Egypt Day 2
After breakfast at our hotel we headed out to visit the Citadel of Salah Al-Din and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammad Ali. As we drove the crowded streets of Cairo to reach of destination we had a very nice education of on the religion of Islam. Hmmm very different from what is presented on fox news?
Next we were off to the step pyramid of Saqqara and the Imhotep museum. Here again it was interesting to be able to enter the tomb and understand what the carving on the wall represented to see how there were so many depictions of food being brought to the soul for the afterlife.
Our journey continued to the ancient city of Memphis. This was pretty small site and we opted to cut some time from the visit there to have more type at Giza. We stopped at the Mit Rahina Museum to see the huge fallen king Rames II statue and the alabaster sphinx.
It was then time for lunch at another 5 start hotel. I should mention that every site visited, every hotel, museum etc had security check points with metal detectors and x-ray machines. Some people were annoyed by this but after all it is Egypt. This hotel actually checked under the cars and busses with a mirror before you could get to the front entrance.
After lunch was the high light of the trip. The pyramids of Giza and the sphinx. Now much to say but wow!!!!!!!!
We were warned about the vendors at the sites especially the pyramids and how they could be vultures. It turned out to be true. We were even chased by a man on a camel, but hey it made for a great picture. When driving in Egypt they do not believe in staying in their lanes. So a 3 lane road can have 5 lanes of traffic. They speak to each other by using their horns. It is crazy and very scary. But part of their culture. I am sure that this is the same in the port. Ships heading into the port in all directions, in the fog blowing their horns. It makes sense after seeing the way they drive.
Many people on the ship were turned off by all the garbage and filth in the streets. Luckily from my research and from another friend being here last years I was prepared. I was expecting it and chalked it up to culture and 20 million in one city. It was unfortunate that some could not see the beauty, friendly warm people that actually live here for the garbage in the streets. Most say they wound not return. I would. I would not see all the same sites, for there is so much more to see here. Lots of people have the Gi bug. We are not allowed to touch any of the food. We cannot even get our own coffee.
I ask who faults is this? Is it Egypt? Or people who did not bring had sanitizer with them? Drank orange juice most likely from concentrate? We were very diligent and it looks like it paid off.
I loved seeing all the people in the streets, the donkeys, water buffalo they are a part of what life is in Cairo.
I give our trip an A+++++ the only way it could have been better is if the fog lifted earlier. Maybe It gave us extra education time.
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