Landing in Africa, in this case Cairo, for me is always like running into a brick wall. It takes a little while to adjust to the fact that evwerything is now different. I mean everything......from the way people dress, line up (or not), drive like in a video game, eat....everything! Now 12 hours later, things are falling into place as I recognize that I have to bargain to buy, not just pay and run. We went to the Light & Sound show at the Giza pyramids on our first night....not well done could have been so much more!
Seeing the pyramids during the day was no problem although the fog/smog seemed to be thick! In summary, a very large arrangement of shaped stones placed so as to form a very large pyramid. Clearly a major engineering & construction achievement! But in the same class as the Taj Mahal or Suez Canal in terms of engineering, architecture and pure art. That's my opinion (Rudy) anyway!
We enjoyed our two day stay here and are very glad to have seen the Giza pyramids, and many related Eqyptian artifacts at the Cairo museum. It seems the tour package we purchased was for a tour group of 2, Irene and I. Neven, our tour guide for 2 days toured us through the various venues. Nice format. Very happy.
Additional comments/notes.
1. Temperature 18-20C. Ideal.
2. Canals inside Cairo are lined with rat infested garbage.
3. Watched children tying rugs. Beautiful work, but there are all those issues.
5. People seem very reasonable to deal with given that in the tourist pipeline in which we are running there is pressure to buy stuff. Pressure is worse in Pakistan and Ghana.
6. Tour companyy took good care of us.
7. Lots of "Tourist Police", sniffing dogs, and security checks to protect the 40% of the Eqyptian economy that depends on tourism.
Had an amazing evening visit with Corinne McComb, a Canandian friend we met in Pakistan who is now living in Cairo running a business training teachers. Small world. Great to reconnect. Irene was far too busy arranging a follow-up holiday meeting in Italy with Corinne sometime in the future.
Tonight it's off to Ghana via Frankfurt.
6 comments:
Hey Mom and Dad
I see you finally figured out how to post pictures! We're all very happy to see what you guys have been up to! I did send you a big long e-mail mom, explaining how to do it so I don't know why you didn't receive it...anyway, I'm glad to see some pics! Nice to know you're having a good time...looking forward to seeing some pics of our old stomping grounds in Ghana!!
Laura
Hello Irene and Rudy,It took a trip by you two to get me to publish my very first blog. I'm ever so slowly creeping into the 21st century. All is well here. The girls came for lunch today. Look forward to more exciting installments of "how the world turns" or how Irene and Rudy Travel. Have fun! Love Elsie
H i Irene and Rudy this is great, you are not missing much at home except some cold whether have a safe trip.uncle ted.
disagree with that fedor character. fantastic coolish weather, trying to stay off sugar so can't go to half moon, no winter road as yet, went to cottage at -27C.Grreattt! Glad to see you are having a great time to!!!!!
jac
was sitting with Laura in church on Sunday and remembered to take a look at your blog..nice to see the pictures of relatives...
Take care,
Marianne
Hi Rudy & Irene!
Rudy, we'll have much to talk about at the next MCC Cyclathon! Thanks for your comments on our Mumbai Marathon blog. Best wishes on your trip, sounds great! Maybe we need to put our heads together for a Villages/MCC "Cycling" Learning Tour?!
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