∙ Today, our cruise ship traverses the Suez Canal. We, instead, immersed ourselves in more Egyptian history and culture! (This time, Bill and I were "on our own".)
∙ Ramses Tours picked us up at 4:45 am -- yes 4:45 am -- for our flight from Sharm to Cairo! Oh my Lord!
∙ Upon arrival (at 7:15 am), Ramses took us to visit the Egyptian Museum, which happens to be located at Tahrir Square – primary site of the Rebellion. We saw some remaining rebels still camped out there (“occupy Tahrir Square?”), along with the burnt-out former office building of the Mubarak government. Presidential candidates’ posters hung around the city. Looters had raided the Museum during the Rebellion, with only about 60% of the stolen items recovered to date. Since cameras weren’t allowed in the Museum, I can only bring you photos of the building’s interesting exterior. While there, we saw the incredible golden tomb and treasures of King Tut (enclosed in his tomb for over 3,000 years before it was discovered in the 1920’s upon excavation of his tomb). We also saw the mummified bodies of King Ramses II and other former royals in “The Royal Mummies Hall”, along with numerous artifacts of ancient Egypt.
TAHRIR SQUARE
THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM
∙ We had our best lunch in Egypt thus far, at Andrea Restaurant. It was already about 2 when we got there.
∙ We were very tired by this point; the heat zaps the energy right out of you. But a reader named “Robyn” suggested that we check out Saqqara and the sites there. So we did . . . a small “payment” allowed us to photograph inside the tomb there (with no flash).
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∙ THOUGHTS/IMPRESSIONS
∙ This day was both painful (due to the early start and long day, after three nights of little sleep) and awe-inspiring!
∙ The Rames Tour guides and drivers continued to be reliable, professional and extremely cordial.
∙ We saw several police officers, but little military. All was calm and peaceful throughout the city on this hot, hot Saturday! The worst thing we saw was one man's fit of "road rage".
∙ The Egyptians I met continued to be friendly, welcoming and even funny. We even saw some females – so they haven’t been abducted!
∙ I didn’t experience the expected pollution, but the city’s Sphinx Avenue had turned into a dumping ground for trash since the Rebellion. Even the Great Pyramid was full of trash and debris. What a shame.
∙ I leave you with these final images from around Cairo . . .
∙ Tomorrow, we fly to Athens, Greece – one day ahead of the ship! We have nothing planned!!
I loved Egypt and am glad you made it to Saqqara; hope you enjoyed it. I was in awe of the inside of the tomb and am very jealous that you were able to photograph it...though I was pleased to see the pictures as a reminder of my visit.
ReplyDeleteYour blog has been great!!!
Robyn
Looks awesome. I can understand the pain (from tiredness) & joy at seeing all this. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWe loved you, Egypt!! Especially for embracing us Americans in spite of our differences. XOXO!
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