Cairo
Click on thumbnail to view larger picture
After a very long flight from Australia in May 2004 we landed in Cairo to start our journey of this wonderful ancient land. We were so keen to start exploring that we took
an optional tour to The Pharaonic Village which is a site built in ancient Egyptian style. There were 300 people living
here to recreate the atmosphere and activities as they were in the past. We saw many fascinating things to introduce us to
the history and culture of Egypt including mummies, suggestions of how the pyramids were constructed and arts and crafts of the times.
|
The next day we left to visit the Egyptian Museum which is one of the most important depositories of Egyptian Antiquities in the world. The size of the building alone
was awesome, and we joined the crowds to explore. Our guide explained different statues and exhibits in detail and we began to get a little perspective
on the fascinating history that unfolded centuries before. One can find Tutankhamun's funerary mask which is inlaid with semi precious stone and glass. The alabaster canopic chest from
Tutankhamun's Tomb features the four heads of Isis, Neith, Selkis and Nephthys as stoppers for the different storage compartments.
|
Leaving the Museum was very difficult as there was so much to see however a lunch was provided and then off to see the magnificent
Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus. The great Sphinx of Giza was close by and we were all amazed at the proximity of buildings of Cairo so close to such ancient
wonders. Driving through the sandy area of the Pyramids, we began to see the amazing constructions for ourselves. The stonework and sheer size was stunning and the wonder was, just
how did they do it? We were lucky enough to be able to go down one of the tunnels and experience inside a Pyramid for ourselves. Back on the coach we drove the very short
distance to see the Sphinx, just around the corner. Buried in sand and now restored it is incredible!
|
The next morning we were off to see the medieval Citadel of Salah El-Din. This was originally a fortress which
watched over the Royal City of Egypt for almost 700 years. The Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali is an amazing sight as the roof features many tiled
patterns and is lit by a lot of natural light as well as the circle of lower electric lights that add to the atmosphere. The grounds are large and well maintained with great views of the city
below to be had. Wonderful day!
|
The evening brought a great experience - the Sound and Light Show spectacular which told the story of Egypt's ancient history. The show was projected so that the Pyramids
in the background were lit up and looked amazing in the coloured atmosphere. The show lasted for one hour and was another taste of history in our journey of Egypt.
|
A visit to Cairo would not be complete without a visit to the Khan El Khalili bazaar. Lanes of goods for sale
and tea sellers with large urns of hot tea on their backs for sale. There is not much that can't be bought here but bargaining
is rife and to take advantage one must join in and enjoy the challenge.
|
We stayed at the Sheraton Cairo Hotel and had a great view of the traffic outside. The round about was very busy and quite hilarious to watch the
goings on. Just crossing was a challenge but the locals took it in their stride and off they went!
|
A group of us decided to make the most of the last day in Cairo and walk to the Cairo Tower. This 187 meter tall tower, in the form of a latticework tube that fans out
slightly at the top, is said to imitate a lotus plant, and ranks only fourth among the worlds highest towers. It is made of granite, the same material often used by the ancient
Egyptians, and is about 45 meters taller than the Great Pyramid at Giza.
|
A last look at the city on the way out. This is a modern impression of a pyramids and many official functions are held here.
| 
