I have just returned from a dream trip to Egypt. As a child, I was drawn to the subject of ancient Egypt. I even saved my allowance and gift money to purchase a book on King Tutankhamon. The trip was everything I had hoped for and more. Going to Cairo from the west coast of the United States makes for a long day of travel. Arriving in Cairo after more than 20 hours of flying (not including 2 layovers), was an exhilarating shock to the system. The first thing that smacks you is the traffic.
At first, it seems like absolute chaos. Western sensibilities and adherents of the bubble wrap culture can be quickly overwhelmed by the volume, noise, and lack of any traffic rules. However, if you observe, you will notice it is more fluid and organic than it appears. The Cairo traffic movement model moves along much faster than traffic in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Seattle, and many other major American cities. Learning to cross the street takes courage and ability to closely follow a local until you get the rhythm. There's no secret really; just step out, start walking, and never use the sidewalk. You will not be hit despite how it may look. They will stop. The road is shared equally by pedestrians, cars, donkeys, motorcycles, trucks, wheelchairs, dogs, and horses.
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| View from our hotel room. |
We arrived and settled into out hotel room high above the Nile river. What a city and what a view. The Nile represents ancient civilization and a connection to the ancient Gods and beliefs. It was absolutely exhilarating to wake up to such a view. After such a start, we headed out to visit the pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza. A short cab ride through Cairo's organic traffic devoid of traffic signals and rules, we arrive at the site. The Great Pyramid dominates the landscape. There is no way a person can be unimpressed. Unless of course, you are a petulant teenager from the developed world staring at a cell phone.
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| View from the back of a camel. |
We decided to have the full tourist experience. We climbed inside the Great Pyramid. Don't let the name fool you, the passage is not very roomy. I'm short and I had to squat down in some parts. The heat is stifling despite being a winter's morning. Would I do it again, absolutely without a doubt! But I would never visit in the summer either. And outside in the fresh morning air, we headed straight to the obligatory camel ride. Originally I did not plan on taking a camel ride, but when in Rome....
Egypt and the people were amazing. Coming from the United States I was very concerned due to the rhetoric and open hate unleashed by the current administration's ignorant and hate-filled positions and actions. However, the real Muslim people of Egypt showed to be above the politics of hate. I was really looking forward to exploring beyond the Pyramids. In my quest, we visited mosques, a synagogue, and a Christian church. Each place of worship brought a sense of peace. Luxor Temple rose above all locations by being a single place of worship since 3200 BC.
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