So I have to admit I arrived in Cairo Mena House as flat as a a crêpe ... pan cake, whatever name you give.

After spending the first few hours getting my personal internet/local sim card sorted thanks to my friend Tamer Mamdouh who as ever picked me up from the airport, always there to help me whenever I'm in need, we got a customary MoriSushi, this time in New Cairo. Arrived at the hotel by 1am on the 15th. Needless to say I missed the breakfast the next day, barely made it to lunch around 2.30 ...

It took me a while to get used to where I was, as the hotel is vast and with several focus points.

The main building, the oldest part, originally was a royal lodge for Ismaïl Pacha, first Vice Roy, then Khedive Ismail (as in Egyptian Royalty 1830/1895). It was enlarged  for the Opening of the Suez Canal and the visit of l'Imperatrice Eugénie of France like the Marriott I told you about back in December during the Ill Fated World Team event, is the closest to the Pyramids.

Basically, it's off the street that takes you to the Pyramids, by camel, carriage or whatever means of transport you wish to use!

Ten years ago, we were in the Meridien, just a few metres down the road but this time, we are at the Mena House, former Oberoi, is THE closest to the Pyramids.

From the café shop on the ground floor or the Khan El Khalili Restaurant on the first floor, you just cannot miss the main Pyramid really.

Across the main entrance, you'll find the most impressive/breathtaking view, that's from the outside of the 139 restaurant. Whether during the day, or at night, you cannot NOT stop and having your breath taken away by the proximity and solemnity of the scene.

And if the hotel could do with a better internet connection - no wireless in the rooms for example, and the cable not being well, the best - and a few other little details, I can only quote Tim Garner, PSA tour director, who keeps on saying, every time somebody is complaining about one thing or another "yes, I know ... but do you know where  you are ???", pointing at the Pyramids ...

Yes. Exactly. There are moments in life, like when you see the Bay of Hong Kong for the first time in the middle of the night, or the Hologram of Legend Shabana behind the court just in front of the Pyramids 10 years ago for the last Al-Ahram, apologising to his country for not reaching the final, where you have got to stop, and be grateful.

Be grateful to be involved in such a sport that allows us to place a court in such a place as the Pyramids.

Be grateful to be in a position where countries/Federations like Egypt, promoters like Mansi, trust you to cover and make the promotion of their precious events.

Be grateful for the welcome, the care, the love you get the minute you put a foot in Egypt. Merci à toutes et à tous.

Be grateful for that stupendous sight you get to see every day at breakfast, and every night after your meal.

Be grateful that you are part of a sport where the Athletes are your friends, your idols as well as  your children.

So yes. I am grateful. I am grateful I'm allowed to be here, covering this legendary event, ten years after my first visit to Egypt. The little I knew then how important this amazing country was going to become, taking over my whole life really.

Be grateful for everything. I am.

Elhamdoulillah, very much.