EGYPT Day 2

Today was another early start and then we were on our way for a breakfast cruise up and down part of the Nile. (the longest river in the world) The part that we cruised on was not very long and we just kept turning around and repeating the voyage until we had finished our breakfast and taken pictures – about 1½ hours. It was very nice. We once again boarded our bus and this time we set off for the Step Pyramid. That was the very first pyramid before the 4 straight sided ones that we know. Can’t imagine what it was like during the building of these. The plan, the numbers of people, cutting the stones, carrying them for miles and finally the placement of them! Our tour guide had a degree in Egyptology and was presently studying for her master’s degree. She gives lectures in North America and soon she will be lecturing in Virginia and in Montreal. She was so interesting to listen to and the knowledge that she could recite without hesitation when people asked questions, was extraordinary. She also explained about the political unrest in the country – because people asked and also because there was a big demonstration right outside our hotel last night. The police actually fired “sound bullets” to disperse the crowds. I didn’t rush to the window with all the sirens wailing – people shouting and finally the gunshots. (that’s what all the ruckus was that I mentioned in the previous post). She explained that this has become a way of life and these times are not frightening to her because the police and the army are very much in control – except for the nasty traffic. She expects that there will be much unrest right up until the election in September – their first democratic election ever!

After the step pyramid – we then made our way to Giza to see the pyramid of Cheops. Last night, we had a sound and light show here, but no time to see the pyramids in the daylight – so today was the day. The vendors around the sights are annoying to say the least. They are constantly in your face yelling one dollar one dollar. They try to put things in your hand saying it’s a gift and then tell you to give them money. We were warned not to take anything and just keep saying no – so I walked around the pyramids with my hands in the air saying “No thank you” and not making eye contact! However, I did manage to buy a few souvenirs and I RODE ON A CAMEL! Our tour guide, Dina, introduced us to a boy whom she said would be fair $3.00 US and not try to take advantage of us. So first, up went Tina and then I had my turn – thank God that’s over with! I had to face some pretty considerable fears doing that one. I did get up – the camel stood up and walked in a circle and then the camel was down on his knees and I was back on terra firma once again. Don’t ever want to do that again – it’s officially scratched off the bucket list – I’m not sure it was on there to begin with!

The pyramids are so immense – the base of the largest one is 13 acres. All the angles and degrees are so accurate – the precise engineering is difficult to understand today – let alone 4,000 years ago. Hard to be there and not be totally overwhelmed – and then some idiot camel driver or a vendor gets in front of you as you are trying to get a picture saying one dollar – one dollar – where you from? (Brian – you didn’t tell me about this….) Interesting note – carry your own toilet paper in Egypt or ….one dollar one dollar for a very few small squares – we were warned so we carried our own with us!

On to see the Sphinx – quite large indeed – and yep – his nose is gone! Originally it was carved out of one piece of sold rock. They think it is older than the pyramids and that is was originally a complete lion and then some self absorbed ruler thought that the head should reflect his likeness – and as the head was a different piece of stone, this seems to substantiate this belief. What happened to the original head? She told us, but that is one thing I will look up when I get home. There was so much information – it was difficult to remember everything. Since it was sandstone and not marble, we could very likely been walking on what remains of the destroyed head.

So then to lunch and then a race back to the ship so that we could get on board and continue our journey to Santorini. One other thing that was interesting along our drive was the pigeon houses that were everywhere – hard to get a photo as the bus was moving quite quickly, but I did my best. Now I am finished writing for now. I sometimes think my blogs are a bit long winded – but what we have seen and done cannot be said in just a few words – and heck – you can always just enjoy the pictures. I am missing home quite a bit just now and I think my writing helps me to be closer to you. See you soon!