We hired a taxi to take us around to the many pyramids in Giza and beyond. Driving to the pyramids might be the most impressive sight with the tips popping up over the skyline of Cairo. We made an unexpected stop at a papyrus store where we were coerced into spending lots of money on (I'm sure) overpriced paintings.
The pyramids were impressive yet somewhat disappointing. While their scale was spectacular, the atmosphere left a little to be desired. As one might expect, the revolution had adverse effects for the tourism industry here and trinket sellers and camel drivers are in dire need of some customers. Not to mention that summer is low season anyway. So every five steps we were hassled with someone try to sell us something. The dirt paths are not well marked though it is pretty obvious where the next pyramid is and there are no signs anywhere to indicate what you should be looking for in certain places.
The sphinx however was my favorite. Though it is being restored right now it is still a pretty incredible sculpture. And of course an independent guide there made us take the ridiculous photos with it.
We then headed past Saqqara, the oldest pyramid found yet, for a photo op and onto Dahshur, the red and black pyramids. The "black" pyramid looked as though someone rounded off the sides of it and we were able to go 140 m into the "red" pyramid but I have to admit I didn't really see the colors our guide spoke of. Matt thought it was about the coolest thing ever to be in a pyramid by ourselves (there was nobody else around!) but my claustrophobia caught up with me, causing me to nearly faint and I had to get out of there as fast as possible.
It was a long, hot day which required a nice long nap in the cab while our driver navigated the constant Cairo traffic. The great pyramids of Giza can now be checked off the list!
Sorry again about pictures. I am having trouble loading them onto my computer...soon though, I hope!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Cairo
I apologize for my absence loyal readers. I have been finishing up school and trying to figure out future plans plus study for the GMAT and saying tear-filled good byes. I will try to be better....
As most people may know Matt came to visit last week and we had a blast in our whirlwind tour of Egypt.
Our first stop was Cairo, a huge city with a long and grand history. Our first night we headed to Zamalek, the island in the middle of the Nile where wealthier Egyptians and many foreigners live. We walked across the 6th of October bridge, got lost but eventually ended up at La Bodega (http://www.labodegaegypt.com/), an upscale Italian restaurant for which we were definitely under dressed. But foreigners get away with everything so we had cocktails and a lovely meal which consisted of a veggie pasta and chicken stuffed with cheese and bell peppers.
I have to say that I am never more scared for my life than when crossing a busy street in Cairo. I have learned to stand next to a local and do as they do but walking the in the middle of speeding traffic has never seemed like the best idea. Regardless if you want to get anywhere in Cairo on foot this is an inevitable situation. So tip for anyone coming to Cairo: put your hand out like the force is with you and walk with your head up high walking at steady pace and of course be ready to jump out of the way of an excited cab driver. Check this out: Cairo street crossing
The Cairo adventure will continue...
As most people may know Matt came to visit last week and we had a blast in our whirlwind tour of Egypt.
Our first stop was Cairo, a huge city with a long and grand history. Our first night we headed to Zamalek, the island in the middle of the Nile where wealthier Egyptians and many foreigners live. We walked across the 6th of October bridge, got lost but eventually ended up at La Bodega (http://www.labodegaegypt.com/), an upscale Italian restaurant for which we were definitely under dressed. But foreigners get away with everything so we had cocktails and a lovely meal which consisted of a veggie pasta and chicken stuffed with cheese and bell peppers.
I have to say that I am never more scared for my life than when crossing a busy street in Cairo. I have learned to stand next to a local and do as they do but walking the in the middle of speeding traffic has never seemed like the best idea. Regardless if you want to get anywhere in Cairo on foot this is an inevitable situation. So tip for anyone coming to Cairo: put your hand out like the force is with you and walk with your head up high walking at steady pace and of course be ready to jump out of the way of an excited cab driver. Check this out: Cairo street crossing
The Cairo adventure will continue...
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