5 November

Today was the day we left Alexandria, so it was up earlier at 0530, prepare and pack everything, then shower and dress and, with the suitcase out before 0630, I was down for breakfast. After a more leisurely breakfast than I really wanted, it was back to the room, finish and then pack the backpack and check the room.
Down in the lobby and waiting, I ran into an Italian man here on business as he left (and then again, when he had forgotten some papers and had to return and then leave again), so we said goodbye. Then it was a matter of sighting the luggage and it was packed into the bus. Our first trip was not too long – just over the road, but a nearly two kilometre long journey by the time we came out, drove along and then had to turn around at the first break to return to the Montaza Royal Palace grounds (just opposite the hotel). We had a drive inside, then stopped to stretch and take some photographs before a final drive through Alexandria before we left, heading west along the Mediterranean coast. One point had to be clarified – no lunch today as we had it yesterday, and that made for more sensible travelling, as there weren’t any suitable venues along the way.
We set off along the coast to see many resorts there, between the road and the beach. The towns were generally south of the road, in the more arid area, while the resorts were in the areas with what looked like attractive beaches, though we couldn’t really see them. The resorts were self-contained, with shopping areas inside, as well as all facilities, but they were closed for the winter. Some were for foreigners, but most were for better-off Egyptians from Cairo. Apparently some were for women, with all female staff.
We arrived at El Alamein later in the morning, where there was a war cemetery, a small museum and, only a short distance away, more resorts. It seemed incongruous to have this monument to such fierce battles now within close proximity to pleasure places. But, such is the way of the world.
At the museum we had a short recorded commentary on the chronology of the battles in the area, then wandered around to have a look. The vehicles outside had been painted, but otherwise neglected, and signs showed that native English speakers had not proof-read them.
After leaving the museum, we went to the War Cemetery and had some time there. The significance varied depending upon how this area fitted into family history, but it was a moving experience to see the graves out in this barren land. There was a monument to Australian soldiers just outside the cemetery.
We returned to the main road and then continued on towards Marsa Matrouh (the spelling varies depending upon which signs are read). Before we entered into the area, we stopped to pick up a policeman to travel in the bus with us (he was in plain clothes, but had an Uzi under his jacket and a few spare magazines on the other side). We also had a police escort and then stopped in the town to get any supplies we needed, as the hotel was a far distance from town and not the cheapest for things. We drove out to the hotel, quite a nice place, which had a few next to it being completed (and along our drive in the morning, there were a lot of resort still not completed). Here we unloaded from the bus, tagged our luggage in the lobby and then had the afternoon free.
Success for me – I found there was WiFi (but only in the cafe and lobby) FREE!
After settling in I walked over the road to see the beach – not much sand, but very scenic rocks and, judging by the people there, good fishing. I took a few photos, came back (meeting a friendly native along the way, who I found out later was a builder on the site next door) and then uploaded some photos. The connection was not too fast, but allowed my to upload my blogs and some photos.
Just before sunset I went down to the beach and chatted with others, while getting some good shots of the sun across the inlet. The hotel was on the north side of an inlet, with the town on the south and east side.
After that it was dinner, and then the chance to upload a few more photos. At this time I spoke to a few people going past and one was the friend of a woman who was out here to spread her father’s ashes in the position where his whole unit (except him) were killed by one shell. His wishes were that when he died, he would be able to be with his mates where they died.
Quite late I went off to bed, with washing hanging out on the line provided.