The next morning Ahmed was waiting out front bright and early. We stopped by an ATM to get some Egyptian Pounds (about 6 EP per dollar) to pay the museum entries, and made a stop around the corner at a falafel stand for a typical Egyptian style breakfast. This consisted of pita filled with fava bean falafel and chips (fries). We had ours sans lettuce due to the possible microbes. The sandwich and fries cost about 20 cents US and tasted like heaven! We suddenly realized that we could survive in Cairo for weeks on about ten dollars..
For the next two days Ahmed took us to various cultural sites that he felt would give us the most for our three days, and in between bantered stories with Noa about the Eygptian National water polo team. The first day we went to the National Museum, which was looted in January during the rebellion by some of Mubarek’s personal guard. But nonetheless it was filled with treasures, and we learned about the history of the 30 Pharaohnic dynasties, the uniting of north and south Egypt, and the riches found in King Tut’s tomb. We saw mummified Pharaohs, and ancient hieroglyphics depicting the Gods- Vulture for Sorth upper area, and Cobra for the North lower area, in addition to many others. We learned about the god nicknamed "Yum Yum" with crocodile body and hippo head that judges people for the afterlife and eats the sinners.
After that we went to visit the beautiful Alabaster Mosque built by Mohammed Ali (not the fighter) within the citadel of the great leader Suladin (who fought King Richard during the Crusades). We learned all about Islam, and took some photos inside the Mosque with locals curious to see blond haired visitors. We learned about the Five Pillars of Islam, and most importantly that the Muslim faith is not much different from our Christian beliefs. Finally, we ended the day with a walk around the street market, which is called the Souq. Here various vendors are desperately trying to sell their wares, and we heard some very creative lines in English. “Come and visit and I will tell you what you need!” or the more obvious, "How can I take your money?" Hmmm. We decided that we did not really need anything but a snack, and settled into a café to enjoy some more Lebanese mussef, kebab and falafel. While sitting there, a number of retired Aussies were smoking away comparing their bargains, and we tried a puff on the traditional hooka, called a sheesha, with apple-flavored tobacco. One puff only was plenty! But for a moment we were living the life in Cairo!
The final day was spent at the great pyramids. The great pyramid is 146 meters high and has enough blocks to completely enclose france with a 3 meter high wall! This was followed by a trip to the the very first "step" pyramids in Sukkara designed by the engineer and priest Imhotep. Yes the same one in the hollywood "Mummy" movies. Only the real Imhotep was very smart and good. We did a tour inside one of the tombs- after which we all decided this was NOT the way to be buried. And by the way- the Pharoahs did not sacrafice all of their slaves and relatives to be entombed with them- which is the popular belief in the west. There is much, much more that Ahmed taught us during our visit but that is best saved for a book report by master Noa...
 |
| Ottoman Cresent |
 |
| Looking out of the tomb |
 |
Pharoah's Barge
|
No comments:
Post a Comment