Aug. 4 – Arrived Cairo almost midnight. Met bunch of fellow travelers. Although, I later would know their names, I only remembered that night, Joanne from Mackay, Australia, who happens to be of the same name as my sister. Checked-in at Novatel, while the rest continued to the Oasis Hotel. Unable to sleep, I went down to the hotel patio where belly dancing was being performed. Ordered Heineken beer (the only brand I recognized) and lo and behold, when I got my check, it cost an equivalent \$25.00 per bottle! That was an eye-opener on how much alcoholic beverage cost here in a Muslim country where they shun alcohol.

Aug. 5 – Met the rest of the travelers at Oasis Hotel. Wayne, our tour director, gave us an overview of what to expect, customs and "baksheesh" which is a way of life in Egypt. That night, we were offered a chance to see a Muslim wedding reception at the hotel. Ryan from OZ, Brent, a Canuck from BC, Andrea & Heather, both from Arizona, John, an Irish living in Sydney, were starting to register here as new friends. Hiro, my roommate for the rest of the tour as well as Turkey arrived in the wee hours of the morning.

Aug. 6 – Met a new arrival, Debbie from Long Island, New York with a very thick Neu Yaker accent, who will be my official buddy for the duration of the trip. Met Mohammed (but call him "Ahmed"), our local tour guide. First we visited the Egyptian Museum, where he gave a History 101 of ancient Egypt and the time of the Pharaohs. At noon, we headed to the Great Pyramids and Sphinx.

No words or pictures can ever prepare you for your first sight of the Pyramids of Giza – the last surviving of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Their size can scarcely be conceived until you stand before one of them. You suddenly begin to realize the immensity of the project. The shape of the pyramid, with its apex piercing the sky, symbolized a stairway for the pharaoh’s soul to rise heavenward. As the eternal shelter for the pharaoh’s body, it offered their people reassuring evidence of their king’s posthumous immortality and his continuing power to influence the gods on their behalf. It was designed to express a visible link between heaven and earth.

Cheops, great king of the Fourth Dynasty, whom the Egyptians called Khufu, chose to build his monumental tomb on a high rocky ridge on the west bank of the Nile, lying about 24km north of the ancient capital of Memphis. Chephren, or Khaefre, the son who succeeded Cheops, almost matched his father’s example. The pyramid of Chephren was only 10ft lower than that of Cheops, but since he chose a higher place on which to build, it is his pyramid, the center of the three, that appears to dominate the plateau of Giza. The third, and most southerly pyramid, was built by Mycerinus (Menkaure), who was probably one of Chephren’s brothers. Around all three pyramids cluster the mastaba tombs of the kings’ families and courtiers. Both Cheops’ and Mycerinus’ pyramids have three smaller pyramids built alongside; Chephren’s only has one.

The man-headed lion statue, Sphinx, crouches at the foot of Chephren’s causeway. The origin of the term "sphinx" is unknown, but it is possible that it is derived from the Egyptian words "shesep ankh", meaning "living image".

Then to a Papyrus Institute for a demonstration on how the ancient ones made and document their events on papyrus. By evening, we boarded our overnight train for Aswan. It was our first night to get to know one another. Christina was the guest bartender. Helen was celebrating her bday. Dancing on the bar (Marissa & Helen) and as always, drinks for everyone, to the early hours. The waiters joined in the frenzy of celebration. It was a night to enjoy and an omen of things to come for the group.

Aug. 7 – Early breakfast afforded us a view of the settlements along the Nile River. Not much to see but it was expected to be. Arriving Aswan by mid morning, we visited the High Dam, the unfinished obelisk (it had to be the largest piece of stone ever made, but nature decided otherwise) and then sailed on a felucca to the Botanical Garden of the island of Lord Kitchener (big deal for the locals if you can imagine the desert that surrounds it). Also we saw the Old Cataract Hotel that Agatha Christie referenced in the book "Murder on the Nile".

Aswan used to be the border trading city for Egypt and adjoining Nubia, and the rest of southern Africa, and a high percentage of Aswan's population are of Nubian descent. Some very pungent spices from the south can be obtained in the bazaars here. The walk along the bazaars were an experience itself. Everyone wants to sell their wares (and buy my"wives"). And they are very aggressive here. I was with Debbie, Andrea and Heather. The locals thought they were my wives and wanted to buy Andrea for four camels! They either put a high value on a camel or she’s only worth that much. I graciously denied their offer although I could have given her out if they negotiated it in gold.

We checked-in to our cruise ship, M.V. Meridien and for lunch. Siesta then at around sunset, we sailed again on a felucca. This time we formally introduced ourselves. It was amazing to hear that almost everyone were on a transition in their life. Some quit their jobs to travel. Uncertainty awaits them, when they come home. But who cares, life is too short to enjoy. Quite lucky, even though I will be gone for 10 weeks, there is still a job waiting for me. We continued our "getting-to-know-one-another" at the ship’s dancing hall. Met the group from Melbourne (Alison, Fiona, Tash, Caz).

return to the top - home