I woke up at 8:30 - the question I can't answer is why? Spent the morning packing and writing another day's journal entry. I also took another fantastic fresh water shower. Spent a couple hours in the afternoon at the Internet cafe getting the journal for the last month plus updated. I was planning on going to Khan el-Kahli (the bazaar) again, but it was a very hot day and I just couldn't motivate. I tried to go to the American University Bookstore to pick up some more English reading material but it was closed. Instead I rummaged through a used book stall and found what looks to be a mediocre crime thriller - but is set in Orange County - where I grew up!
On the ride to the airport the taxi driver complained about Egyptian women and extolled the virtues of Dubai's women (I translated that to mean that prostitutes are easily available). At Airport they wouldn't check my baggage through to Dubai, it had to go all the way to Bangkok since I didn't have an Emirates visa. The flight was smooth but to short for sleep.
At Dubai I talked with an Emirates representative for half an hour and managed to get a 24 hour visa. They can only issue visas for up to four days and there were no other flights with space so one day is all I got. Then I had to wait while my luggage was offloaded. I finally gave up and went to the baggage services office where they called around (repeating everything the Emirates desk had already done). Finally two hours after landing I walked out of the airport. Part of my visa / hotel fee included a shuttle bus so at lease I didn't have to worry about transportation. The hotel room is a lot nicer than I expected - it's huge with large sitting area and giant bathroom (including a big bathtub!) I finally made it to bed sometime after three.
