I have had to result to getting my benzene black market. The situation here is far worse. There are police at certain stations where there are road jams, problems and fights. The station in front of my apartment has not had benzene since the tanker driver was taken to the police jail suspected of selling the benzene and topping up with water. That was about a month ago. A friend of the garage owner told to me that the owner simply got fed up with all the hassle from the people when all he was trying to do was to give them benzene for. He is an extremely rich man and apparently feels that he does not need this type of hassle. BUT? I think the truth is! that since the tanker driver was accused of thieving the benzene and was locked up for two days, the oil company has banned the benzene station from having any further deliveries.
I paid 150LE for 20 litres of benzene; It should have cost me 35LE.
Monday I had a meal at the Nile Valley roof top restaurant and from there I could see a small tanker in a car park supplying benzene to the motor boat people of the corniche. Although that seems to be a very sensible idea, the local buses and taxis are just as important for the people and the tourists but they all have to queue up at the stations.
Sand Storm
After slipping off my bike I had to return home to attend my injuries; I was on my way to Luxor. Just as well because at that exact time this sand storm came up very, very quickly. There was everything blowing everywhere, paper, rubbish, sand and dirt. I could hardly see for all the dust in my eyes, and I was wearing glasses. When I got home my bike was mess, so dusty. The visibility from my apartment was only about one hundred metres. The banana trees out of my windows looked wild and were hanging there like they were trying to stay in the ground. The sky was red. It took two days to settle.
Sunken Cruise Ship
Sunken Cruise Liner. This cruise ship went down many weeks ago. Everyone is saying that it is an insurance job and I can quite believe that.
Hagag Demonstration
Yesterday there was a peaceful demonstration at Hagag square in front of the Luxor temple. I spoke to a man there that said it was a second revolution because they do not like the men that are up for election to government. He said they are ex-Mubarak’s men and not good and although Mubarak is in jail, he seems to still have power. The people want new men in their new government. They are due to elect a new president in a few months.
New Café opens - Ramla
The owners of the shop where I bought my motorbike opened a new café by the side of the Nile in Ramla on the West bank and not far from the ferry station. It was already a café but they have taken it over. I was invited to the opening party. It was in traditional style with Egyptian music played with pipes and drums. I knew the musicians as I had met them at a wedding some time ago. Such truly nice people.
There were many English people there. I sat next to a lady Ruth, a really lovely and good looking lady; she is from Germany, we got on well. It turned out during our conversation that she is with or married to one of the bike shop son’s that I know, a young good looking guy, but then he is with a very good looking lady with amazing light blue eyes. I was then introduced to another English lady Elaine again married to an Egyptian man who teaches belly dancing at their villa. This lady has parties every week. she invited me to her home party, apparently I only have to pay at her bar for my drinks. I did not go that week.
English Lady's Party
After visiting this new café, Mamoud invited me along to Elaine’s party. She has a large villa right on the Nile with fantastic views. Elaine is truly a lovely lady and she made me feel very welcome. There was the same Egyptian band there and they were pleased to see me again. As the evening continued, I could see that most if not all of the guests were there with their Egyptian husbands or boyfriends. I seems to be a meeting place where they can relax and enjoy.