To and from Egypt

So this is not yet about what I did in Egypt.  I just thought my experiences going to and from Egypt were worth a quick note.

First of all getting into Egypt was a breeze. I arrived to the airport that seemed to only have a couple terminals. I then went to a bank counter to buy my entrance visa (no questions asked). I proceeded to make it quickly through immigration because the officer barely glanced at my passport as he stamped it.  Then a friendly cab driver over charged me to help with my bags and take me right to my hostel.  I was by myself so I didn't mind paying an extra couple dollars.

One cab ride I took by myself from the train station to the hostel was supposed to cost me 5-10 Egyptian pounds (Peter, our amazing hostel friend/trip planner told me this). The cab driver did not run the meter and tried to charge me 30£. Because several travel articles recommended not bargaining beforehand and simply paying the fair price and walking away after, I did. It was still a bit unsettling paying only one third of what the cabbie is demanding (even if it is an unreasonable amount) and walking away. He did not pursue me though, so I think it was alright. And I made it out of Egypt, so...no problems now.

Leaving Egypt was similarly simple, yet confusing at the same time. First of all, it took a while to find my check in gate for Etihad Airways. While searching the airport, I saw several small children playing with a lifesize, black toy gun, at the AIRPORT. When I found the Etihad gate it was closed and I had to go through the gate of a different airline.  Once inside I tracked down the appropriate airline where I stood around confused because everyone just stormed the counters, no queues, no signs, just chaos. I eventually obtained my tickets and checked my bags. I then made my way to customs (or whoever the leaving authorities are) and the woman behind the desk stamped my passport with even less of a glance than the entry guy. I think at one point my bags went through a scanner, but it was quite a lax experience. Soon afterwards I was bussed to my excellent international flight and made my way to Europe (via Abu Dahbi). (Etihad Airways is my new favorite international carrier: great food, great tv/movie selection, and great free booze!) (Also, apparently it is perfectly normal to bring your uncaged pet falcon onto the flight on your arm with Etihad Airways).