I don't know how I will be able to follow up that last post. If nothing else, the fight alone was worth the price of admission. Today's post will make everyone glad this is free.
My big plan for the day was to visit Giza, and specifically, the pyramids at Giza (and that lion/woman thing....you know, that thing that's there). But the waking up at 11am did not bode well for that, as I did not want to get there too late since it was supposed to be a hot day (90F and up for this week).
Instead, I decided to spend the day at the Egyptian Museum.
I got up, and since I already missed breakfast, I spent time re-arranging clothes, got some tea, and started walking.
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| My view during tea |
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| My view from the balcony |
The walk was easy, even though I was on major roads with a lot of traffic.
26 July bridge, like everything else, was packed. So the bikers road on the sidewalk. But I did get a view of the Nile while up there.
I walk and walk, past the mini-souqs, past the smells, across many...uhm, "lanes" of traffic (I looked each way and never came close, or really close, to getting hit), and found the museum. Past the security who checked for nothing but gave me a little problem, past the people promising to get me in on a "special" deal, past security again, and getting the would be guide to stop bothering me, I was outside the building.
Do you see those pictures of me? I was one sweaty hog.
I got my ticket, at a student discount of course, and tried getting inside. Oh, no, I cannot bring my camera. But, if I give you...or, OK. Where do I go? Outside? OK, I drop off my camera. Back inside, hey you need to buy a new ticket. Yours has been ripped already. Yeah, by you, two minutes ago!
Inside, through security again. Wait, what's in your pocket? Swiss Army knife. Cannot bring that in. Wasn't a problem the first time. Ugh, OK, back outside.
Finally I got inside, and was allowed to wander freely. No one bugged me for almost two to three straight hours! How glorious!
Inside, as those who are reading who have been there know, there is a lot of stuff. It kept me busy for a long time. No photos are allowed inside, so I can only share these three:
These three show University of Michigan Karanis excavation materials at the Egyptian Museum. Go Blue! I know those numbers anywhere!
After such a long time there, being so hot, so sweaty, and not having had a proper meal since lunch in Chicago (that airline crap does not count) or keeping hydrated, I was near to passing out. I need food, so let's go!
First, Eeyore poses showing some pride.
Outside, I walked some more, and found this restaurant near the hotel. All I wanted was tomatoes and cucumbers, for some strange reason, and that is what I found (along with white beans and a lot of juice and water). Eeyore enjoyed the meal.
Got to the hotel, took a nap, a much needed nap. But not too long, I have dinner plans! Thanks to the wonderful Carol Lark and her friend Mayssa, I have friends in Cairo. They picked me up, and we ate some delicious Egyptian foods. Sadly, Maha offered to take me to Chili's, and I refused the offer.
And the food was great. How great? I ate it all!
Well, not all. My stomach is no longer that big. And there was some meat there I did not partake in. But the rest was great.
I should have taken more pictures, but I did not want to be annoying. This is what I had. Along with some sugar cane juice.
To my surprise, my host, Mohamed, paid for the meal. And then he was insane enough to pay for my new sim card and minutes for my new phone. I am grateful to him and Maha for their generosity and hospitality. They were great people to dine with and meet.
Say hello to Mohamed!
Today, no one nearly died on my account. No one was threatened. No hassles anywhere, and I enjoyed my day.
Tomorrow I try again for Giza. If I do, I am sure I will get some good pics there.
Until then...
One last one for Kim:
Cui!!!!!!
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