I think I'm turning into a sort of sandwich-board-man for the Steigenberger Nile Palace! Don't worry, I'm not 'in their pocket', but it's not for the want of trying. (There's no way that I can induce them to give me a discount or preferential treatment of any kind, the mean so-and-so's!!!)
Did I tell you about the Winter Palace putting on a cover charge? Well (you know my memory) just in case I haven't; they've decided to levy an entrance fee of 50le, which can be reclaimed against whatever you spend whilst you're in the hotel. Obviously, we really cannot afford to fork out twice as much as normal, just to enjoy the splendid 'olde worlde' charm of the place. I know that tourists can recoup it with just a couple of beers or a cocktail, but that's a whole different kettle of fish!
So, we're visiting our other two choices of hotel more often. The good old Etap (El Luxor Hotel) is still OK, but there seems to be fewer and fewer foreign tourists staying there to provide us with our little 'light entertainment'. The tea and Nescafe are the same price as at the Nile Palace, but you don't get the little, half chocolate coated, coconut macaroons. But, in saying that, the Etap does advertise free English cake between four o'clock and six. Mind you, this is a bit hitty-missy! Often there's non to be had at all, and sometimes it's still frozen, and has to be defrosted before serving. This invariably means that you've finished your tea before it arrives! Even then, it's possibly still frozen in the middle, or hot enough to burn your lips! When it's not free, it's 10le for two slices.
The old Food and Beverage Manager left the Nile Palace a few weeks ago. He was a nice bloke, whom we'd surreptitiously Christened 'Mao Tse Tung', because of his slightly oriental appearance. His replacement looks nothing out of the ordinary, and has no real distinguishing facets, in fact, he could easily be mistaken for an Englishman. So, that's his new name; 'The Englishman'! Along with being a hands-on manager (we came across him shifting tables the other night) he's also trying new things on the menu.
That above is what we've had there the past two nights. Yes, it's English cake, but unlike any we've had previously. It's coated down either side with icing sugar, and it's actually lightly spiced, utterly scrumptious! And, three goodly sized pieces for 13le! By the time Freda and I have messed about with pots of boiling water and the hot milk for her Nescafe, I easily managed four cups of tea, and she, three cups of coffee. Half a slice of cake with each of the first three cups and the coconut macaroon with the last. I can tell you; you certainly know you've had something to eat! (And people to watch all the way through, what more could a man want?)
I've got to hand it to the management and staff at the NP, they're making the running for the rest to follow, and they're bloomin' good at it and getting better!
Just as a little aside:
As we were taking a stroll along the Corniche, we came across some caleche horses bathing, there must have been about 10 of them cavorting among the dead Nile cruisers. They were certainly enjoying the cooling effect. It's funny that they're next to the Emely, as several would-be cruise tourists are still being offered this boat. Sorry, but I don't think so!
TTFN.
Did I tell you about the Winter Palace putting on a cover charge? Well (you know my memory) just in case I haven't; they've decided to levy an entrance fee of 50le, which can be reclaimed against whatever you spend whilst you're in the hotel. Obviously, we really cannot afford to fork out twice as much as normal, just to enjoy the splendid 'olde worlde' charm of the place. I know that tourists can recoup it with just a couple of beers or a cocktail, but that's a whole different kettle of fish!
So, we're visiting our other two choices of hotel more often. The good old Etap (El Luxor Hotel) is still OK, but there seems to be fewer and fewer foreign tourists staying there to provide us with our little 'light entertainment'. The tea and Nescafe are the same price as at the Nile Palace, but you don't get the little, half chocolate coated, coconut macaroons. But, in saying that, the Etap does advertise free English cake between four o'clock and six. Mind you, this is a bit hitty-missy! Often there's non to be had at all, and sometimes it's still frozen, and has to be defrosted before serving. This invariably means that you've finished your tea before it arrives! Even then, it's possibly still frozen in the middle, or hot enough to burn your lips! When it's not free, it's 10le for two slices.
The old Food and Beverage Manager left the Nile Palace a few weeks ago. He was a nice bloke, whom we'd surreptitiously Christened 'Mao Tse Tung', because of his slightly oriental appearance. His replacement looks nothing out of the ordinary, and has no real distinguishing facets, in fact, he could easily be mistaken for an Englishman. So, that's his new name; 'The Englishman'! Along with being a hands-on manager (we came across him shifting tables the other night) he's also trying new things on the menu.
I've got to hand it to the management and staff at the NP, they're making the running for the rest to follow, and they're bloomin' good at it and getting better!
Just as a little aside:
TTFN.
No battenburg
ReplyDeleteOh that cake with icing sugar looks good enough to eat! Love to see the horses swimming in the Nile, and they must so enjoy it in the heat you are experiencing at the moment. Amazes me what the egyptian horses are used to. Have taken ours to the beach, but do they want to get even their hooves wet? No - not at all. It takes a while for them to learn to enjoy a swim.
ReplyDeleteAlso the noise the egyptian horses are used to. Have seen them left by the side of the railway line, with trains going past, and they never bat an eyelid. Most horses in England, would be off with the train........
Love your blogs Edward, keep them up, they are a lovely reflection on local life. Have to try a bit of cake at the Steinberger next time we are there.