Egypt and others - day 1

First post is from Rome airport where we have 6 hours to wait for our Cairo connection - the joys of travel! We have spent almost two days getting this far - pleasant though the flight with Cathay was it is STILL a long time sitting and eating.
Actually flew right over Maryborough yesterday - could see Baddow island and our bit of river quite clearly. Also flew over Pud and Robyn sometime early tbis morning but didn't see them or any of the "Stans" for that matter.
Meals with Cathay were great apart from the one where I chose vegetarian pasta instead of beef (!!!!???) And spent the next few hours prepared to head for the toilet.
We judged Rome airport as the world's worst a few trips ago and had no reason this morning to change our minds - lined up at the automated passport control and slowly worked our way to the camera andElizabeths passport would not read. Bloke eventually came along (Mamma Mia!) and got it to work. We then stood in a closed space with scores of others in a que that was just inching forward and eventually came to ONE officer behind a counter STAMPING every passport! So much for Italian automation.
One recommendation from the hours spent sitting - try watching "Chernobyl" - it is absolutely rivetting.
Pictures for the kids - look what we found displayed at Rome airport!
Wil be in Cairo late tonight so will probably post again on Sunday. Love to all!