the next day

My first day in Egypt, I could conclude was eventful. I experienced what it was like to ride on Camel, wander into the desert for over an hour, and then watch the scenic Pyramids from a distance. For a noob like me, it was a satisfying experience.

Yesterday, the guides tried to convinced us to go back the next day (today). They tried to entice us, saying, the scenery of the Giza Necropolis would be much beautiful to behold when there is plenty of light. They even promise to lead us to some tombs where we could find real mummies and real helioglyps. Well, that if we come back and then get them as guides too.

But we didn't listen.

My sixth sense was tingling and I did feel that the guys were deliverately over charging us and were taking advantage of our generosity.

Hence today... no pyramids. We went out to see the old Cairo

light and sound show

We still have an hour extra before the gates will open. Hence, we decided to take our dinner on an Indian restaurant just across the gates.

The place was good. Our table was situated on the rooftop of the 4-storey building and from that vantage point, we could see the light & sound theater. The waiters told us that we need not go inside the gates because we can see the theater and we could also see and hear the show from the rooftop. All we need was oder some food so we will be allowed to stay.

The pyramids during the Light & Sounds Show

Indeed, the waiters were right. We watched the show from the rooftop and with a much better view of the show. More importantly, we save 75 pounds each for the entrance tickets.

I was also able to get some night shots of the lighted pyramids

Papyrus deal

An hour and half of camel ride made my legs numb. It took me awhile to fully recover my composure and made a straight walk. I believe, the horse back was far more comfortable. Just look at my colleague. He didn't experience any numbness on his feet.

While waiting for the taxi, the tour guide invited us to a nearby Papyrus Museum. The owners (and the guide) were very accomodating and even offered us free drinks. He then showed us his vast collection of papyrus paintings, papyrus hieroglyps, and papyrus artworks of varying sizes and colors.

There were all beautiful but I was taken aback when I saw the tag prices ranging from 300 pounds for the A4 size papyrus to as high as 3000 pound for the A1 size papyrus. I guess the guide saw our expressions, that he wisphered to us saying he will ask for special price and discount. Few minutes later, he came back and boasted that he manage to negotiate a 60% discount for every A3 size painting plus he will give us a free A4 painting for free. Now the prize is set 500 pounds - more of less a 100US$.

The deal sounds fantastic, but deep in my mind, I have doubts with the sincerity of the dealer. Call it hunch, but I could sense that he was taking advantage of us - big time! Yet, I still gave in.

You know why? My colleage took the bait and I followed suit. Hah! I know, this was a mistake but I just close my eyes and think that this is better than being robbed or mugged on the streets.

As consolation perhaps, the guide lead us to the gates of the pyramids. Indeed it was close. The guards, however, informed us that they will open at 7:30 pm for the light & sound show.

Giza

Later in the afternoon, we decided to take another trip. This time our destination was the Pyramids.

The simple thought of seeing the magnificent Great Pyramids of Giza was exhilarating. All I had in mind was to go there and see it. I didn't bother to search the Internet to check what to expect and didn't even ask the Sheraton concierge for information on how to get there. All we did was get a taxi and asked the driver to take us to the pyramids.

We easily agreed when the driver asked for 80 Egyptian pounds for a one way trip. That's cheap - just less than 20US$, I thought.

Excitement filled my heart when I first saw the apex of the pyramids from the distance. The driver - with very little English - tried to explain each pyramids. I didn't mind him though. I know, he was talking rubbish because he was mixing contemporary myth with factual information.

Few minutes later, I was surprised when the driver took us to a local Camel and Horse stable - and not on the gates to the pyramids. He quipped in broken English "pyramids closed, go desert, pyramids look, ride horse"

I looked at Armin and I could sense that he was not comfortable. But I insisted. We paid 80 pounds each for the camel and the horse (I took the camel) and paid another 300 pounds for the guides.

I was really happy and overwhelmed with the feeling of riding a camel. I didn't mind how bumpy it was. Seeing and riding a real camel, was a big experience that I would surely boast to my friends.

When the guide lead us to a desert hill overlooking the pyramids, we were already contented. "At last, I have seen the Great Pyramids", I shouted. We stayed for few minutes, took some pictures, then started moving back to the stable.

Nile River

Too much excitement perhaps, I woke up early - 6am to be exact - and hurried to the hotel balcony just to see how Cairo looks like in broad daylight. I was still groggy from the jet lag last night but it all disappear when I saw the beautiful Nile River just below our hotel room.

The view was spectacular. The large Nile river (where we are staying) is forked with an island and is littered with small boats and rowers. Four bridges connects the island and the river banks. Noticeable also, is the moderate traffic of cars and pedestrians crisscrossing these bridges.

We didn't waste time. Ater taking breakfast at the Sheraton Tea Garden, we took a stride on the Charles de Gaulle street. We treek along the street and ended up besides the Nile River bank.

The boat rides easily catched our attention. And without second thought, we talked to the caretaker to take up upstream of the Nile. He agreed for a fee of 100 Egyptian pounds each.

And yes... I experienced a simple "cruise" on the Nile River. Something that I would treasure for the rest of my life. A shadow of experience on what the Paraoahs did 5000 years ago.

For more pictures, please visit my website in PBase at Streets of Cairo or Egypt Landscapes. The same pix can be seen on my alternate site at Amazing Egypt although it is not arranged well.

my first step to africa

EgyptAir flight MS650 made a smooth landing on the Cairo International Airport runways at around 2am. Everything seems in order and we didn't encounter any inconvenience even at the immigration area. My colleague - Armin - bought few bottles of Black Label at the nearby duty free shop, and in less than thirty minutes, we were already on our way to the Sheraton Cairo hotel.

Our trip was relatively easy and there were no complications along the way. Except for the kamikaze driving style of the taxi driver, there is nothing I could complain of. And just when I thought that we made a mistake of choosing a taxi, I was surprise to see all Egyptian drivers do the same. Hah! Would you believe? Not only they do snake driving but the do a dangerous blind far-right U-turns.

I remember what my Egyptian friend used to tell me before "speed limit is a suggestion, road lane is decoration, and snake driving is a must". Now, I fully understand what he meant.

I would commend the taxi driver though, for bringing us to the Hotel safely.