End days in egypt

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From Aswan to Cairo on another overnight train...not as pleasant as on the first ride but manageable. A terrible meal this time and the train rattled and shook a LOT...too much to sleep well . Oh Well...

Back in Cairo a brief revisit of the Citidal of Saladin and it was even more remarable this time. The domes are truly fantastic on the inside ... the photos are good and I look forward to showing them when I return. When I was there the first time I realize that I was quite zonked by the jet lag and it was a bit of a blurred memory so to return was fine .

Off we went to the Khan a Kalily Market and Islamic Cairo . I don't know why , but Ramone was really reluctant about this area . I think it may be because he is a Copic Christian of firm resolve . Whatever . The group went on to the hotel after lunch and I stayed to soak up a bit more of Cairo . Travelling with the group has been good but you know me I do enjoy my meandering on my own . I also need to sit in sidewalk cafes journelling and watching people . There isn't enough time for that on a tour unless you take the time...and I do ...and it is acceptable ......I think!

That night we were treated to quite a spectacular thunder and lightening storm ... something that is very rare in Cairo . It rained a GREAT deal flooding roads and even parts of the Metro . The internet and cell phone connections were down for @ 4 hours . It had real impact .We had to change our driving route out of town the next morning because of flooded roads .

Yesterday we were at Mount Sinai and I attemped to climb to the top ... right ... I ended up going as far as I could on a camel (I am getting the hang of riding those beasts) and then tried the 736 steps to the summit...naaah... I surrenderd at 100meters from the top deciding it wasn't worth it . The steps are steep and going down was scary enough in the light I didn't want to do it after sunset . Besides My barreries quit on the camera as did the second set with me . I took it as and omen .

This Morning we spent in St Katherine's monastery and it is a place I wish we had had more time in in . The history and the ambiance were pleasing to me . Oh well , I have decided I will suggest to GAP that 24 hours there might become an optional excursion as there is a hotel/respite available.

And now we are at a resort on the Red Sea soaking up the sunshine and enjoying a space with NO sound of cars or mass population . It is a bit of paradise . Tonight I plan on eating fresh fish grilled outdoors and possibly having a beer or two ...Life is Good.

Tomorrow we take a ferry to Jordon and the next stage of the journey .

Hope all is well . Keep in touch and do add your name at the end of your comments so I know who is reading .Take care.

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Comments

[judith]

hi from vermont
Pamela, Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I am enjoying your travel log and pictures. Take care and as it keeps snowing here, I am liking this journey to Cairo and now Jordon! Judith

[lucille]

Wish I were there ...
Wish I were there but am vicariously enjoying your adventurous travels sitting here at my computer -- your photos are an added bonus -- look to seeing them all when your return.

[Donnie]

Disappointed that you didn't jog up the Mount - oh well!!!

[Jan]

Hi Pam, I am really enjoying the blog. Great pictures too! Jan

[Lynn]

Sounds like a great journey. Glad all is going well and that you are truly enjoying your trip...was there ever any doubt about that. Too bad you don't do snokeling. I hear it is the best in the world. Looking forward to your next update. Take care. Lynn

[Louise]

great pics
Thanks for the updates Pam. Really enjoyed the pictures. Saskatoon Lou

[laura]

Jordan
Really enjoy it...the food, the people...joy!

[Tim Krista and Liam]

Sounds like a great adventure. Nothing like a cold beer on a hot day. ENJOY! - Tim, Krista and Liam

[JoJo]

Yes, life is good. I was getting worried that I hadn't heard from you. But here you are. So glad that all is well, and you are enjoying the adventure. Love the pics.

[Fred]

Own the Podium
How can you Own the Podium if you quit 100 meters from the top? Can't say's I blame you however, I'm sure it is quite the climb. I've heard before that climbing down is the harder of the two parts. I laughed at your mention of the electrical storm, because it brought back memories of the two Egyptian engineering students I used to meet up with some days as we walked across the bridge to the University of Saskatchewan. One morning, fresh and clear after a wonderful prairie thunder storm, they told me they had never seen anything remotely like the lightening, nor heard thunder before, and spent most of the night under their beds! I can imagine if you've never seen nor heard a storm before, it would be very upsetting. All that said, is this occurance a sign of changing climate in Egypt? Cheers - F

[Joy]

You lucky devil! The GAP tour sounds great! Remember - the best trips have a few rough spots so there are good stories to tell when you get home.

[Mo Adams]

Good Life
Glad life is good. grilled fish and beer sound good.amazing sights you have seen. Great pics.As you can tell..Muriel forwarded all the blogs I had missed. you seem to have fixed the transmission of the latest ones to me. Mo

[Krista]

The Beauty
Oh, the beauty of it all. I was admiring the hoar frost and the sunshine- quite the contrast to your view. Love the updates and the photos were beautiful. Tim, Krista and Liam