Monday, August 11, 2008
Explanations for Pics Below
The Temple of Edfu shown below is known for being the most preserved temple. Our cruise family consists of (from left to right) Elizabeth, Brad, Dan, Mohamed, Lou, and Rebecca.
Cairo and the Nile Cruise
We met our group leader and the two other gentlemen we will travel with for the next couple of days. We will have a fifth person join us for the Nile Cruise, and then everyone else will join the tour after that. Once everyone is there, we will have about 30 people on the tour. One of the men we met for this portion of the trip is a Lutheran pastor from Colorado and his brother-in-law is a doctor from Tennessee. They seem very friendly and it should be fun to travel with them. Our group leader's name is Tommy and he has already been very helpful. Our guide's name is Shereen, and she will be filling our minds with the history of Egypt.
We started our first day together by driving to the Coptic churches, and arrived during their Sunday mass. It is similar in many ways to the Greek Orthodox Church, but they still distinguish themselves as the Egyptian Orthodox Church and have a pope of their own. We saw the hanging church, which is a church that was built on wooden boards laid across the gap between two towers. When you walk inside, there are a couple of places where they have clear glass in the floor so you can see there is nothing underneath you.
After tours exploring Memphis and Sakara the following day, we flew south to Luxor to join our cruise boat. We were met by Mohamed, who would be our guide for the duration of the cruise and our numerous stops at various temples and tombs.
We started our first day together by driving to the Coptic churches, and arrived during their Sunday mass. It is similar in many ways to the Greek Orthodox Church, but they still distinguish themselves as the Egyptian Orthodox Church and have a pope of their own. We saw the hanging church, which is a church that was built on wooden boards laid across the gap between two towers. When you walk inside, there are a couple of places where they have clear glass in the floor so you can see there is nothing underneath you.
After tours exploring Memphis and Sakara the following day, we flew south to Luxor to join our cruise boat. We were met by Mohamed, who would be our guide for the duration of the cruise and our numerous stops at various temples and tombs.
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Sunday, August 3, 2008
Quick Update
Internet is expensive at our new hotel, so we will be limited for a while now. We hope to post a couple of longer blogs tonight, so you can look forward to that. To answer people's questions, Mohamed is studying to be a tour guide, not a tourist...heehee. Yes, we are completely fine. The bumps from the accident were little. Love you all!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Egypt!!!
Upon arrival in Egypt we were brought to a tourism company that had an office at the hotel. The gentleman who met us was very helpful and arranged everything for the two days we would be in Cairo prior to meeting our tour group. While it might have been cheaper to attempt to arrange things ourselves, we still felt that we received a good deal. We essentially paid $150 each and that included transportation to the hotel, to nights stay, transportation and entrance into the sound and light show that night at the Pyramids, transportation and a guide the following day to Alexandria, and then transportation to the hotel where we would meet our tour group. It was great to get all of that taken care of at once. It has made the last two days much more relaxing and enjoyable. So, about Egypt...
Papyrus
Prior to the Sound and Light Show, our driver and tour guide took us to see how papyrus is made and we were given the opportunity to purchase some artwork there. Papyrus is one of those things that is very unique to Egypt, and once it was rolled up in a tube, very small and lightweight, making it the perfect thing for us to take along with us on our trip.
Perfume
Following the papyrus, we were taken to a perfume shop and introduced to many of the fragrances that are sent to France, there mixed with alcohol and sold for lots and lots of money. Unfortunately, we had to decline buying any of those, but the presentation was really fun.
Sound and Light Show
The English Sound and Light show was at 9:30 on Wednesday night. They use lights to illuminate the pyramids and the sphinx while projecting images to accompany the presentation on Egyptian history. It was very beautiful and interesting! AFterwards we went back to the hotel and a nice bed.
Egyptian Driving
Okay, now I've been in other countries where driving was a bit scary. I wasn't surprised to see that they really have no traffic lights and everyone pretty much bullies their way into traffic. What did surprise me was that they did the same thing on the freeways at incredibly high speeds. Weaving through people and scooting between cars while going 140-160 kilometers an hour can be disconcerting. Our guide, Mohamed, did a great job, though. He is 21 and in school to learn to be a tour guide. When he graduates in two years he would like to start his own business. A Chinese woman recommended that he create a website so people could find him on google. He laughed when we told him that we'd found our tour on google. By the end of the day, it was very clear why he wanted his own business.
On our way to Alexandria, we noticed that Mohamed was zipping through traffic, but seemed to always stay behind a certain white van, unwilling to pass them. We were curious as to why and so eventually I questioned him about it. Apparently there are various places where the speed is enforced by radar and this particular van was from Alexandria and the driver knew which areas had the radar and which did not. Mohamed was using him to gauge when he could go fast and when he had to slow down.
A few minutes later, we had a slight mishap. A driver ahead of us had car difficulties and rather than pulling off to the side of the road, he stopped in the middle of it. Another car stopped behind him and Mohamed barely stopped quickly enough to avoid missing it. Unfortunately, the cars behind us were not so quick on the reflexes and we were rear ended by another car who was, in turn, rear ended by the one behind him. Mohamed got out of the car and a yelling/screaming match ensued between the various drivers and a large crowd of people that had gathered. It seems, by the way, that rubber necking here can get pretty crazy and everyone likes to get involved. Before long, a large crowd had congregated around our car, and one of the other drivers was standing in front of our vehicle to keep us from leaving, while banging his hands on the hood and screaming at Mohamed. Now, you might asked, was I scared? And the answer to that question is, no. I was actually thinking two things. First, I was thinking that they had better not be blaming Mohamed for something that was clearly not his fault, and secondly, I was thinking that I hoped this wouldn't take too long because I was going to need a toilet pretty soon. Anyway, we were eventually able to get away after Mohamed told the others that he had tourists from the U.S. and if they didn't let us go we were going to text the embassy and they would all be arrested. I don't actually know the number for the embassy, but apparently they bought it because we were off. After stopping briefly so Mohamed could calm down, we were on our way again.
More later, but for now our driver is here to take us to the next hotel!
Papyrus
Prior to the Sound and Light Show, our driver and tour guide took us to see how papyrus is made and we were given the opportunity to purchase some artwork there. Papyrus is one of those things that is very unique to Egypt, and once it was rolled up in a tube, very small and lightweight, making it the perfect thing for us to take along with us on our trip.
Perfume
Following the papyrus, we were taken to a perfume shop and introduced to many of the fragrances that are sent to France, there mixed with alcohol and sold for lots and lots of money. Unfortunately, we had to decline buying any of those, but the presentation was really fun.
Sound and Light Show
The English Sound and Light show was at 9:30 on Wednesday night. They use lights to illuminate the pyramids and the sphinx while projecting images to accompany the presentation on Egyptian history. It was very beautiful and interesting! AFterwards we went back to the hotel and a nice bed.
Egyptian Driving
Okay, now I've been in other countries where driving was a bit scary. I wasn't surprised to see that they really have no traffic lights and everyone pretty much bullies their way into traffic. What did surprise me was that they did the same thing on the freeways at incredibly high speeds. Weaving through people and scooting between cars while going 140-160 kilometers an hour can be disconcerting. Our guide, Mohamed, did a great job, though. He is 21 and in school to learn to be a tour guide. When he graduates in two years he would like to start his own business. A Chinese woman recommended that he create a website so people could find him on google. He laughed when we told him that we'd found our tour on google. By the end of the day, it was very clear why he wanted his own business.
On our way to Alexandria, we noticed that Mohamed was zipping through traffic, but seemed to always stay behind a certain white van, unwilling to pass them. We were curious as to why and so eventually I questioned him about it. Apparently there are various places where the speed is enforced by radar and this particular van was from Alexandria and the driver knew which areas had the radar and which did not. Mohamed was using him to gauge when he could go fast and when he had to slow down.
A few minutes later, we had a slight mishap. A driver ahead of us had car difficulties and rather than pulling off to the side of the road, he stopped in the middle of it. Another car stopped behind him and Mohamed barely stopped quickly enough to avoid missing it. Unfortunately, the cars behind us were not so quick on the reflexes and we were rear ended by another car who was, in turn, rear ended by the one behind him. Mohamed got out of the car and a yelling/screaming match ensued between the various drivers and a large crowd of people that had gathered. It seems, by the way, that rubber necking here can get pretty crazy and everyone likes to get involved. Before long, a large crowd had congregated around our car, and one of the other drivers was standing in front of our vehicle to keep us from leaving, while banging his hands on the hood and screaming at Mohamed. Now, you might asked, was I scared? And the answer to that question is, no. I was actually thinking two things. First, I was thinking that they had better not be blaming Mohamed for something that was clearly not his fault, and secondly, I was thinking that I hoped this wouldn't take too long because I was going to need a toilet pretty soon. Anyway, we were eventually able to get away after Mohamed told the others that he had tourists from the U.S. and if they didn't let us go we were going to text the embassy and they would all be arrested. I don't actually know the number for the embassy, but apparently they bought it because we were off. After stopping briefly so Mohamed could calm down, we were on our way again.
More later, but for now our driver is here to take us to the next hotel!
The Four "ations"
Which one of these is not like the others?
-Starvation
-Sleep Deprivation
-Dehydration
-Smoking
-Elevation
Okay, so this little quiz isn't completely fair since I practically gave you the answer in my title. Anyway, let me explain my 40 hour trip from Pittsburgh to Cairo...
1. Elevation: I never would have described myself as one to get airsick. However, I it seems that whenever I fly I feel slightly nauseated. I don't know if it is due to the elevation or something else, but I always feel just a little strange and sick when I travel, especially for 40 hours.
2. Starvation: Since I don't tend to feel well during long flights and lengthy layovers, my stomach rejects the thought, smell, and taste of most food, primarily that prepared on an airplane. Not eating makes me even more sick.
3. Dehydration: Especially in countries where tap water is suspect, I find bottled water difficult to come by. Of course we buy some in the airport, but when you're paying for water you are less likely to gulp it like your dying. You can't fill up a water bottle with tap water ahead of time and the flight attendants are very busy and cannot devote themselves to bringing a never-ending supply of water. Therefore, good water is limited and I probably get a bit dehydrated. This just adds to the icky feelings.
4. Sleep Deprivation: I try...I really do. And I usually end up getting a little snooze here and there. However, overall there is very little REM and unfortunately, when you're feeling poorly, you really just want to lose consciousness for an extended period of time and forget that you're hungry, thirsty, and sick. Too bad that's so difficult when you can't even lie down!
Overall, I don't like 40 hour trips on airplanes combined with long layovers. Oh, also, my feet and ankles got really swollen. It was actually kind-of funny and I found it entirely amusing to stare at them. So much so that I took a picture to remember the feeling.
Okay, so now for the smoking. The Tel Aviv airport was very strict with security. We went through several checkpoints, searches, luggage x-rays, and were asked numerous questions. The airport as a whole was very professional and similar to most others I have been in. When we got to Jordan, however, we found a very different atmosphere. For instance, as is typical in an airport, there were signs and announcements clearly stating that smoking was not allowed. However, we personally witnessed at least four different people sit directly in front of the non-smoking sign and light up. We moved a couple of times because inhaling second-hand smoke did not seem appealing. Interestingly enough, airport staff and security were right there. Furthermore, the trash can lids throughout the area had dozens of cigarette butts on them, having been used as ashtrays and no one seemed to mind. Our conclusion: no one really cares about that particular rule. We were just grateful that the actual flight was legitimately smoke free.
We did, however, meet a man from Texas in the Starbucks there. He was on his way to Baghdad to supervise work and had lots of interesting tales to tell, not to mention some good advice. That was the high point of the Jordan airport. We chatted with him for a couple of hours in the early morning before our flight. I will say this for Jordan, though. The airport may have been annoying, but the flight was very nice. The flight attendants were wonderful and I had a nice conversation with a woman who was finishing up a tour of Egypt and Jordan, and had some great advice!
More very soon...I have lots to say about Egypt!
-Starvation
-Sleep Deprivation
-Dehydration
-Smoking
-Elevation
Okay, so this little quiz isn't completely fair since I practically gave you the answer in my title. Anyway, let me explain my 40 hour trip from Pittsburgh to Cairo...
1. Elevation: I never would have described myself as one to get airsick. However, I it seems that whenever I fly I feel slightly nauseated. I don't know if it is due to the elevation or something else, but I always feel just a little strange and sick when I travel, especially for 40 hours.
2. Starvation: Since I don't tend to feel well during long flights and lengthy layovers, my stomach rejects the thought, smell, and taste of most food, primarily that prepared on an airplane. Not eating makes me even more sick.
3. Dehydration: Especially in countries where tap water is suspect, I find bottled water difficult to come by. Of course we buy some in the airport, but when you're paying for water you are less likely to gulp it like your dying. You can't fill up a water bottle with tap water ahead of time and the flight attendants are very busy and cannot devote themselves to bringing a never-ending supply of water. Therefore, good water is limited and I probably get a bit dehydrated. This just adds to the icky feelings.
4. Sleep Deprivation: I try...I really do. And I usually end up getting a little snooze here and there. However, overall there is very little REM and unfortunately, when you're feeling poorly, you really just want to lose consciousness for an extended period of time and forget that you're hungry, thirsty, and sick. Too bad that's so difficult when you can't even lie down!
Overall, I don't like 40 hour trips on airplanes combined with long layovers. Oh, also, my feet and ankles got really swollen. It was actually kind-of funny and I found it entirely amusing to stare at them. So much so that I took a picture to remember the feeling.
Okay, so now for the smoking. The Tel Aviv airport was very strict with security. We went through several checkpoints, searches, luggage x-rays, and were asked numerous questions. The airport as a whole was very professional and similar to most others I have been in. When we got to Jordan, however, we found a very different atmosphere. For instance, as is typical in an airport, there were signs and announcements clearly stating that smoking was not allowed. However, we personally witnessed at least four different people sit directly in front of the non-smoking sign and light up. We moved a couple of times because inhaling second-hand smoke did not seem appealing. Interestingly enough, airport staff and security were right there. Furthermore, the trash can lids throughout the area had dozens of cigarette butts on them, having been used as ashtrays and no one seemed to mind. Our conclusion: no one really cares about that particular rule. We were just grateful that the actual flight was legitimately smoke free.
We did, however, meet a man from Texas in the Starbucks there. He was on his way to Baghdad to supervise work and had lots of interesting tales to tell, not to mention some good advice. That was the high point of the Jordan airport. We chatted with him for a couple of hours in the early morning before our flight. I will say this for Jordan, though. The airport may have been annoying, but the flight was very nice. The flight attendants were wonderful and I had a nice conversation with a woman who was finishing up a tour of Egypt and Jordan, and had some great advice!
More very soon...I have lots to say about Egypt!
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