Firstly, it is stupidly hot in Cairo. It is going to take us awhile to adjust to the relentless heat in Egypt! Arrived in Cairo in the middle of the night so didnt think it was too bad, but our first day missioning around and we were wrecked.
We started off the day in Old Cairo. Not a great deal to see here unless you are interested in churches of the Christian faith. Didnt spend too long there before catching the metro across town to Islamic Cairo where there is an abundance of mosques, bazaars and eager salesmen. Not that keen on buying considering it was day 1 of many and our packs are already pretty rammed full of stuff!
There is a mosque walking circuit you can do around the Khan Al-Khalili area which we did, however one small diversion off the beaten path and we were in the slums, or dead cat alley as it should be named. Quickly corrected our route and we were back on track.
There is a mosque walking circuit you can do around the Khan Al-Khalili area which we did, however one small diversion off the beaten path and we were in the slums, or dead cat alley as it should be named. Quickly corrected our route and we were back on track.
After running the gauntlet in the crazy Cairo traffic (I am surprised Egypt doesnt produce Olympic sprinters) and catching some hair raising taxis it was back to the hostel to collaspe from heat exhaustion.
Day 2 didnt see us any better off, it was hotter today with temperatures hitting 39 degrees. It was the first day our our official middle east tour and we started the day with the money shot trip to the pyramids and sphinx. Breathtaking, but dont take too much of a deep breath as the pollution will burn a hole right through your throat. Soaked up the rays and the atmosphere at the pyramids by taking in a camel ride. Our camel guide could not have been more than 6 years old. We didnt rate our chances if the camel decided to bolt and his camera skills werent the best but we still tipped the little fella just for getting us back safely.
In the afternoon it was a visit to the Egyptian Museum. Ridiculous amounts to see in there, the best is probably all of King Tutunkamens treasures, and he had a lot considering he only reigned from the age of 9 to 19! Pretty greedy if you ask me.
Caught the overnight train from Cairo to Aswan (13 hours) and it is 44 degrees here. I am wishing I could become a camel so I could store water as I am buying it by the bucket loads and could create my own plastic bottle pyramid the way I am going!
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