Ep 5. Egypt

In An Idiot Abroad season 1 episode 5, titled Egypt, viewers follow along as Karl Pilkington travels to the land of the pyramids, hieroglyphics, and mummies. While Karl is excited to see such historic monuments, he's also skeptical about following this particular itinerary, which has been crafted by his friends Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, who enjoy giving Karl a hard time.

The episode begins with Karl arriving in Egypt, where he immediately notices the large crowds and chaos in the city streets. As he navigates his way through the busy markets and crowded tourist sites, he finds it difficult to appreciate the ancient history of the city. He complains about the heat, the noise, and the pushy street vendors, leading to some amusing moments as he tries to bargain with them.

Karl's first stop is the Great Pyramid of Giza. He is impressed by the sheer size of the structure, but as he climbs to the top, he starts to feel a little panicked, struggling with both the height and the claustrophobic narrow passages. Despite his fears, Karl manages to make it to the top, although he is a little underwhelmed by the view.

Next, Karl checks out the Sphinx, which he finds a little creepy, describing it as a "half-human, half-lion thing." The guide tells Karl about the myths surrounding the Sphinx, including the supposed curse on anyone who defaces it. Karl wonders if Ricky has sent him to Egypt specifically to tempt the curse, leading to some humorous exchanges between Karl and the guide.

Karl also visits the Luxor Temple, one of the most well-preserved ancient temples in Egypt. Here, he learns about the history of the temple and the rituals performed inside. Karl is particularly interested in the mummification process and remarks that it's "an expensive way to go." He also scoffs at the idea of preserving a cat, saying, "I don't even like cats when they're alive."

Throughout the episode, Karl is also struggling with the food, finding it difficult to adapt to the local cuisine. He is hesitant to try the street food and makes several attempts to order familiar western dishes at restaurants. While some dishes are more agreeable to Karl than others, he struggles to find something he truly enjoys, leading him to wonder why people bother traveling so far for unfamiliar food.

One highlight of the episode is Karl's hot air balloon ride over the Nile River. Although he is initially apprehensive, he ultimately enjoys the peaceful excursion, taking in the beautiful scenery from above.

Overall, An Idiot Abroad season 1 episode 5 provides an entertaining look at Karl Pilkington as he navigates the bustling city streets and historic sites of Egypt. His skepticism and dry humor make for some amusing moments, while viewers can appreciate the beauty and history of the country through his travels.