Around the World in 80 Days
Day 7: 1 October

A blazing row has erupted as to whether we're allowed to film or not, and about four people are shouting at each other, clutching their heads. You'd think there'd been a death in the family the way they carry on. It all reminds me of a big, slightly out of control boys' public school, everyone issuing different orders, a few people trying to be serious, but everyone else finding it frightfully funny.
Watching the crowds come off the trains it's interesting to note how the traditional garb - jellabas and turbans and fezzes for men, and veils and long dresses for women - is now mixed with Western dress - Levi's, jeans, slacks, shirts, dresses and skirts. The contrast is extraordinary - some look like Old Testament prophets, others like James Dean. Sometimes there's a mixture with the women, of the old Islamic head-dress and a modern slightly blowsy Orlon two-piece. It may be chaotic but life wouldn't be as rich as this at airports, where people are much more conditioned, directed and cowed into submission.
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PALIN'S GUIDES
- Series: Around the World in 80 Days
- Day: 7
- Date: 1 October
- Country/sea: Egypt
- Place: Alexandria
- Book page no: 37
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