see the belly dancer and couldn’t take any more smoke. Up top I could see the full moon rising and the city lights. I also borrowed Gary’s phone and was able to speak with Diane. (only had a chance to talk with her 3 times during the 2-week trip.

The trip was a success – business wise. I was able to assist the plant by facilitating the group through some needed discussions and remove some roadblocks. Very rewarding. (I love my job)

Namaste