Dan Jackson/Manifest Photography -Haggadah Project

We walked back to the corniche and Mohammed put his hand up, palm facing the road, and began making and up & down motion as the mini vans drove by. He told me up & down indicated we want a van going to the bus station, side to side meant corniche. Finally one stopped and we hopped aboard and arrived arrived at the bus station shortly after. I went to the public bathroom. Umm, remember that scene with the bathroom from Trainspotting. No? Good. Went to pay the attendant and he pointed at Mohammed who had apparently already paid him.

We found our bus, one of many weathered vehicles parked in this vast, dusty lot. We climbed aboard and sat on the sunny side -Mohammed said when we go we will be in the shade, the bus turns around. He apologized for the lack of air conditioning. It was 40º outside and felt like a kiln inside. He thought it departed at 11:00 but it was scheduled to leave at 11:30.  A vendor came aboard selling snacks. I thought about buying some cookies but Mohammed said “those not very good.” Bought some really tasty crackers instead and a pack of banana flavoured gum -also really good. Egypt has great junk food.