I arrived at the airport feeling nicely jet lagged. Walking out into the desert, I was astounded by the complete lack of any taxis. I had arrived in what was supposed to be a tourist mecca to find myself alone. I eventually found a driver who charged me an exorbitant price knowing that I had no choice. In my sleep depraved state, I had little will to fight and soon agreed to his ridiculous terms. I was in Sharm El Sheikh and being a tourist that gets ripped off seemed to go with the territory.
Speeding along the desert road, I could see the familiar little outcrops of tourist villas and hotels approaching. As I hopped out of the taxi, a group of uniformed men descended on me to carry my bags and to usher me towards the front desk. Once I was there, I was greeted by another man in a uniform who courteously informed me that I had arrived before the check in time. However, he then kindly informed me that he would do his best to arrange for a room to be cleaned so I could check in immediately.
This was a level of service completely at odds with my usual approach to travels!
When traveling on the company coin, I would happily accept the finer things in life. This attitude was not in anyway reflected in my personal approach to travel! I would normally be looking for accommodation towards the more backpacker end of town. However, I had decided that this would be my one off extravagance. It would be both a way of transitioning into my holiday as well as helping me to overcome the pain of jet lag.
Walking into the room made me think that it may have been a mistake to take the more comfortable option at the beginning instead of at the end of the trip.
How was I going to cope with the rest of my trip if my upcoming accommodation didn't come my own personal bidet?
I wasn't going to be trapped by this luxury. I threw down my bags and had a quick shower.
Sharm was waiting for me outside so I needed to get out and explore quickly, before the soft bed and the comfortable sheets drew me too close.
Speeding along the desert road, I could see the familiar little outcrops of tourist villas and hotels approaching. As I hopped out of the taxi, a group of uniformed men descended on me to carry my bags and to usher me towards the front desk. Once I was there, I was greeted by another man in a uniform who courteously informed me that I had arrived before the check in time. However, he then kindly informed me that he would do his best to arrange for a room to be cleaned so I could check in immediately.
This was a level of service completely at odds with my usual approach to travels!
When traveling on the company coin, I would happily accept the finer things in life. This attitude was not in anyway reflected in my personal approach to travel! I would normally be looking for accommodation towards the more backpacker end of town. However, I had decided that this would be my one off extravagance. It would be both a way of transitioning into my holiday as well as helping me to overcome the pain of jet lag.
Sharm was waiting for me outside so I needed to get out and explore quickly, before the soft bed and the comfortable sheets drew me too close.
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