Woke up to a loud thumping on the door, my youngest brother was yelling about getting up. Obviously, I didn’t. Jetlag is a horrible horrible thing. Mum came in shortly after and turned all of the lights on. You’ve got to be kidding me! I am currently dragging myself around and sluggishly throwing on clothes to go to breakfast, I’m tired as.
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We have just over an hour to get ready before the taxi comes. Seems like just enough? Well, not exactly with my family. I’ve called dibs on the bathroom so I get to shower first. Game plan for today: Karama and the aquarium in Dubai Mall.
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Can’t spend much time in Karama, unfortunately. We’re only going to visit two shops because, unlike my mum and I, the rest of my family are obviously not impressed by the rows and rows of counterfeit designer bags on display. Luckily, I’m still buying a bag. It’s gorgeous and will be my newest piece of arm candy, following me everywhere it can. Impressed by the standard of this market, by the way. Nothing like Lagos markets. The ‘stalls’ are inside shops with air conditioning and seating. They also have A LOT to offer and more than one of each product in different colours. It may cancel out the thrill of shopping by chance and discovering that one unique market find that no one else will have, but the never ending choice here seems to be sending my heart racing nonetheless. Wishing I could stay longer but off to the aquarium. Time is money. Doesn’t really apply here, but I like the saying.
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Dubai Mall, allegedly the biggest in the whole world. I haven’t noticed but that’s probably because my eyes are darting uncontrollably from shop window to shop window. The window displays are HUGE and so immaculately decorated. They have everything here as well. Have spotted the window at Bebe and am really wishing I could go in and check the price tag on that studded corset top. On the other hand, I’d much rather avoid the grumpy side of the not so thrilled males in my family, I’d prefer to have my head than a top. Finding the aquarium is proving to be a task despite the signs everywhere. Some of the arrows seem to be pointing off in directions that appear to have no relevance to the aquarium at all. Not to worry, I see fish in the distance.
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The line wasn’t too long, but a good opportunity to snap photos of the swarms of fish, sting rays and sharks behind the enormous glass windows outside of the aquarium. Quite impressive actually, a mall with an aquarium, underwater zoo, ice rink, shops, food court and stage for performances. Plus, the underwater zoo is equipped with glass bottom boats and diving gear to use in the big aquarium tanks. We’ve decided not to do those though because we’re headed to Sharm el Sheikh tomorrow, where we can dive/snorkel all we want. Going through the aquarium tunnel and walking around the zoo is stimulating enough. I’m seeing all sorts of things I’ve never seen before. There’s a huge fish that I thought was a rock and funny shaped sharks I’ve never heard of in my life. There’s one called a guitar shark, which basically looks like a cross between a shark and a manta ray. Won’t be playing one of those anytime soon! Unfortunately my camera is playing up so some of my pictures are a bit rubbish. I keep having to flip through the settings and take pictures with and without flash. I’m starting to get a little irritated actually and quite upset. To be fair, it’s a good camera so it shouldn’t be taking pictures as if it’s a disposable. Oh well, I’ll fix it later.
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Pizza Hut and Coldstone Creamery, the ultimate binge, I know. For those of you who don’t know Coldstone, it’s an ice cream place in which they use two curved spoons and a marble surface to throw your ice cream around and sing in a tasty display. May sound messy but surprisingly it’s not. In fact, I haven’t tasted better ice cream…EVER.
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Home, TIRED! I need my bed. I just don’t think I can…ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!
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Good evening, worldwide web. I’ve woken up quite comfortably after having some pretty weird dreams, must be the ice cream high. Forced to go up to the pool on the roof. Surprised I’ve even found it, my eyes are hardly open. It’s really hot up here and I haven’t even made it through the song Astronauts & All and I’m heading upstairs. I’ll laze about for a while, check my Facebook, maybe MSN a bit. When mum comes back upstairs we’re going across the street to the Mall of Emirates. Mum realized she forgot her trainers and neither of us packed the hairdryer. Hopefully, the mall will be a quick fix.
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Picked up the hairdryer and some trainers for mum. Even found a book (young, loaded & FABULOUS by Kate Kingsley) to read on the beach and gorged on some more McDonalds chips. Yes, it is beginning to get a little sick. I definitely won’t be eating like this in Egypt, unless I want to look like a beached whale or just sink the boat on the snorkelling trip. NOT a good look! I can’t wait to get to Sharm el Sheikh and just loosen up. My feet are starting to hurt from all this walking around anyway and I haven’t got money coming out of my nose, shopping time is over ):
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Packed and reading. This book isn’t bad at all. In fact, I like it, it makes me smile. It even sort of reminds me of my friends, just a little less fabulous and with A LOT less money! We’ve got to be out of the hotel by 4:30AM and it’s 10:48PM here already. I did nap for half a day though, so I’ll allow myself a few more hours of reading and computer. Then it’s off to bed, we’ve got a long day ahead of us!
Day Four- hello, Sharm El Sheikh. I hope you’re awake?
4:30AM. I have gotten a grand total of 30 minutes of sleep. Now, before you make assumptions and think I’ve woken up all grumpy a sour faced, I am actually feeling very satisfied. I napped for half of yesterday anyway! We’re off in the taxi and heading for the airport faster than I had originally calculated but I’m all dressed and ready, even had a chance to eat breakfast and shave my legs (:
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Things have gone really fast in the airport and we’re just relaxing in the Emirates Business and First Class lounge. It’s HUGE, quite immense actually. There’s a spa here in the lounge too! Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll have time to try it. Dad’s rushing us off to the gate, they haven’t announced it yet though. Sigh, dads know best.
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Dad was right! Cairo is on final call and they never even announced it in the lounge! Good thing we decided to go anyway or we’d have missed our flight. God is good, he really is.
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I know I said earlier that I wasn’t feeling that tired but I definitely am now. I’m actually feeling quite exhausted and I can hardly hold my eyes open. I was hoping to read my book but now that I’m all snuggled and warm under my blanket and hoodie, I’m thinking that sleep is the best option. Sov godt, WWW (worldwide web).
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FREEEEEEEEEEZING! It’s really cold in this plane. I’ve woken up to the feeling of a huge wave of ice just covering me. Of course, there is no wave…and no ice…but you can understand how cold it is. It’s weird because I’ve turned off my air vent and I’m wearing a hoodie. To be fair, I’m always cold. The plane will be landing in a few minutes and mum tells me we have to pick up all of our luggage because we’re connecting to a different airline. Bummer. I’m still feeling kind of lazy.
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Why couldn’t we just wait for the shuttle? I’ve noticed that impatience runs in our family. We’ve picked up our baggage and all and exited the backside of the airport. To get up to check-in (to check our luggage in to the next flight), there is a shuttle that goes to different terminals. I’m sure one would’ve arrived within a few minutes but, impatient as we are, we’ve decided to walk to check-in. Now walking is not that bad. In fact, I enjoy walking. The thing is to get to check-in one has to walk a long distance to reach a ramp, which winds up about 3 or 4 flights to get to the front of the airport. You then have to walk to your terminal. Note to blog readers, the ramp is steeper than any I have ever seen before and this is all outside, midday when the sun is at its peak and I’m just about frying. I’m regretting our choice to walk deeply as I pull this heavy bag alongside me. What is in my mum’s hand luggage?!
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Finally we’re on the plane. It’s not an airbus but it’s like a mini one, really. Looks exactly the same on the outside but it’s much shorter height wise. We have the whole business class to ourselves which is nice but not that exciting seeing as it’s only an hour long flight. I’ve managed to shove 1/6th of a cheese sandwich and a brownie down my throat. I’m feeling quite tired again somehow. Thought I’d rest my eyes for a moment but my peace was broken by mum telling me not to or I’d fall asleep. To be fair, she’s probably right, my head was starting to loll.
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We’re in Sharm at last! It’s boiling quite frankly and I just want to get the hotel, jump in the swimming pool and laze about. Sounds good, right? Well, just our luck! not. Dad had spotted the driver holding a sign reading “CONCORDE EL SALAM” (the name of our hotels) so he came in to help us get the bags. What happens when we go outside, luggage in tow? He’s disappeared, just gone off on a jolly somewhere, I suppose. All good and well for him but we’re sweating our socks off and we’re not allowed to go back inside because the doors are one way. Thanks for the welcome, Sharm El Sheikh. Well all appreciate it very much.
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45 minutes or so later and we’re standing in the lobby of Concorde El Salam Hotel Sharm El Sheikh. The décor is wonderful and reminds me of what you would think was a Moroccan theme. That’s ignorance probably, I’ve never been there. The ceiling is high up and beautifully decorated. There are people everywhere in swimsuits and kaftans and flip flops. All shapes and sizes, all colours and patterns…that’s clothes, not people, I’m referring to (although there’s a huge variety of people here too). I’m quite taken aback actually. Maybe because I’ve spent most of the day on planes. Maybe just because I’m having a minor heat stroke. It happens :P
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We’ve got our green bands fastened ‘round our wrists (which mean we’re on All Inclusive) and we’re rushing down to the main dining area below the lobby now. Lunch closes in around 10 minutes so the man behind the desk has urged us to eat what we can now. There’s so many people here and, of course, the first thing on my mind is friends and, without a doubt, boys I can sniff out in the crowd! Let’s be honest, nobody likes a lonely holiday. One needs friends and…boys, well, they’re boys, we need them too! I’m not very hungry. Number one, because my focus is on something else and, number two, because, well, I just don’t know. Everybody seems to be clearing out now, which isn’t surprising. Lunch is over so we’d better clear out too before we end up looking like loiterers.
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The room is great! Loads of space. It’s much nicer than the one in Dubai, which was lovely in my opinion. I’ve done the standard and taken basic shots of each part of the living space just so I can remember the quality of the hotel. I’ve gotten dibs on the bed that’s right by the big glass, sliding doors in my room. It looks out at one of the many pools in the resort. There are sunburnt mothers and skinny girls in skimpy bikinis lazing around. I see some children and a guy around my age splashing about in the pool. Right, time for a shower then. Swimming sounds like a plan, eh?
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Disappointment, he must be about thirteen. With my keen eye I managed to spot a boy that looks like he’s only just hit puberty. Note to self: make sure you see more than just someone’s head before you make judgements. How embarrassing! He’s quite creepy too. Time to get out of the pool I think. Plus, there’s so much more to do here. Louie, my brother, has decided to stay in the pool so my mum, my other brother, and I have decided to walk down past the main swimming pool and to the beach.
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There are tons of people walking around as usual all decked out in swim gear and big sunglasses/straw hats. I can’t help but smile. It’s so bright out and the sun seems to be illuminating the path in front of me like it were something out of heaven. No joke, that’s what it looks like to me. This obviously is a very much needed holiday. Down below the restaurant is an outside patio where there’s a belly dancing lesson taking place. It’s public and free, brings back memories of when Mum and I took one of these lessons in Turkey. I would do it, but it’s my first day and it seems so public. Everyone seems to be staring down from the balconies at the stiff women attempting to wind their way into belly dancing bliss. Yeah, not happening. Instead, I’ve decided to keep on walking. It’s not worth embarrassing myself on my first day in the hotel. The main swimming pool is packed, unlike the one in front of our room. In all fairness, it is the pool in the centre of our side of the resort (there’s two sides, Sports side and ours) and close to most of the rooms. There isn’t a single free deck chair, not that I’ve checked but you know what I mean. There seems to be an age range for one years old all the way ‘til sixty. Not bad, at least I know there are people my age around. In fact, there are tons of people my age. At least, that’s what it looks like. Normally, I’m stuck in some family hotel surrounded by little children and having only the company of my parents and a book (not that I don’t enjoy hanging out with them). I can see the beach from here and it’s breathtaking. The water is clear and there are floating peers off of which people are snorkelling. There are boats and jet skis, all sorts. Paradise.
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Fish, everywhere! All colours, all sizes. Some of them are huge. They’re so close to the pier, which is quite wobbly mind you, that I could literally reach out and touch them. There are loads of people in the water and it looks so good, although it’s really cold. Dear, oh dear, some of the girls here have the flattest stomachs which is making me go rather green with envy. I hope it doesn’t show! Well, really I should just enjoy my holiday, no matter what anyone thinks. I could be morbidly obese, couldn’t I. Quite selfishly, I feel a lot better now that I thought of that. Note to self: enjoy holiday…and stop being so bloody SELFISH! Mum’s saying something about getting a drink and some ice cream, which I don’t mind. Something refreshing sounds perfect right now.
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One thing I can say is, waiting for my drink is not exactly refreshing. Normally I wouldn’t complain about barely clothed, tanned males but, well, this isn’t exactly what I pictured. There are more Speedos in this place than I have ever seen in my life and the weird thing is that almost every male is wearing them from the ages of a toddler all the way up to a man. There are even guys my age walking around in them and I can’t seem to stomach the fact that they don’t feel really awkward. Well, actually, they all seem to look very nervous anytime they catch the eye of a girl their age and I don’t think because they’re pretty. Last time one looked at me he seemed to quickly jump into the nearest seat and look like he was forced to wear…it. I’d act the same way. Speedos, not hot. I’ve also made another observations: most of these people are from Scandinavia. That’s cool because I’m fascinated by the countries around there and some aspects of their culture, Speedos aside. Another observation is that some of them are rather attention grabbing and not for the diminutive pieces of cloth hanging from their waists but rather their good looks. I think we can allow the Speedos, at least for now. I’ll get used to it anyway.
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We’re going back up to the pool by the room to get Louie and check out the kids club. I need to change my shorts anyway because they keep falling down and I look like a right twat pulling them up every two seconds. That’s no way to make friends, is it? We’re checking out the kids club now, it’d be nice to have little Nathan out of our hair for a while as it seems like he needs to blow off some steam. Who knew a three year old could be this hyper? Well, I suppose it has been a long time since Louie was three and I really don’t remember. Nathan’s doing a good job of refreshing my mind. Thanks, kiddo :/
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Time has flown so fast, it’s crazy. It seems like just half an hour ago that I had found out dinner opens at 7 and was worrying that I’d be hungry way before that because I hadn’t eaten lunch. It’s already way past 7, though, and I’m not really hungry at all. I will go back to the room and get changed though (dress code is a little bit more formal at dinner. Well, not really, just no beachwear) because if I don’t eat I’ll be starved in the morning.
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I feel very chic walking through the dining hall. I’m wearing a striped, oversized, racer back vest top over my black, sequin mini dress from H&M and a pair of studded, gladiator sandals from Primark. My outfit may not be from the fanciest shops but it certainly looks good, if I say so myself. There is a weird mix of the way people dress in the evening. Some are dressed so formally that it’s not even funny and some are just bordering on beachwear, despite it being against the rules. I’ve classed myself in the middle. It’s nice to be casual but I love the rush of looking put together and knowing other people have noticed too. Unfortunately, I just spent the last 15 minutes with Nathan crying and sleeping on my knee. Loads of people were staring and probably thought he was mine, as my brother looks more like me than my mum. I even saw the cute, blonde, Scandinavian boy from the beach bar and he was staring. Cringe! Oh well, at least he noticed me, right? That’s what everyone in denial says, I know.
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The lights in the Games Room are on and there are loads of people in there. They’re playing ping pong and snooker. There’s a foosball table and an air hockey machine in there too. I’d like to go in and hang out, make friends (you know the drill), but I’m just too tired. I’m feeling really dizzy actually, probably due to the fact that I left it this late to eat. Maybe I just need some sleep. So I’m off to bed. Goodnight, WWW. See you in the morning.
Day Five- I’m walking on sunshine:
It feels like it’s too early to be awake but obviously it’s not. Breakfast closes in about 30 minutes and it’s open ‘til 10AM. This is quite early for me, I normally wake up around noon. Mum’s rushing me and I haven’t even had a chance to shower or finish my make-up properly. Good thing I don’t smell! :P
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Breakfast is full but I feel less than smelly. I’m wearing a leopard kaftan that’s embellished around the neck with a strapless leopard print swimsuit underneath and my studded sandals. I have to admit, this whole dressing fashionably on holiday thing is making me feel a lot better than I normally do. It could be that I’ve just given up on worrying so much about what other people think and have started to embrace me body. Dressing how you want can make you feel even better. Note to self: write to blog about loving yourself. Confidence is the best accessory you can wear. Not much on my breakfast plate, there’s so much choice that I can’t bother to pile up the food. I know I said I would go to the gym on holiday too, but so far I’ve been a lazy git. The plan this morning is to go snorkelling so I’m going to hurry up and finish. I can’t wait!
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Walking down to the beach. The sun is shining and there are tanned bodies all around me. The usual Speedos are lingering around on deckchairs and I’ve even spotted cute, blonde, Scandinavian boy (CBS). I’ve grabbed a few deckchairs for us so that mum can go and buy us some snorkel gear. Now that we’re here, I’m taking Nathan down to the water to paddle. There are some rocks for us to sit on and those loads of hermit crabs scattered everywhere. There are rainbow coloured fish coming so close to our feet, which I’ve never seen before. Well, that’s not true but the fish that I’ve seen by the beach have all been so small and these are about the size of my feet (that are huge, by the way :P) and bigger. I’m lying down on the rock and sunbathing while Nathan splashes about in the water for a while but he’s started to argue with Louie so I’m taking them back to sit on the seats. Mum is taking ages! I suppose there’s a long line to change money. Lying down on the deckchairs isn’t making any difference. The boys are still arguing and I still look like a teenage mother with no control over her children. I’ve got to stop agreeing to look after them. Luckily, CBS isn’t close by, not that I’ve been spying but I couldn’t help but notice when he sauntered by and off down the beach. I wasn’t the only one at least, quite a few heads turned.
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Standing at the very end of the floating pier. The water is so clear and I can see fish dancing around in the water already. Louie’s insisted on wearing flippers (I opted out) and is waddling around like a giant penguin trying to figure out how to get off the pier and into the water. Due to the fact that I don’t know who’s watching, I’ve decided to (try and) gracefully slip into the water using the stairs. Louie on the other hand has jumped into the water sending water right down my breathing pipe. Wonderful. Looking down though, I’ve forgotten that. It’s beautiful, there’s fish everywhere. It is quite hard though because I have to keep my eye on Louie and there are tons of vacationers in the water. This is so fun and, of course, time is flying. I see all sorts of fish, coral, jellyfish, and sting rays. Turns out the jellyfish don’t sting though, which is embarrassing because I was freaking out in the water.
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I met a stranger. He was a really nice guy, actually. Gutted that I didn’t even ask his name. I didn’t even say my name. So much for making friends. I’m sure I’ll see him around though. The first time I saw him he was sitting a few tables away with his family (yesterday).
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I’ve finished lunch and I need to take a shower. I didn’t get a chance to this morning and now that I’ve spent all that time in the sea I really should. Plus, my hair needs a good scrubbing. Now that I think about it though I’m so tired. I could just read for a while or take a nap. Well, it never hurt to get some rest. I’ll see you in a bit, WWW.
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Gosh, I’m tired. Louie and I have been hanging out at the games room. I’ve beaten him at chess three times already, it’s quite pathetic! He’s decided we should play ping pong. He claims that he’s really good at it and I don’t think I’ve ever played it before. Fair, he should be allowed to win at something.
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I’m quite pleased with myself actually. I’ve won Louie 2/3 times at a game I’ve never played before. Maybe I’m just generally good at these kinds of things. Sad little games in the public Games Rooms in hotels, that is! Oh well, it’s something. I also saw the inside of the nightclub, Normandy II, underneath the hotel. It’s really nice! It’s got this whole sea theme going on inside there equipped with rubber rings and all. The whole inside of the club looks like an overturned boat. The actual “disco” starts at 23:00. I have about an hour so I’ll probably go when it starts. There’s also a beach party happening at 23:00.
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Ugh. There’s half an hour ‘til the club opens and the beach party starts. I want to go, I want to meet new people, but I’ve been lying down reading and now I’m in sleep mode. Curses! I probably could’ve met some really great people tonight but I’m just too tired. Oh well, tomorrow’s a new day. Goodnight.
Day Nine- lights will guide your way and ignite you bones:
Hello. Hello. Hello. Oh, wth, forget that. I’m tired as anything. Mum wants to go to the gym so she’s insisting we go to brekkie early and that I watch Nathan while she’s there. Good morning to you all too! Great way to wake up, eh? Ugh. Shower time. DO NOT DISTURB! I’m grumpy.
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Mehh. Breakfast has been adequate. Nothing special, no really, it’s actually not been that great at all. I can’t stomach much food right now, I’m too tired. Sitting in the gym hoping that mum won’t take too long. The sun is shining outside and I’m ready to go out to the pier again. Maybe the stranger will be there. Maybe CBS will be there. Maybe.
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The pier is full as usual. There’s so many fish around. I probably wouldn’t be going in again today if it wasn’t for the fact that Mum didn’t go yesterday and we wanted to go in with her. I don’t mind though. It’s sunny and maybe I’ll see some different kinds of fish. The water is freezing but there are so many big, rainbow fish swimming right up close to us. They’re probably just as curious about us as we are about them. No sign of the stranger. No sign of CBS. Saltwater in my eyes. Time to go take a shower.
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The shower is warm. As usual, I’ve called dibs on showering first. The bathroom is always nasty after my brothers have used it. I’m starting to realize that the air of mystery around CBS and the stranger is wearing off and I’m really not that interested anymore. Mum has booked us a quad biking trip in the desert for 4:30PM and I’m much more excited about that. I’m hungry…
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It’s weird. There isn’t much choice at the restaurant right now. Nothing looks particularly appealing, but I’m okay with that. For some reason, I don’t feel as hungry as I did before. Quad biking soon!
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I’ve finished my book. It’s left me on such a cliff hanger and it’s irritating me because I know I want to know the end but I won’t be bothered to find the next book. Is there a “next book”?! I’ve never heard of the author before and I’ve never heard of the book, not to talk about a sequel. It’s time to go on the quad trip now. So excited!
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I’m trembling on my quad. Underneath me, this machine feels so much more powerful than it looked sitting in front of me and, even then, it was intimidating. They’ve given us all these Arabic scarves that we’ve rapped around our heads and faces with just a slit open for our eyes. We’ve all been instructed to wear sunglasses too. I’ve put on my Ray Ban aviators that I bought on the beach back in Nigeria (knock offs). I’m saying a quick prayer now. The line is starting to move along and before I know I’m actually going to have to press down on the accelerator. Goodness me, I’m a scaredy cat!
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Oh my gosh, this is amazing. I’m sitting in a Bedouin tent with the rest of the quad bikers. We’re in the middle of no where in the desert. The Bedouin tea is amazing, certainly the best I’ve tasted. I can only liken it to a sort of fruity green tea with quite a lot of sugar. The apple shisha is also very nice but we’re having to pry it away from my brother who seems to think he looks cool stifling his coughs while sneaking puffs. Pathetic. Now that he knows it’s tobacco he’s backed off. Plus, my dad’s all over him about it. Serves him right. We’ve just left a place called Echo Temple. Basically, we stood on a random piece of sand in the middle of nowhere and screamed each other’s names in unison. After doing so, we could hear our voices echoing really loudly in the mountains far ahead of us. It was weird, actually. Our voices were coming from all around us. Chilling, yet awesome. This has to be the coolest thing I’ve ever done on holiday. The sun is setting and it couldn’t be more beautiful. Shame we’re heading back home.
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I’m so hungry! In fact, my stomach is rumbling so much that we’ve decided to go straight to dinner from the shuttle. My eyelashes are covered in dust but I don’t care. My hair’s probably a bird’s nest underneath this head scarf so I won’t even take it off. I’ve just unwrapped it so it hangs down at the side rather than covering my face. People are looking, probably because I’ve got the odd combination of an Arabic headscarf and a pair of denim mini shorts on. Not exactly something you see walking around everyday. I see CBS and he’s looking at me. My reaction should probably be to duck into the toilets and fix my hair, I shouldn’t be caught dead looking like a dusty mess in front of him. Well, allow that. I’m hungry and I’m on holiday. I can dress however the heck I want, even if CBS is staring. Maybe he’s just realized how beautiful he thinks I am. One can always dream.
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Nice to finally put my feet up. I’m just writing up a draft for story. It’s a nice way to channel some creativity and after that amazing ride through the desert I’m bursting with inspiration. Michael Jackson’s Memorial Service is playing live on TV. I hadn’t even realized people were still talking about his death. I thought everything had all died down. Well, it’s sad that a musical genius has left this Earth, it is, but that’s about all I can offer on that subject. Plus, I think it’s really sad that no one’s paid attention to Farrah Faucet’s death. She died on the same day as he did. Shame. The club has opened now and I thought I was going to go today but everyone’s gone/going to bed. I guess that ideas out of the window. I think I’m off to bed too now, exhaustion is catching up with me. Buenas Noches, WWW. Chao for now.
Day Ten- what a waste of makeup:
Ça va, WWW? I hope you feel good because I feel like the living dead. I skipped breakfast today. Couldn’t possibly get myself out of bed in time. I feel like someone’s drained all the life out of me and I am in so much pain from quad biking yesterday. If my arms don’t fall off by tomorrow morning I’ll shout hallelujah.
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Sitting on the beach now that I’ve finished lunch. I’ll admit I feel a bit better now but I’m still wondering why I even woke up! I walked straight past CBS in the restaurant. I’m so stupid that as I was walking up I didn’t even realize it was him, my mind must’ve been elsewhere. The worst thing was we were walking so close that our arms almost touched and I’d done my makeup so sloppily on the way out earlier. It was weird. We caught each other’s eyes for an awkward period of times. Like, when you look at someone for too long but you’re not staring because they’re looking back. He had this weird inquisitive look in his eye, which soon turned anxious, and he quickly looked away. I don’t blame him. I felt a bit weird too. It’s not that often that you look at a random stranger like that and they look back. I was a little worried I had something on my face but after checking I figure it was normal. I mean he’s human, right? Everybody feels a little awkward sometimes. I know I do, that’s for sure. He won’t stop looking back at the table though. Now I’m wondering if there is something on my face.
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Mum’s promised Sam, one of the trip instructors, that she’ll pay him to book us the trip to Tiraan Island tomorrow morning. It’s a snorkelling trip and I’m looking forward to seeing some more fish in a new place. Plus, it’s always fun to talk to Hossam. His bargaining tatics and crazy antics have proven quite hilarious. It seems everyone at the hotel knows who he is. I’m still working on this random story draft. I thought I might drop it after the first day but it’s moving along nicely. Maybe I’ll make something out of this. It could turn out to be quite good.
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I am about to explode. I honestly feel like everyone around me is stark raving nutters! I just want to dive off of one of the nearby cliffs as soon as possible! What’s that word, the other word for argument? Oh, right, that’s it: STUPID!
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I’m still kind of ticked. No comment on why. Just ticked. Its traditional night tonight so most of the food is traditional to Egypt and there’s going to be dancers on the stage tonight. There are shows every night but I never stay to watch, I always seem to miss them. I can’t seem to find anything to eat. All the foods have funny names and I can’t tell if they have meat or not. I don’t want to make any mistakes. I’ve already made one or two in my 2 & ½ years as a vegetarian (courtesy of my cook :/). Hmmm, well, I suppose there is a reason I woke up in the first place. Oh no, wait. THERE IS NO GOOD REASON TO HAVE WOKEN UP TODAY!
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Louie and I are going to grab some seats up on the balcony so that we can get a good view of the show. My heart almost jumped right out of my mouth when I turned the corner and saw the familiar pink polo shirt…CBS! Cute shirt, very stylish and all, but it’s a little cringey that he’s worn it almost every night with the same old shorts. Maybe their room comes with a washing machine. I doubt it. I’ve been doing this thing where I smile at almost everyone who walks by, at least, those who catch my eye. It makes me feel friendly and warm inside, like I could’ve potentially just brightened someone’s day. I’ve certainly caught CBS’ eye. He’s looking straight at me and I’m looking back but I can’t bring myself to smile. It’s like my face is frozen. Ugh, you are such a dork! What’s he doing sitting in the lobby anyway? The show is outside. There goes my heart again. He’s still there now that I’m coming out of the toilet and he’s looking again. Seriously, do I look like an alien or something?
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The show is alright. Actually, it’s a general disappointment like the rest of the day. There is this belly dancer but she is actually quite terrible. I don’t even think she’s Egyptian. She’s definitely wearing a wig and she looks like this one Russian girl on the animation team. Of course, there’s a disagreement between us as to whether she’s good or not and Mum and I settle it by laughing off the fact that she’s stiff as a bored, imitating some moves ourselves. This is probably the highlight of the whole day. CBS is still there. He’s still looking as I walk by but this time he looks away when he notices that I’m looking back. I smile (finally!) but it’s too late, he’s not looking. He’s leaving with his family anyway. Somehow that’s a relief. I can stop worrying about what’s on my face!
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We’ve just finished in the games room and I’m changing into a leopard print dress. Sounds a bit tarty but it’s not. It’s a baggy dress with fabric draped at the sides. Hard to explain…I’ll have to post a picture. There’s a nightclub called Normandy II underneath the hotel. I spoke about it before with its undersea theme. As usual, Mum’s refusing to go so Louie and I are going alone. Mum has given the general ‘no alcohol’ talk and now we’re headed that way. I’m quite excited. CBS might be there or even the stranger. I saw him earlier too. Did I say that? He was looking at me as I walked past (obviously he recognized me). I had been explaining something to Louie, so I hadn’t noticed to I had almost fully passed by. I did smile but I think his sister saw me smile and not him. Oh well. I can hear the music pumping now and there’s two girls about my age sat outside drinking orange juice looking rather pissed off. The bouncer is lovely and he’s smiling and letting me but he’s pushing Louie back. Great. He says that Louie can’t come in because he’s under 18. True, he’s 10. Well, I’m 16 and no one’s noticed that! Louie’s tall for his age and most people think he’s much older. To be fair, the most he’s ever passed for is 13 but on the reviews people said they’ve taken their children in and nobody ever stopped them. That must be why those unfortunate girls are sitting out there, because they didn’t look old enough to get in. The club looks so good at night too with UV lights and Rihanna blasting. I’m so tempted to send Louie home and tell him to knock but, now that I think about it, I’m going to receive so many unwanted advances if I sit by myself in the middle of a nightclub in Egypt. Apparently there’s a beach party on Mondays and Thursday though so I’ll take Louie there.
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What a trek…and for nothing! I can’t go partying in Normandy II because my brother’s too young and I can’t go alone. I just found out its Wednesday too so there’s no beach party tonight. Too bad I didn’t realize that until I got there! I felt like a loser who had been ditched. The I had to trudge all the way back to the room, brother in tow, wishing I had some friends in this hotel that could come out with me. I’m starting to think I need to get talking with CBS or the stranger…or anybody! CBS always comes down to the beach with his family anyway. Obviously he hasn’t made any other friends. What a day. I kind of wish it never happened. Oh and, by the way, Mum never booked the trip. We’re just going to go in the morning with money and try to beg them into letting us on the shuttle. If that fails we’re stuck in the hotel. I’m praying it won’t be another day like today. I’m praying it will go well. Fingers crossed. Now it’s bedtime.
Day Eleven- is this burning an eternal flame?
It’s 10:30. We were supposed to meet Sam at the Italian Restaurant by 7. Well, he doesn’t know that but we were going to try and bribe our way onto today’s Tiraan Island trip. So much for that. Breakfast in the main restaurant closes at 10:30 too so we’re rushing off to the Italian to catch breakfast. Gosh, I feel crappy. I must be coming down with something. The woman at the show last night sang ‘Eternal Flame’. It’s stuck in my head. Is this burning an eternal flame?
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I’ve been sitting at the beach all day. I really don’t feel good. Have taken medicine and all but I’m sweating up a storm and my nose is all blocked up. On the side, I got a cute henna butterfly on my back and my name done in henna on my wrist. I seriously think I’m just going to sleep for the rest of the day. ‘Night.
Day Twelve to Thirteen – meh:
Sorry, I haven’t kept up with blogging for these two days. I’m so tired and I really don’t feel well at all. Not much has happened though. I’ve been asleep or lazing around for the majority of the time, only leaving my hotel room to eat. I did meet two more strangers over dinner though. They sat at the same table as us outside while we watched the show. Nice enough people but nothing to write home about. Other than that, my henna is fading and i have discovered the joys of video calls.
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By the way, CBS is gone. I kind of noticed that on day eleven. Didn’t want to confirm ‘til I was sure though. He’s definitely not here. He’s definitely gone home. That is the cruel world of holidays.
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We’re leaving for Cairo now. It’s noon and as usual our family can never leave anything without something happening! I’ve just managed to pull my little brother’s hand out of an automatic sliding door after he wedged it there. Gosh, I hope the plane ride isn’t anywhere near as chaotic as this!
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The flight was only an hour but I’m really tired. Still just recovering from the cold I picked up. The rooms here are lovely. The bed is HUGE and so soft I could live in it forever. I’m just going to rest my eyes for a second…
Day Fourteen – bonjour Cairo:
Good morning, WWW. It seems that I fell asleep in my clothes yesterday afternoon and didn’t wake up until this morning. I have the worst case of racoon eyes but that’s not the most important thing on my mind. We’re going on a tour today. We’re only here for one day so we need to see as much as we can. Cannot wait!
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Driving along the road here. Cairo is reminding me a lot of Lagos. I feel right at home, in fact. I say it’s like a Lagos with Mcdonalds. The driver is pointing out buildings on the side of the road like the President’s house and all. I just can’t wait to get to the good stuff!
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In the Papyrus Museum. It’s really cool to see how this stuff is made. There’s loads of works on sale. I would buy one but they’re seriously over priced. No thanks.
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The Giza Pyramids. Oh. My. Gosh. They’re so much more breathtaking in person. I almost can’t believe I’m here. I’m getting my good fill of pictures and exercise at that. Walking up this steep hill in the open sun is wearing me out. I bet I’ll crash as soon as I get home.
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TGI Friday’s on the Nile. Who knew they even had that? I can’t complain. Yummy chips on a barge with clear views of the whole city. That, in fact, tickles my fancy. I ordered an electrified lemonade which came in a huge glass (almost the size of my head) and took me by surprise. Nonetheless, I’ve finished and the chips that I ordered. Wish we could stay for these stodgy yet delicious looking desserts. Unfortunately, Dad insists that we “keep time” as we still have to visit the museum.
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The museum was definitely not all it’s cracked up to be. No cameras inside. Fair. Really though, it was just crowded with tourist groups and you could hardly get through to see anything in the glass cases. There wasn’t that much to see. Maybe I just didn’t get the chance to see it. Was nice but I’m exhausted now…and stuffed. It’s bed as soon as I get home.
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It’s been a good holiday and we head home tomorrow. I’m a bit gutted to be honest. I was enjoying Egypt a lot. C’est la vie.
