So on Monday I was back at the visa office at 2p.m., which is the preferred time for collection. Everything was ready for me and I am now valid to stay in Egypt until 14th April 2019.
After a couple of hours at Hammees and a meal at Kam Thai (#1 and #15) I returned to the West Bank. The RRH was closed as it is Mohamed's birthday (as in the prophet, not the publican) so I spent a few hours at Fayrouz. I would have gone early to bed but there was a local band performing very loudly in the hotel garden. I don't understand why they need amplifiers. Or why guests at the hotel are not warned that a disruptive event will be taking place. No consideration. I know why Christine does not stay in the hotel!
Another break in my routine was when the staff discovered a snake in the garden. Much banging of sticks, throwing of bricks, etc., finally resulted in an unpleasant death for a 40cm long, very thin snake. More like a large earthroom or a short bootlace.