Wandering the desert–Cairo

May 13 2011

I’ve joined the throngs of people who’ve fallen in love with Egypt.  Hard to say why, exactly.  It’s dusty, filthy, the traffic is enough to make you cling to your hotel and never ever want to venture out into the streets (Oh the drivers are insane!) and honestly, the vendors and touts don’t give you a minute to BREATHE at the tourist sites. 

For all that, the people are charming, the smiles are so free and easy, there is laughter everywhere, the scenery is stunning, and the food is wonderful.  I even enjoyed riding a camel!  (Yes, they do stink.  But they’re a surprisingly fun ride.)

Then of course, Egyptology is fascinating.  So today’s trip included a visit to the Cairo museum, which does not allow photographs (sadly)  It’s a magnificent building, and the displays are beautiful. King Tut’s treasures are astonishing.  I would have liked more time there, and perhaps some time in Luxor or Alexandria.  And I could definitely use some time cruising the Nile!

I didn’t know, for instance, that Egypt produced essential oils used in the manufacture of perfumes and colognes.  Mmmm!  I saw the production of papyrus (and now own a stunning image of the Judgement of Anubis) and I’m amazed at how papyrus is so beautiful.  I am still awed at the detail in the tombs and the artefacts from the museum.  And modern Egypt – that gorgeous mixture of the exotic and the ordinary – is mesmerizing.  The men are so beautiful!!

Tomorrow, it’s into the full desert, and on to Jordan,

 

		Cairo VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

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