oh Egypt.

For the end of my spring break I went to Cairo, Egypt with Clara. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life! I fell in love with the culture, the food, the people, and the gorgeous scenery! Prepare yourselves this will be long and include LOTS of pictures!

Our first flight left at 6:50 in the morning to Switzerland and from there we took a plane to Cairo. I sat next to the nicest people on the plane, who actually owned a travel agency in Egypt so they helped us to get our visas and made sure that we got picked up by our hotel. It was a nice way to start off.

Our driver greeted us and as we were walking out of the airport a guard stopped us and asked if we knew the man. We had to show the guard our confirmation and he had to look at our driver's ID. It was kinda intense, but I was glad that they did ask. Safety first! So we walk all the way to this little beat up Fiat with shag on the dash! We were slightly skeptical, but we got to our hostel in one piece. This may not seem like a great feat, but let me tell you! The drivers in Egypt are 10 times worse than the Italians!!! I didn't even think it was possible!!

We checked into our hostel, which was in a warehouse type building. There wasn't even a door on the elevator.

The lovely elevator.

It seemed a bit sketch, but for $7.00 a night you couldn't beat it. Since the hostel was only about two blocks from the Egyptian Museum we decided to go walk by it and take some pictures of the outside. We wouldn't have had enough time to go inside, but the outside gave plenty to look at.

Cairo Egyptian Museum.

Me in the courtyard of the Egyptian Museum.

After leaving the museum we decided to walk down to the Nile. This is where we got our first introduction to how much attention we got being two American girls. We had about 5 teenage boys come up to us and ask where we were from and to take a picture of them. We just ignored them all, which as we learned later, is exactly what your supposed to do. It was just about this time that we asked ourselves, "What the hell did we get ourselves into?" But after this our trip only got better and better!

The Nile at sunset.

Boats on the Nile.

We decided to spend our first night on a dinner cruise on the Nile. Our hostel set everything up for us. We met our driver at 9 and he took us straight to the boat. They were still preparing the dining area so we went to the top of the boat and looked over the Nile. We even got to have a wedding party on the boat with us, as they were doing their reception on the cruise.

The wedding party on the dinner cruise.

We went back downstairs, and had some delicious food! Our driver ate with us for the first ten minutes, which was a little awkward but then he left and all was fine and dandy!

Definitely not pasta!

Soo delicious!

Me and Clara on the dinner cruise.

Cairo from the Nile.

After dinner they had a bunch of different entertainment, this included live music, a singer, a belly dancer, a guy who twirled with a skirt, two guys with sticks, and then the belly dancer came back! It was really fun to watch, but me and Clara refused to participate! We figured we'd save our embarrassment for later!

Belly dancer.

Twirling skirt guy.

When the entertainment was almost done, we went back to the top of the boat to enjoy the scenery and the fresh air. The skirt spinner was up there and we started to talk with him which was nice.

Me with the performer.

What wasn't so nice is when American stereotypes kicked in and he tried to make out with me! NO THANK YOU! We met up with our driver and he took us back to the hostel. All in all it was a successful first day.

The next day we got up early to go see the pyramids!! We again booked a tour through our hostel. We had breakfast (bread, jam, and tea) and by the time we were done, the guy working reception informed us that the driver didn't show up! He said not to worry though, and that he would take us instead. Well this did make us worry slightly, but it ended up being the best misfortune. Our driver's name was Mido and he was the nicest guy ever!! He first stopped on a bridge so we could take pictures of the Coptic churches on the Nile. He also said that in the summer people will put lawn chairs on the bridge and just sit and enjoy the breeze.

Grain barge on the Nile.

Coptic Churches on the Nile.

We decided to first go to the pyramids in Saqqara. On the way there we got to see a different side of the city. Including lots of oxen and donkeys. Mido kept us occupied with riddles that made us feel extremely stupid for not knowing! Here's some examples: "What is between earth and sky?" "What is a fish without an eye?" I will say I did get the fish one, so at least I slightly redeemed myself!

Locals with oxen.

So after stopping and stocking up on liquids, which Mido bought for us (what a gentleman!), we headed into the desert! Saqqara is an ancient burial ground, serving as the necropolis of the ancient capital of Egypt, Memphis. Saqqara has numerous pyramids and tombs. We started off by going into some of the tombs. Mido told us to avoid anyone that approached us. We weren't exactly sure what he was talking about but we found out. We got to the tombs and a man asked to see our tickets and then took us into the tomb. You had to bend in half to crawl all the way down. I definitely thought I was going to fall! The first tomb was covered in hieroglyphics, it was sooo cool to see! We left the first tomb and made our way to another. The man pointed a few things out and then asked us for $10. We learned our lesson and only gave him $3. Even if they ask for a ticket, it doesn't mean they work there!! We continued to walk around at our own pace, then we went back to the car and Mido took us to the Pyramid of Djoser.

Entrance to Saqqara with some ruins.

Me and Clara in front of the pyramid of Userkaf and the Pyramid of Djoser.

Me and Clara in Unas' tomb.

The Pyramid of Djoser, or the step pyramid is the oldest complete hewn-stone building complex. It dates back to the third dynasty of Egypt!! We walked around the pyramid and the surrounding tombs for about an hour and then made our way over to Giza.

In front of the entrance to the complex.

Inside the entrance.

Me in front of the Pyramid of Djoser.

Camel.

They were doing repairs to the pyramid and this man was chipping stones to fit.

We decided that if we were going to Giza, we should see the pyramids in style. And of course that means via camel! :D Mido took us to the government run facility to find a guide and our rides. This meant that we only had to pay a flat price and that was that. After some haggling and being told I look like an Egyptian movie star we were good to go. They gave us a camel and a horse since they said it's much easier to take pictures from a horse. We decided to do the long tour, so our first journey was a "mountain" where you could see all 9 pyramids in Giza. Clara started off on the camel and I got the horse. About half way to our destination our guide, Hesham, gave the camel a whip. This caused Clara to almost fall off, and me being the great friend I am, I took pictures and laughed at her!

Clara's best friend.

Clara falling and Hesham trying to get her back on the camel.

Once we made it to the panorama spot we could see all of the pyramids! It was absolutely amazing!!!!! I can't even begin to describe how happy I was! Hesham then lead us through a photo shoot in which I got to grasp, point, and hold the pyramid as well as walk like an Egyptian and do jumping shots! It was exciting.

A collage of all the pictures in front of the pyramids! [If you click on the picture, it will enlarge]

Pyramid of Menkaure and it's subsidiary structures.

The Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Pyramid of Khafre.

Our guide, Hesham.

Cairo in the background.

We then left the mountain and headed for the Pyramid of Khafre. I now got to ride the camel, as Clara had pretty much had her share! :) We arrived at the base of the pyramid and actually got to climb up the first part of it. I couldn't really even comprehend that I was standing on one of the pyramids!! It was insane!

Me standing on the Pyramid of Khafre.

Me and Clara standing on the Pyramid of Khafre.

After leaving the Pyramid of Khafre we briefly went past some tombs and then made our way to the Sphinx. I experienced many mind blowing moments this trip, but the Sphinx definitely topped them all! It was incredible to see in person.

The Sphinx!

Me with the Sphinx.

After the Sphinx our tour was over so we said goodbye to the pyramids and Mido took us to a legit papyrus factory. The manager showed us how the papyrus was made in ancient Egypt and is still made today. You start with a papyrus plant cut it to the width you want your paper. Next you strip off the green and slice it into strips. After that to strengthen it, you beat and roll the strips. Then you soak the papyrus for 6 days or longer (depending on desired color) in water. The strips are then placed both vertically and horizontally and placed under a press. They are in the press for at least 6 days and then it is dried in the sun and ready to be written upon!

The process of papyrus making.

After the factory we headed for lunch. We stuffed our faces with Egyptian "salad" and then we had mixed kebabs of lamb, chicken, and beef along with rice and potatoes! Yum! Side note: Salad in Egyptian food is generally pita bread with several different hummus', as well as assorted pickled and fresh vegetables.

We got back to our hostel and were ready to relax for the night when our roommate invited us to go see the sunset on the Nile. Our roommate Reese was from England and had lived in Cairo for 8 months about 2 years ago. Also, she was fluent in Arabic! The sunset was one of the fastest I had ever seen, but it was absolutely gorgeous!

Sunset with Cairo Tower.

Sunset.

The next day we decided to go to Alexandria, Egypt, so we booked a tour through our hostel again. It was a three hour drive and after driving by the pyramids, Clara and I pretty much passed out! We woke up when we arrived in Alexandria. Our driver for the day, Timour, dropped us off at this building and told us to meet him in a cafe when we were done. We headed to the gate and learned that we would have to check our cameras. Although we were a little skeptical we checked our cameras and got inside. There were some obnoxious Canadians who were being super rude and made someone stay out to watch all of their cameras. You wonder how westerners get bad reputations?? Turns out we were at an old tomb that had both Roman and Egyptian influences. It was really interesting and we got to walk around on these planks that made us feel like actual archeologists. We left the tombs, collected our cameras (which were fine), and then headed back to the car. Timour took us to two places that he said weren't really worth paying for, so we took pictures for the outside and continued on.

Pompey's Pillar.

Roman Theater.

We then stopped on the White Sea, otherwise known as the Mediterranean. I can now say I've seen it from both sides and two different continents! Huzzah!

The White Sea.

Timour then dropped us off at the Alexandria Citadel. The citadel was right on the sea and very pretty but we didn't really get an opportunity to enjoy it. Friday is the Egyptian's day off, thus it was really busy and crowded. Clara and I were both in skirts and otherwise covered up, but we still drew A LOT of attention. At one point I'm pretty sure we had at least fifteen 8-17 year old boys following us asking where we were from and what our names were. It was obnoxious. We resorted to speaking in Italian and standing by tourism police to make them scatter.

The Citadel.

Inside of the Citadel.

Sitting in the Citadel.

After the Citadel we walked along the boardwalk with Timour. It was much nicer. Since we were with an Egyptian man we weren't bugged and if we were Timour would just tell them off. It was nice to just sit by the sea and enjoy the view!

The Citadel from the outside.

On the boardwalk.

After the sea it was lunch time. We went to a seafood restaurant and got very fresh fish. We were a bit put off when we first saw the meal, but it ended up being really good! The only thing we weren't brave enough to try was the shrimp! Their eyes were too creepy.

Lunch.

Our final stop of the day was the Alexandria library. Obviously the original is not around today, but the new modern library was pretty cool to see!

The Library.

Me in front of the Library.

We then bunkered down for the ride home where we managed to stay awake a bit longer. We even passed an African safari! :) I then re awoke as we were entering Cairo and got to see one last glimpse of the pyramids from the car.

The great pyramid from the car.

The next morning we set out to see the inside of the Cairo museum. We got there early and went all the way through security to learn that we had to go back out and check our cameras. Thankfully we didn't have to wait in line again and got through security just fine! The museum was so cool. It was dim, dusty, and crowded. It had the feeling that everything just came out of the desert! I LOVED it! We got to see a ton of Egyptian artifacts like mummies, sarcophagi, canopic jars, jewelry, and papyrus. Not to mention most of the treasures of Tutankhamen! It was soooo cool!

After the museum we met up with Reese to go to the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. She took us on the metro which at first we were slightly skeptical of. Turns out it was even nicer than Rome. Plus they have women-only cars, so you don't have to deal with the skeevy men! Once we got off the metro we took a cab to the Bazaar area, since Reese wasn't exactly sure how to get there.

Before we started shopping Reese took us to an Egyptian fast food restaraunt called GAD. Let me tell you, Egyptians know how to do "fast food!" It was more like a sit down restaurant, but the food was AMAZING and it was super cheap. We got four different traditional Egyptian dishes and just shared them. I would eat that food everyday for the rest of my life! It was that good!!

AMAZING food!

We then hit up the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. It was a winding maze of small narrow streets selling everything from scarves (which I bought), silver, antiques, everyday items, tourist souvenirs, etc. We even managed to get a few marraige proposals! Ha! It was really fun to just wander around and we spent the rest of the afternoon there. We also got to stop and take some pictures of a Mosque. They're everywhere there and have such a simplistic beauty to them.

Call to prayer towers of the Mosque.

Reese had to leave us, and about an hour after she left we decided to head back to the hostel. We got in a taxi, and the driver took us to the location that we said, but it wasn't actually where we wanted to be. He didn't speak English so we just got out and decided to try another one. But thanks to Clara, she actually did recognize where we were and we were able to get back to the hostel. Success! That night we decided to go find a place to eat without the assistance of our friends. The first place we went to ended up being completly in Arabic, so we decided to keep on trying. We eventually found a cute little restraunt that was convienently in both english and arabic! We had a great last dinner in Cairo, enjoying as much of the food as possible!

Our last day we didn't have a lot of time to really go anywhere so we just walked around our little part of Cairo. We walked down by the Nile one last time, and then found a cute park in front of a Mosque to sit and enjoy the sun. We wrote a note to our hostel telling them we were indebted to them, and that without their tours we would have been lost somewhere in the desert! We walked around some more and found a church that we went into. It was really interesting to see the difference between the churches in Rome and the churches in Cairo. It was also cool because right next to the church was a mosque.

Fence in front of the Cairo Museum.

Bridge over the Nile, with Mufasa guarding over. :)

Hibiscus flower in the park.

Mosque and church.

We got back to the hostel and sadly gathered our things. Our driver stopped so we could take a few pictures of sights on the way to the airport.

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha.

Right after this our amazing trip took a turn for the worst. Our plane was departing from Terminal 3 of the airport, but our taxi driver tried dropping us off at Terminal 1. Thanks to some helpful people and some pointing we finally got to the terminal. Then we went through security to check into our flight, but the guard said that we couldn't go through. He told us to look at our flight register and mark off our names. We scoured the register, but alas, our names were not on the list! This is where we started to slightly internally freak out. They told us that we weren't scheduled to leave until Wednesday and since our tickets were "special" they couldn't just change the date! So after many confusing exchanges we had to buy completely new tickets back to Rome! It was a rather depressing journey home! But thankfully my father is AMAZING so I won't be starving for the next few months! Thanks Dad!

But I won't let our last moments in Egypt spoil the whole trip for me! It truly was an AMAZING adventure! :D

I really am sorry this is sooo long! But I mean what did you expect? My only regret is that I didn't get it posted faster! Turns out that ten page papers, and other homework assignments keep you from blogging! Stupid school!

I love and miss you all! Happy Easter! I'll be in Budapest! :D