The Australian Hostel Cairo

... has 3-4% salinity. We jumped in the water and were amazed at how buoyant we actually were. It was impossible to sink and actually even hard to roll over. We had a fun time lounging in the water, got some cool pictures and then were covered in the local ‘healing mud’ (it might have been pure crude oil, we’re not sure) that burned our skin until we washed it off. While the rest of the group entered a nearby resort for an expensive ...

... of blocks required to build a pyramid. Unbelievable.
Touching the pyramids, you realize this is not an illusion or mirage. These are structures that have stood for 3000 or 4000 years.
Then we were off to see the Sphinx. It's actually right beside the Pyramids, so we didn't have far to go.
The Sphinx is another of those structures that makes you think you are really insignificant. It's been here as long as the pyramids and still amazes people.
It had ...

... lots of money lol.
I also share this apartment with 4 sweet and adorable cats. Chino, Onyx, Zuzu, and Seba. I will be posting pics of Chino and Onyx in this entry. I haven't gotten pics of the other two cuz they don't sit still lol. But anyway, here are some pics of kitties and my bedroom (which I'm loving :D). I'm going to do my best to keep up with this stuff for my extended family back home :).

... of thing was common on tours. Also the restaurant had a great view of the pyramids.

We were supposed to end the tour on camels in the desert while the sun set behind the pyramids. Ines then informed us that the camel rides would be 150 LE, which was a "special price" because we were students. At this point, we knew this was an outrageous price. Everyone we had met along our travels had paid 20-50 LE. We told her we thought it was too expensive and didn't want to go. At ...

... the treasures of King Tutankhamen, it was enclosed in his tomb more than 3,500 years- Back to hotel. Overnight in Cairo.

Day 3:

Breakfast at hotel- Transfer via air-conditioned modern van to Cairo International Airport for departure by flight to Luxor- Meet & assist at Luxor Airport- Transfer to hotel - Enjoy an excursion to visit Karnak temple, the ancient Egyptian "Ipet-Isut", the largest ancient religious site in the ...

... ended, the real fun began. It was a complete zoo. Exits were blocked. Snipers were crawling in through windows from their perches outside. Throngs of people surged to the few exits not closed off by burly security men. Looking for a bathroom, I found myself lost and alone within the labyrinthine halls of the building. Suddenly, a pack of secret service burst through a door at a quickened pace, eyes darting every which way. Through the forest of guards, I espied a petite and older woman ...

We landed at Alexandria and travelled by coach to Cairo - abouit a 3 hour bus ride. The antiquities are interesting, but the presence of armed guards everywhere was a bit unnerving.

We attended the dusk show at the pyramids, had a ride on the Nile, then were taken to our rooms. Next day, more exploration of ancient sites.

... i was at my hotel , but once again i looked lost so another young Egyptian girl helped me, not just a little help we walked for around 1hour
I said I can get a taxi but she replied i like walking and talking with you, which I thought was cute, so we walked.
She too asked me was i married. (funny but nice ). She told me she is not really allowed talk to men but i was a tourist so its kinda OK.She ...