After a few days exploring Germany, we were on our way to a "whole new world" in Egypt! And that it was! The taxi into town was like riding the bumper cars at the carnival! Only difference was that we were in REAL cars! I have never been on such a ride in my life. I just sat in the back seat, closed my eyes and prayed for a happy death. The drivers were insane--5 lanes (?) of aggressive drivers weaving in and out without running into to each other or the crazy pedestrians! Now I know where the cab drivers in Chicago got their training!
I thought things would definitely improve once we skidded to a stop at the hotel. But that was even worse as we made our way through a dingy alleyway to the elevator that would take us up to the hotel. The room was quite nice and clean once we made our way inside. I felt quite safe (?) once we dead-bolted the door. Jason wanted to know if I would be able to sleep. I told him it would be no problem as long as he stood guard with the knife he had purchased in Germany! We decided that if Aaron didn't show-up in the night as planned, we weren't leaving that room. Fortunately, Aaron did show up and I fell asleep in spite of the horn honking, yelling, laughing, etc going on in the streets just below our balcony in downtown Cairo.
We had a guide (loose term) the next day that took us to tour the Citadel and the Pyramids. The pyramids could be much more enjoyable if things weren't so chaotic. I have never visited any place that is such a tourist trap. We were so hassled to ride a camel or horse. And to top it off, the "military guards" wanted to do "anything" for you to get you to pay them some tip or bribe. The pyramids are awesome and such a sight to see if you can block out all the local interference.
We also saw some interesting churches and other sights. We had an amazingly delicious seafood meal on the Nile one night. Afterwards we had coffee and date desert at the Hilton nearby. They grow the best dates in the world here in Egypt and I love dates...  |
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