Pyramids and stuff
Trip Start
Oct 30, 2007
1
4
15
Trip End
Nov 18, 2007
Aswan,
Egypt
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Yesterday, was an amazing and tiring day. We spent the morning at the pyramids. Wow. It is so surreal to see them in person, to stand on the great pyramid, see the Sphinx, get your boob grabbed while walking down into the second pyramid... Yes, well that did happen, in a dark section of the very tight, narrow, and hot pathway down into the pyramid. But, Kristi just brushed it off. Probably some teenage boy, whatever. It's a good story to tell. There also seems to be an infatuation with Kristi's hair. Twice she has had girls touch it while walking past. Anyways, back to the Pyramids- it was unbelievably hot, stuffy, thick air, etc inside the pyramid. It is hard to imagine someone working inside it to prepare it for the king. Very neat experience, but not for the claustrophobic.
In the afternoon we went to the Egyptian Museum and saw all of King Tut's stuff among everything else - just amazingly beautiful and ornate, all for a boy king that really had no accomplishments in his reign.
Some additional observations about Egypt:
-the people are extremely friendly and helpful. The children are so curious and think nothing of starting a conversation with you as best they can.
-we have not felt unsafe at all. We freely walk around town without a problem, well, except for crossing streets - then, you are at risk, but having lived in NY and Chicago, we manage ok.
-when people find out you are from the US, they are very friendly and say things like "America very good" or "Love America"
-food is still very good. All meals have been tasty and cheap. We typically eat for 20 Egyptian pounds or less for the two of us together which is equivalent to around 3.50 US dollars. We are eating at local Egyptian places, not the places designed for tourists.
Funny story - Kristi haggled for a cotton shirt this morning and the guy wanted to know where she was from. Sje told him US and then he asked where. So, she said Chicago - he then asked "do you have a gun?" then laughed. It was hilarious. Very nice guy that actually has been to the US once - to Des Moines no less.
Ok, well need to run to be ready for the felucca ride. Hope all is well at home.
Comments
Boob grabbing
I had no idea that Bill Clinton was in Egypt right now!