Cairo, Egypt


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Africa » Egypt » Lower Egypt » Cairo
July 1st 2009
Published: July 1st 2009
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June 26: Marriage survives packing


June 27: To Be...or Not To Be

Left only pen, not for distribution, with check-in desk...good thing we had a boxful of useless others packed underneath the plane! First trip expenditure included new pen at Hudson Book's for $4.50. At least it depicted good sites to visit while in Chicago... Next time we're there, we'll have to check those out.
Flight from Chicago to NYC delayed 90 minutes. Ran to catch connection only to find door closed. Tears and sympathy worked: door opened. We managed to get on board for two separated seats. Sympathy again found us together for the 10 1/2 hour flight from NYC to Chicago. Egyptians applauded both take-off and landing - I just love traveling with novices - it makes it exciting all over again

June 28: Touchdown

For your reading pleasure, Mark and Angel have created a heat index to give our readers a relative understanding of the heat we're experiencing in Egypt.
Level 1: Chicago August (minus humidity)
Level 2: South Dakota July
Level 3: Houston September
Level 4: Riviera Maya June
Level 5: Kyoto August

We felt like our landing time represented about a 2 of the heat index. Totally bearable.

June 29: Coptic Cairo and The Citadel


Our first amazing glimpse of the pyramids of Giza from atop the Citadel where the Mosque of Muhammed Ali was built. Overslept 6:30am alarm, woke up at 11, just in time for the heat of the day to really set in for our day of exploration
Heat Index: Riviera Maya June (Level 4)

June 30: Down for the Count


All the guide books say that every tourist gets Ramses Revenge. We did on Day 3. Tour to Dashur, Saqqara, Memphis aborted mid-trip due to what felt like approaching death for both of us. Reviewed repatriation of remains clause in Intrepid Travel Trip Notes. We were covered.
Heat Index: Kyoto August (Level 5) + near-death

July 1: Happy Birthday Georgia!! Happy Birthday Thom!


Back on our feet for the Great Pyramids. No doubt as to why the Great Pyramid, as the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, retains its title. Entered the Queen's pyramid and burial chamber, stood beside the Sphinx and took a guided tour with our Intrepid Travel Guide Achmed (Egyptologist & Archaeologist) of the Egyptian Museum. Incredible.
Getting ready to depart for Aswan on what I'm sure will be a luxurious overniht train trip;-)
Heat Index: Riviera Maya June (Level 4) (minus suspicions of near-death)




Additional photos below
Photos: 15, Displayed: 15


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Coptic CairoCoptic Cairo
Coptic Cairo

path to Old Cairo
Pyramids of GizaPyramids of Giza
Pyramids of Giza

Great Pyramid of Cheops and Chefren


2nd July 2009

Loving your trip
The blog is great and I can't believe the start was so stressful! Tears are always helpful, but Mark... next time let Angel do the crying. Keep the pictures coming and have fun! (I am packing all day tomorrow for our Saturday departure and have been running around like CRAZY to do last minute things...) Mengu will think about packing Friday night...
2nd July 2009

Sweet!!!
Everything is working bonita chica, guapo chico. Too funny!!! I laughed through your blog!! I am so excited for you guys, how totally awesome!! Have fun and you can always buy some immodium to plug you up! And what' with the pen thing.. have to have one? at all times!!! lol lol hugs and kisses love you!
3rd July 2009

Wow
Wish I was there with you,but certainly wouldn't want the Ramses Revenge. It looks incedible though. so enjoy every moment
5th July 2009

Surviving near death
So glad you guys made it through the revenge! Brutal I'm sure! Love the blog, great idea. Absolutely love the pic of the hanging lights at the mosque of Muhammed Ali. I think I want a copy of that. Lots of love and safe wishes for your journey! Nancy
6th July 2009

Great Blogging
Hey guys- hope you are both still doing well... thanks for the link to your Blog- makes it easy for me to just 'check in" from time to time. Love the pics- and you both look quite stylish in your "heat wear" I am appreciating the virtual travel opportunity provided by your pics and subtitles-- keep it up! The architecture looks gorgeous! And I realize that pics are only representing a small fraction of the true beauty and the immense proportions of those wonderful structures... so glad that you are on this journey together-- and hoping you continue to enjoy exploring new terrain together... Stay cool (well, that's a given I guess) I mean, stay temperately comfortable! Thinking of you both, and wishing you pleasant travels... Thom

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