Old Cairo and the Museum

This morning we were up bright and early to Catch our bus and fight an way through the morning traffic into the city to our first stop-The Citadel in Old Cairo. Here we met Tariq and enjoyed the morning hearing about the history and viewing the Architecture of the citadel and the Ali Mohammed Mosque. The view from the top was spectacular– despite the pollution that hangs over the city.
The next stop was Coptic Cairo when we wandered through St Sergius Church which is said to be built over the crypt where Mary ad Joseph took refuge from the Roman’s after the birth of Jesus. We then visited a Jewish Synagogue with its exquisite woodwork and very interesting history.
Our next stop was the market with its multitude of stalls selling everything from traditional Moslem garb, to spices and women’s sexy underwear.
We decided to go from the market to the Egyptian Museum which was absolutely fascinating. Tariq was—as usual very informative, giving us a great deal of information regarding the history of Egypt, and specifically about the contents, theories and speculation surrounding King Tutankhamun’s tomb. A brief time to wander through the Mummy exhibit, and a stop a the bookstore across the street completed our ‘morning’.
Lunch was a buffet in a restaurant overlooking the Nile. We enjoyed the great food and the view. After lunch we said a fond fairwell to Tariq.
The ride back to the hotel was a real adventure through construction, with cars gong every different direction including against the traffic. We had a good laugh at a truck load of very contented looking cows.
The evening saw us really enjoying the Sound and Light Show. It was informative and spectacular! Then back to the hotel for a quick dinner and preparations for our drive tomorrow to St. Catherine’s on the Sinai Peninsula.

Giza Pyamids - Sakkara

We set out this morning at 8 AM for the Giza Pyramids, and were amazed just how close they are to our hotel. Our guide Tariq (or Derrick) was wonderfully informative and took the time all day to make sure we had all the information possible for what we were to see, and what or who to avoid. Our first stop was Cheops Pyramid where we climbed onto the pyramid, making sure adequate pictures were taken. We then took the bus about 5 minutes to the Khafre's Pyramid where we had the opportunity to take our very first Camel ride—this was quite an experience as we rode out into the Sahara Desert and looked back at the pyramids and the city. The opportunity for pictures was amazing.
Then we were onto the Sphinx—a sight we could hardly believe we were seeing first hand. But the morning was not yet over. We then went to a Papyrus Factory where we learned about the amazing technology developed so many thousands of years ago. A few took the opportunity to purchase some wonderful art for their walls. Then on to the Sahaanista Restaurant for a delightful-strictly Egyptian lunch.
This afternoon started with a visit to Memphis where we gazed at the Limestone statue of Ramses II, and the Sphinx carved in Alabaster. Though much smaller than the Sphinx of Giza—it was no less magnificent.
Our journey continued onto Sakkara where we gazed with amazement at the oldest pyramid—some 4800 years old. The whole area, set in the back drop of the Sahara Desert was magnificent. A few of us went exploring, but were soon turned back by the guards who felt we had overstayed our welcome.
Our last stop before dinner was at a perfume factory where we had the opportunity to smell all types of essential oils, many of which are the basis for world famous perfumes. We then headed back to the hotel for some time to clean up and refill our wallets and stomachs. Ready for an equally busy day tomorrow.

Safe Arrival in Cairo

Welcome to Cairo! For many of us—we will have been up in excess of 24 hours
Our journey started with Shirley and Merry leaving Victoria at about 6:15 AM. Next was a group of twelve who left Chelsea Gardens in Surrey by Limo. I understand there was some early morning Champagne drunk along the way! The balance of the BC connection met in the Vancouver Airport ready for our flight to Toronto. In Toronto we met the Dolha’s from Calgary and the Kaup’s from Spruce Grove and the Victoria two. It was great to be together at last, and on our way to Cairo via Frankfurt Germany. The time in Frankfurt was well spent enjoying a cup of coffee or exploring the shops before settling into our departure lounge ready for the flight to Cairo. We were tired by this time but still very excited considering the adventures yet to come.
Our hotel and home away from home for the next 3 nights in Cairo is Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel Cairo. It is a 5-star hotel surrounded by luxuriantly landscaped gardens, providing a respite of greenery amidst golden sands. Nestled between the city and the wilderness, the resort boasts unparalleled views of the majestic and ancient spendour of the Giza Pyramids. A glance out your window reveals the secrets of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
We are scheduled to arriving in Cairo at 3 PM, but expect that we will be sometime clearing customs etc. Once in our hotel we will meet for dinner, then take some time to relax after the journey. Perhaps a stop in the lounge, or a wee dip in the pool will be in order. Enjoy your evening and rest up for the adventures ahead.

We arrived safe and sound, though somewhat tired after our long journey. It was wonderful to see the porters at the airport as they walked us through visas, customs, baggage pick-up and finally onto our bus. The bus ride was an experience in itself. The lines on the road are for what? The air was thick with smells of all types and watching the traffic change lanes, weave in and out was somewhat hair raising, though our driver seemed to take it in stride. The architecture ranged from the magnificent to the destitute. We watched as pedestrians wound their way through the traffic, and an occasional Camel wandered across the busy road. The sights, sounds and smells of a big city assailed our senses. We all took note as we crossed the Nile.
It was wonderful to lay eyes on the pyramids, and know that our hotel was only a short drive further (We were on the road over an hour by that time.)
Check-in at the hotel went well, and we settled into our lovely rooms to relax and prepare for a wonderful dinner and tomorrow’s adventures.

Just one more week

Everyone is getting very excited about the upcoming trip to the Biblelands. In just one week and one day we will all be heading to our various airports on our way to our meeting place in Toronto. From there we journey together to Frankfurt, then on to Cairo! Once in Kairo we will be staying at the beautiful Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel Cairo for three nights.

Stay tuned for our adventures!