Place: room 209 (still no windows) 16:45 , on bed by cupboard
Thought for the day:
Confucious say, " he who ride camel have sore bum"
Our day started off by getting into the wrong taxi. The hotel arranged a taxi for us, but had also arranged a taxi for another guest. When we got in the taxi and started chatting to the driver about pyramids and camels, he started looking very confused. eventually he stopped and double checked our names and realised that he was supposed to have picked up someone else. Anyway, at least we got a free tour around the block and our taxi driver arrived shortly after that. Our taxi drivers name was Achmed - classic!! he didn't call us infidels or threaten to kill us. :)
We saw the pyramids of Giza, the Koptik area and the Citadel. All very interesting places full of history. The sphinx was pretty amazing - missing a nose but still magnificent.
We were amazed at how massive the pyramids are and how strong and sturdy they still are after 5000 years - you can really appreciate the work that went into building them without any modern equipment.
In the area where the pyramids are you will find arabs selling anything from small pyramids to pepsi and camera men wanting to take your picture for money in return. As we walked into the area an arab placed a white cover on our heads and said that we looked good. When we asked him what he was doing he said that we needed this for the sun and the sand - but we didnt ask for anything. He told us we had to pay him 100 egyptian pounds, i said we had 30 EP. So he took the 30EP - not many arabs have seen their arse in a bargain, this oke met his match. If you ever go to the pyramids, take a guide with you and make sure that your guide chases away all the salesmen - they are relentless. This stems from their desperation. 90 million people living in Egypt - the majority living below the bread line.
Our camels name was Mickey Mouse - the horse didn't have a name. Mickey was a champion farter - he seemed to fart as he went up the hills. He hated getting down so that i could get off. I reckon he was so flippen old that once he was up it was better to stay up
The koptik area is just an area of churches that has been preserved for historical purposes. Egypt used to be predominantly christian and there are a lot of churches still in this area - don't think they are functioning though. Donna mentioned that it is quite interesting that muslim guys are rebuilding the churches and preserving them - maybe this is prophetic!
The last area we went to was the Citadel. Their is a massive mosque there, high above Cairo and has an incredible view of the city. The o's in the mosque didn't allow Donna in initially as she was wearing 3 quarter pants. They wanted 5 EP for a robe that she had to wear so Donna said that she would wait outside. I nearly broke an Egyptian in half as he told her to "get out". But managed to control myself and keep walking. Anyway, due to the persistent nature of Donna, she pulled out a sarong which she had in her bag and whipped it around her waste. She approached them again and had to have photos taken with them but was then allowed to enter. I was surprised as she came bounding into the mosque looking very proud of herself. Once inside she was approached by a young arab asking her if she was Angelina Jolie.
We got back to the hotel and crashed as we are still tired from the long hours of traveling yesterday. Off to get some supper soon.
Thought for the day:
Confucious say, " he who ride camel have sore bum"
Our day started off by getting into the wrong taxi. The hotel arranged a taxi for us, but had also arranged a taxi for another guest. When we got in the taxi and started chatting to the driver about pyramids and camels, he started looking very confused. eventually he stopped and double checked our names and realised that he was supposed to have picked up someone else. Anyway, at least we got a free tour around the block and our taxi driver arrived shortly after that. Our taxi drivers name was Achmed - classic!! he didn't call us infidels or threaten to kill us. :)
We saw the pyramids of Giza, the Koptik area and the Citadel. All very interesting places full of history. The sphinx was pretty amazing - missing a nose but still magnificent.
We were amazed at how massive the pyramids are and how strong and sturdy they still are after 5000 years - you can really appreciate the work that went into building them without any modern equipment.
In the area where the pyramids are you will find arabs selling anything from small pyramids to pepsi and camera men wanting to take your picture for money in return. As we walked into the area an arab placed a white cover on our heads and said that we looked good. When we asked him what he was doing he said that we needed this for the sun and the sand - but we didnt ask for anything. He told us we had to pay him 100 egyptian pounds, i said we had 30 EP. So he took the 30EP - not many arabs have seen their arse in a bargain, this oke met his match. If you ever go to the pyramids, take a guide with you and make sure that your guide chases away all the salesmen - they are relentless. This stems from their desperation. 90 million people living in Egypt - the majority living below the bread line.
Our camels name was Mickey Mouse - the horse didn't have a name. Mickey was a champion farter - he seemed to fart as he went up the hills. He hated getting down so that i could get off. I reckon he was so flippen old that once he was up it was better to stay up
The koptik area is just an area of churches that has been preserved for historical purposes. Egypt used to be predominantly christian and there are a lot of churches still in this area - don't think they are functioning though. Donna mentioned that it is quite interesting that muslim guys are rebuilding the churches and preserving them - maybe this is prophetic!
The last area we went to was the Citadel. Their is a massive mosque there, high above Cairo and has an incredible view of the city. The o's in the mosque didn't allow Donna in initially as she was wearing 3 quarter pants. They wanted 5 EP for a robe that she had to wear so Donna said that she would wait outside. I nearly broke an Egyptian in half as he told her to "get out". But managed to control myself and keep walking. Anyway, due to the persistent nature of Donna, she pulled out a sarong which she had in her bag and whipped it around her waste. She approached them again and had to have photos taken with them but was then allowed to enter. I was surprised as she came bounding into the mosque looking very proud of herself. Once inside she was approached by a young arab asking her if she was Angelina Jolie.
We got back to the hotel and crashed as we are still tired from the long hours of traveling yesterday. Off to get some supper soon.
awesome photos, you two! i love the camels :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks amazing! I'm so jealous!!
ReplyDeleteThe last time a Christian broke an Egyptian, he wandered the desert a very long time. Careful.
ReplyDeleteAwesome blog so far guys! Looks like the adventure is off to a great start. Brett J
ReplyDelete