It is Saharan evening already and I – hungry and tired after should rather go to take a shower and to prepare the meal for myself but the hotel manager gave me few minutes of his computer time so let you know what is going on.
We left Siwa oasis after long waiting at the intelligence post on the outkirts of the oasis at 8.15 am.
Then we drove about 200 kms on the good paved road. Sand on the road is present but the 4WD vehicle must just slow down. On the whole route – it is more then 300 kms you will not see any single settlement. But there are 7 military posts with obligatory control on every post…
After those 200 kms we moved to the old road. Much worse! Only remains of asphalt there. Humps, bumps, holes, sand. No signs at all so you dont know how far you are. Pure Sahara! Hot, hot…
I was happy when we reached post no 7 and a bit later I saw the Bahariya Oasis in the valley.
Bahariya is not so traditional like Siwa, but if you will go our of the main street you will see also the image of old oasis… Piles of dates on the little bazaar – one kilo costs 5 eg. pounds – less then a dollar.
Our driver “sold” us to the “Oasis Panorama” hotel – nice, but on the outskirts of the oasis. We are the only guests. I pay 100 EGP for the room with bath and breakfast.
So I did this first critical stretch! White Desert tomorrow!
An now I go with all my sweat and desert dust to the shower!
