Egypt - Days 1 &2

We finally arrived in Egypt, even though it was a day late! We got in about 5am local time and then got to bed about 6:30am. Then we woke up and headed out on the bus by noon.

Our first site was Memphis, the first capital of the united Egypt. It has been destroyed and is now just a small town. People have built right on top of the statues and buildings and artifacts so only a small amount are still around. Their is a modest little musuem that we saw with one of the largest 'collossalls' (a big statue) of Ramses II.

After Memphis we traveled a short distance to Sakkara where there are some amazing buildings and a small, stepped pyramid (the oldest of its kind). We actually went inside a pyramid and say some of the decorations (which are very modest and nothing like Hollywood pyramids). The walk into the pyramid is a small, cramped ramp down about 90 feet, claustraphobia cuold easil;y be an issue for some. Also in Memphis we had a great lunch which Kaci ate most everything, it was basically a roast, some veggies, and rice. We've been told that Israel is where we may have some food troubles.

After Sakkara (which is also spelled Saqqara) we headed back into Cairo but stopped at a rug school where they traine young boys and girls to weave rugs. Since school is only cumpolsory for 9 years these "schools" train students in an art which can be very lucrative. After a purchase at the rug school we headed back to our hotel for dinner and bed.

Day two was an amzing day! I wish you could see the sights with us!

We started the day early at the Great Pyramid! I can try and describe the size to you but it wouldn't do it justice, the thing is just gigantic!

.... I'm running out of computer time so I'm going to upload some photos and give you a quick review of the day! ....

After the Great Pyramid (which is one of the three Giza Pyramids (we saw all three) we went for our first camel ride. We then headed to the Sphinx and walked around the area and learned a bit about the temples and the sphinx itself.

We then took a ride to see the Mosque of Muhammed Ali which is inside the Citadel. It is another site that is lareger than life. After the mosque was dinner a Le Pacha 1901, a floating restaraunt in the Nile. We finished the day at the the Egyptian Musuem which is litterally crammed full of stuff, including the entire contents of King Tut's tomb and the preserved mummies of Ramses II and others. It could have easily taken us an entire three or four days if we hadn't had our guide to help us hit some of the high lights.