The last couple of days have been a whirlwind tour of Cairo and the surrounds. I am finding out that the combination of heat and congestion make this place exhausting. However, it is well worth it. I spent an entire day wandering the streets and riding the subway exploring various parts of the city. I visited Old Cairo which has amazing old churches connected by narrow cobbled alleyways. On the other end of the spectrum I visited what is called Islamic Cairo (not that any one part of Cairo is more Islamic than another). Here, there is a busy market amongst massive old mosques. Overall, the history and architecture of Cairo make it a fascinating city. In addition, the everyday life of the Egyptians is fascinating. The traffic is crazy and death defying. It is certainly not pedestrian friendly. Luckily I have mastered a technique for crossing the streets; get on the downside of an Egyptian also crossing and move when he/she moves, essentially using them as a shield from the oncoming traffic. It is has worked out flawlessly, so far. I am also finding that Cairo has some amazing cyclists. There are fellas on old rickety bikes that deliver pita bread. They carry huge flat crates filled with the bread on top of their heads and magically drift in and out of the traffic. It blows my mind that they stay on the bike, or keep the bread on their head for that matter.
The very impressive Al-Azhar Mosque
Streets of Coptic Cairo
Besides hanging out in the city proper, I have gotten out and seen two different pyramid sites. Much to my surprise, there are many more pyramids out in the desert than the famous Giza Pyramids. The desert runs right into the edge of Cairo and along this line there are several pyramids (maybe 20 – 30, but an archeologist might say otherwise), some more intact than others. I visited a sight called Saqqara which is said to have been a burial site for more than 3500 years. Here, there are several crumbling pyramids and underground tombs to explore. Of course, in addition to visiting this site, I went to gaze at the Pyramids of Giza. These structures are truly amazing and are even bigger than they appear in the photos. It is mindboggling that humans had the ability to put these things together over 4000 years ago. What more is there to say?
Still standing tall
Desert Honda...Desert Cadilac
So after a couple of chaotic days in the city I am ready to unwind a bit on some beaches, which is exactly what I am going to do.
1 comments:
Hey Grant,
My schedule has been a bit ridiculous the last month, and I haven't had a chance to tune in, just getting caught up on your travels this afternoon. As per usual, your tour fascinates me! Looks like you've found another incredible spot. This latest post reminds me so much of the final pages of The Alchemist, and his journey through the desert. May you find what you are looking for there, and enjoy the rest of your tour of the dark continent! Namaste!
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