Venus, Jupiter, and the Moon

The day ended without fanfare. In the office, everything moved in its usual snail pace clock cycle. My boss hibernates in his office, while I kept my office locked and spend the rest of the day sleeping. Yep, you are right. I do sleep in the office, well... just like my boss. hehehehe. Then I went home at 4pm, an hour earlier than my schedule. I could have stayed longer but was the only one left in the entire building. Everyone has left since 2pm.

* * * * * * * * *

I pass by at the Akaria Mall to buy a large Camera Bag at Al Swalim. My old Safro is no longer enough for my ever increasing cameras & lenses.

On my way home, I saw this stunning view in the sky. It was 5:35pm and the sun has just set. Two bright and shining stars could be seen on top of the crescent moon. I was awestruck that I stop my car and took a picture of the sky... using my Sony Ericsson k800i Phone. Of course, the resulting picture was ugly so I rushed towards home, hoping I could still catch the spectacle when I arrive home.

And truly, I hurriedly pick up my camera, long lens, a tripod, and proceed to the rooftop of the our building. I tried capturing a beautiful picture but honestly.. I don't know how to set my camera right. Tsk tsk tsk... not my forte, I admit. All I could salvage was one ugly overexposed picture.

not forgotten

1:16am

An incoming SMS pop in my phone. I was quite surprise because the number is unknown +3462xxxxxxx. When I opened the message, it says "I just want to say Hello.. hopefully it will reach u to let u know.. you're not forgotten"

I tried calling the number, but nobody answered. Half an hour later, another SMS arrived from the same number with the message "Made a hot drink. my dreams always woke me up. You're in it. Sorry I can't take your call. Miss u more than u know".

Tsk tsk tsk.... I guess, I know who send this messages. Is it Autumn in Spain right now?, hmm.. I wonder.

Saudi Drivers - a 2nd look

If you heard my 4th Project Speech in Toastmasters, you would certainly remember that I called the drivers of Saudi Arabia as Kamikaze Drivers. I did expound the idea that here in Saudi, deceleration is an unknown word. You either stop or get bumped. Hehehe... of course, I was trying to hype up things. Not all driver are like that, but the majority of the brood, are! Nyahahahah.

Seriously, I admit I was mistaken with my judgement. I really thought that Saudis are the worst drivers in the world until I met the Egyptian drivers. Believe me, Saudis are just kittens compared to the Egyptians who are the monsters of the road.

That's why when my cabbie took me to the city at the speed of 110kph - the allowed speed limit, I yawned and start complaining that we were slow. He just look at me and explained "Yalah, mamnooh! Katir pulis henah" (It's forbidden and there's lot of police there)

On the afterthought, I do drive my car at 140-160kph along the Airport Expressway. I should qualify as a Kamikaze Driver too

Back to Riyadh

Landing at the King Khalid International Airport was a breeze. Everything was smooth except at the exit where the airport police would terrorize you by opening all pockets and compartments of your luggage. I know that these bullies are simply doing their idiotic routines - thanks to our fellow Pinoys who are fond of smuggling prohibited items that is why the are that suspect all of us.

I don't mind being frisk by police officers or my bags being scanned in the x-ray machines. What I don't like is their attitude of pulling out every suspected items in our luggage and in the end... only to realize that our personal effects are littering the place. Who want to display their undies for people to see?

They do this only to Filipinos, Bangladeshi, Indians, and Pakistanis. Fellow Arabs are often exempted. Not fair!

Gee, I hate this airport.

Khan al-Khalili

Finally, we took our last leg of the tour - the shopping spree.

I would not really consider it as shopping because there was no real shopping center in Cairo. The best they got was a department store with very limited items on display.

They do, however, had a lot of flea markets and hawkers for souvenir items. And Khan al-Khalili is the most famous. The market is situated in the Islamic Cairo area and was once the center of Turkish trading during the Ottoman period. It still retain most of its Turkish architectures and design but relatively the place is rotting. Aside from the small hawkers who crowds the small alleys, there was not much restoration conducted on the place. What a sad sight. Who would think that this was once the center of Turkish Bazaar in the entire northern Africa?

* * * * * * *

I bought some items though. I pick up a dozen of refrigerator magnets, a dozen key chains, and several sets of miniature pyramids and ceramic plates. I'll distribute the key chains as gifts to my friends, but for all the rest of the items... I will keep it as my own souvenir

Saqqara

I know that there are hundreds of Pyramids in Egypt with only few dozen that are of great importance. What I didn't know is.. the first pyramid is just in Saqqara, several miles away, and infact can be seen with the naked eye from Giza. That's why, I readily agreed when then the cabbie suggested to make a short visit to Saqqara. It was an hour rugged drive but it was worth it.

My first impression of the Step Pyramids of Djoser was not nice. It lacks the "grand" design of Cheops or Chephren, but as we tour along the Funerary Complex of Djoser I discovered and was amazed how beautifully and meticulously the site was designed. Our guide explained that Saqqara complex was the model of the Memphis Necropolis - the test site. Here, the great Imhotep - the first pyramid builder, started building mastabas which eventually lead to the building of the Djoser Step Pyramid. Without the experience in Saqqara, the ancient Egyptians would not be able to build the grand Memphis Necropolis.

On the lighter side... not only did I enjoy watching the pyramids, but I was also engrossed with watching beautiful caucasian tourist. Hehehe... I don't think, just watching tombs and stones would excite the hormones inside of me. Beautiful girls, would! Hyahahahaa

At Giza...., again

Day 7

Would it be nice to touch - at least one block of - the Great Pyramids with your bare hand? That's exactly the thought that was consuming me the whole day.

Remember, I told you about our ordeal few days ago where that bastard guide tricked us into the desert to see the view of the Pyramids kilometers away? This time, we learned our lesson. No more swindling guides and no more camel rides to the desert.

Before going out, we hired a responsible cabbie who assured us that there will be no extra fee and he will get us the base of the Pyramids. Indeed, he didn't disappoint us. He really brought us inside the Giza (Memphis) Necropolis complex.

Not only have I seen the Great Pyramid up close in its splendor, but I also got the chance to to climbed it and went inside the Pharoah's Tomb. Just don't ask if it was difficult, because it really was. The steps were too steep and the tunnel was barely enough for a big fat guy like me. It you are claustrophobic, you better not think of going inside the tomb. Just stay on the steps and enjoy watching other tourist. There's plenty of "pretty sights" out there. Hehehe

After climbing the Pyramid Cheops, we went to Chephren and then to Mykerinos. We also made a short trip to the West Ridge to view the entire Memphis Necropolis with the three Great Pyramids at the center. It was a marvelous sight. No words could describe the wonderful feeling I felt. And honestly, only in my dreams had I thought of watching this Ancient Wonder in full glory.

Hah! I could only exclaimed, "I made it".

lucky night

My friend woke me up at around 11pm. With the rest of our colleagues, she took me to a nearby Chinese Restaurant and bought me dinner. After that, we proceed to the hotel bar with the intent of drowning ourselves with beer. But the beer price was simply too prohibitive that we decided to move to the Casino, instead.

Casino? Hehehe... not my first time, though, but I have to admit, I was a bit apprehensive of the idea.

I never like to gamble. Not even if the odds are tilted on my side. Much more if I felt I am destined to lose.

It's not that I am afraid of losing. It's just that I hate putting my self to incalculable situations. Blame it to my pragmatic philosophy, but I would rather had probability than a game of chance. (Hmm.., there are the same, aren't they?) But tonight, I made a bold step that drifts away from my comfort zone - I played with a game of chance.

I'll just watch, I told myself.

* * * * * * *

While my colleagues got entangled in the Black Jack tables, I settled on a nearby roulette. My friend stayed with me and gee... she knows how to play. We started the bet slowly at $5, then increment it to $25 and eventually stayed at $50 per game. It was exciting, I tell you. We would lose for 4 straight plays, win 2 straight, and then alternate win and lose. The adrenaline rush on my body was delirious, once the ball starts to fall from the roulette. I would hold my enthusiasm each time we win, but my friend?... duh... What do you expect from a blond Caucasian girl? Of course, she would simply let the emotion loose. I was ashamed, you know.

At the end of the night... err... end of the daybreak, I should say, we went out with a $700 win. Not bad, eh? But, this would be my last, and that is for sure.

back to Cairo

If only I had my way, I would spend two more days in Alexandria to shoot, visit historical sites, and watch beautiful Iscandariyyans than go back to the stinky Cairo. But I don't. No choice, I packed my things and prepares to leave to the Egyptian capital.

But hey, I didn't go without my last hurray. With my sweet (forked?) tongue, I convince my colleagues to visit Qaitbay again so we can buy some souvenirs. They readily agreed because those items are quite expensive in Cairo. I picked some items, but spend most of my time in photography. And though running short of time, I managed to get few good pictures of the seaside and the breakwater.

* * * * * * *

We arrived in Cairo at around 4pm. I still have time to roam around, but then... I loose my esteem when my colleagues all agreed to stay in the hotel. Duh! what a bunch of lazy fatso. They seems to enjoy the company of their "escorts" than explore the city.

Hehehe.. honestly, I felt lazy too especially when my "friend" comes out of the bathroom like the goddess Aphrodite. Just like my colleagues, I stayed in my room for the rest of the day. Nyahahhahaa

Montazah Park

After taking lunch at the San Stefano Mall, we went back to the hotel and rest. I was suppose to take a short nap but overslept and woke past 4pm. I was a bit worried because there are still many places that we're suppose to visit. I tried to catch up, but my buddy nailed the coffin when he declared the he was staying in the hotel.

Frustrated - that I would not get more pictures - I decided to go out alone. I didn't go that far. All I did was cross the street and went inside the Montaza Park. It was getting dark but that didn't stop my enthusiasm. I still took my camera and shot.... in a dark background and without a tripod. Handheld? Duh, I know this will not work but for a desperate shooter like me, blurred pictures is acceptable than no pictures at all.

Luckily, I found some stands where I could rest my camera for long exposure. In the end, I still got several beautiful night photos. Hehehe... my gamble pays off.

The Qaitbay Citadel

Day 5

The first order of the day: explore the city. I was confident that this would be a great day because I had a good sleep last night. Simply said, I am fully recharged and rearing to go. But... I don't know where. Hehehe... what a tourist I am! Don't know where to go and didn't research prior hand. Good thing, my buddy had a list of must-see places.

* * * * * * *

We hailed a taxi and asked the cabbie to bring us to Qaitbay Citadel. Learning from a bad experience in Cairo, I tried negotiating the taxi fare with the cabbie. The hotel guard informed me that taxi fare starts at 2 Egyptian pounds and then would increase per 100 meters distance. But gee... my colleagues was too eager to get to the place that she immediately set the price at 40 Egyptian pounds. We got robbed again, hah!

Anyway, I just ignore that hiccups and concentrate on the excitement at hand.

* * * * * * *

Qaitbay Citadel is one beautiful castle that looks exactly like a toy castle. Square, plain sides, few windows, and a emposing roof - a classic book definition of a castle. The main castle is surrounded with layers of fortifications and a beautiful lawn.

While roaming around the castle, I overheard a guide explaining the significance of the site. The guide said that this is the exact place of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria of the Ancient times. Numerous restoration had been carried out until it eventually turned into a military fortress, and now a tourist spot.

Did I enjoy the tour? Definitely, yes! I took over 200 pictures and loittered the entire place for three hours. Tiring but was certainly fulfilling.

The Alexandria Corniche

What a beautiful beach front facing the Mediterranean Sea! Never in my life that I thought I would one day see the beautiful Alexandria Corniche with my naked eye. Hard to believe, but here I am and looking unto the beautiful scenery.

We stayed at the Sheraton Hotel Montaza which is found at the East end of the Corniche. I could not ask for more. The place was perfect, the service was good, and more importantly, I could shoot from the rooftop which is overlooking the length of the bay shore.

That night, we took a stroll along the Corniche. We enjoyed watching young people dating at the beach side and watching the traffic on the main road. It's funny that while we were observing Iscandariyyans, they too were looking at us. They seems to be curious with our color and racial features. And they greet us in Japanese or Koreans - thinking we are - and not Filipinos. Hah!

Why not Pinoy? The answer I guess, is because only a handful Filipino visits the place relative to other tourists.

* * * * * * *

We had a good night except for one incident at the KFC house. One guy picked my pocket and took 1000+ Egyptian Pounds. The pickpocket slit my side pocket open... well.. which is better than my putting an extra pocket on my belly. At least we were safe when we went back to the hotel.

Alexandria

When I was a kid, I used to play with my cousins & sisters a make believe Egyptian settings where my sister Stella plays Cleopatra, I forcefully volunteer to play Mark Anthony, and I always push my younger cousin Michael to play the villain Augustus. Oftentimes, this shoving and pushing ends up with a fight because nobody wanted to play the part of Augustus - whom we thought when we were kids - as ugly and bad! All the boys wants the Anthony part because we perceived him as the handsome and good guys.

My brushes with these memories always elicits smiles on my lips. And who would thought that one day, I'll be here in Alexandria. The very site of that little make-believe that we used to play when we were kids.

And you guess it right! I was ecstatic when we reached Iskandariyya (Arabic name of Alexandria) around 1pm. To my surprise, wow!!!! the city is clean. Far better than Cairo both in garbage and traffic management.

taking an MRT train

In consideration to my partner, I didn't stay long in the Corniche. We decided to move to the Giza Zoo but changed plans when the taxi driver informed that it was closed. We wanted to go the Egyptian Museum but was advised that it will close early due to Eid Holiday celebration. No choice, we decided to proceed to Cairo Opera house. But the house was close too. Finally, we ended up on a relaxing on a nearby park.

With still plenty of time to spend, we decided to take an adventure in the subway trains. We took the Metro Train from the Opera House Station and move up to the Giza Station. Not an eventful activity really, except for one mistake we made. We took the train coach intended for women. Hehehe... everyone in the coach was looking at us.

* * * * * *

After dinner - again at Pyramisu, we took a walk along Charles de Gaulle Street. A local informed us that there is a beer and liquor store near the Dokki Train Station. Indeed there were plenty of beer and wine. And to our surprise... each 500ml can of Heineken cost only 7 Egyptian Pounds - roughly 5 Saudi Riyal or 2 Singapore Dollar. Very cheap, eh!

We bought two dozen and drowned ourselves in the hotel. Hahahah...

street photography in cairo

We don't have a schedule for today.

What we did was take a short visit to a friend at Conrad Hotel, and then took a walk along the Nile River bank. We walked the lenght of the Corniche Al-Nil starting from Conrad Hotel down to the newly build Towers Plaza.

I don't know if my colleague enjoyed the stroll, but a street photographer like... it was exhilarating. I was an opportunity to take pictures of people up close without necessarily offending them. Most of my subjects were youngsters who gathered along the streets to celebrate the Eid Holidays.

Dressed with the colorful Muslim Egyptian clothes, my subjects were not only beautiful, but very receptive as well. Often, the subject themselves would call my attention asking me to take their picture. Huh! That was exciting, wasn't it?

The downside, though, was that some kids got too excited and they started coming too close to me. I was afraid that they may touch and inadvertently scratch my camera. In precaution, I maintained my distance by walking faster.