A day out and about in Cairo

It is my first day awake in Cairo. I arrived the day before but slept the day away. I needed the sleep after 22 hours including layovers. The city is very alive for a Sunday morning. I'm on my way top the Egyptian museum. I'm lost and trying not to show it when a nice man asks me if he can be of assistance. He says he is on the way to the cafe across from the Museum and would be happy to show me the way. While we are walking the call of the prayers start. Muslims pray 5 times a day. You can see men praying on mats on the sidewalk. Men and women are not able to pray together because the bending over of the women is a distraction for the men. As in India you see many more men on the streets than the women.
Once I arrive to the museum, the nice man shakes my hand and says he hopes I enjoy my stay in Egypt. I explore the museum dodging touts trying to get my attention by portraying to be guides. The museum is huge. you could easily spend a week there. It is amazing to see the Mummies! King Tut's mask is just as incredible.
I set off in search of lunch. I'm trying to cross the street. A difficult task as a foreigner. Another nice man asks if he can help me. He grabs my hand and leads me across the chaotic street. He then invites me to his family's shop. He introduces me to his uncle and says he will return but he needs to pray. Once again there is a calling of the prayers. His uncle has his daughter bring us lunch and he begins showing me the local arts of Egypt. He shows me the perfumes and explains all the different oils and their uses. He spends over an hour with me. He never asks me to buy anything and is very gracious. I am loving Egypt! I say goodbye and head off to meet my tour group at the hotel.
On my way to the hotel people are asking where I'm from. when I reply America they say "tell America we are your friends" and enjoy your time here in Egypt.

I arrive at the Victoria Hotel. I meet my tour guide Ola and the other 8 people I will be traveling with for the next 15 days. They are all couples. There is Angelina and Paul from Australia ( Angelina is originally from Canada), Rachel and Paul from the UK, Russell and Marie from Australia, Yanna and Maximo( Yanna is originally from Latia, and Maximo is originally from Argentina) both are now living in Florida. Everyone is very nice. We get the details of our trip and head out for an Egyptian pancake dinner.

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