A refreshing return to
Cairo, which suddenly seems like the high-tech capital of the world compared to the backwaters of
Upper Egypt. It’s actually now quite cold (25 degrees).
Today we saw the beautiful Mohammed Ali Mosque, built on the highest hill in Cairo, and one of the most ornate mosques in the world, being built of alabaster and gold. Our guide gives us a thumbsketch of Islamic life. Turns out you can marry more than one woman if the original wife is agreeable. Wonder what Dr Phil would say about that. The mosque is within the walls of the Citadel of Salah el-Din, a massive limestone fort from which the 13th century Egyptians shot cannons and arrows at the advancing Crusaders. It brings to mind The Lord Of The Rings.
After going through the Khan el Khalili Grand Bazaar (like Vic Market, but Egyptian and much more massive – a perfect Amazing Race detour), we take in the highlights of the Egyptian Museum in one hour. It’s a bit like woofing down a large amount of foie gras – the quality of the exhibits is unparalleled. Particularly stunning is the sheer amount of intricately-designed crafts they found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb … jewellery, statues of him (at least one for every day of the year), walking sticks, board games, coffins, bangles, all made from gold, or ivory, or inlaid with malachite or lapis lazuli. The guys from Antiques Roadshow would be delirious. It’s a bit of a headspin to think that all of his relics could fill an entire floor of the Museum, and he (one of over fifty Pharaohs) ruled for only nine years. All the other tombs found in the Valley of the Kings had been completely looted on discovery. It’s a fitting way to end Egypt, to ponder over the richness of their history and their advanced civilisation of centuries past.
Tomorrow it’s Istanbul!
4 comments:
Hello guys! Loved the photos, and looking forward to many more historical re-enactment shots. Go Vicky, Nubian dance queen!
Mahony & Sang x o x o
Hi Vicky and Limmy, you guys must be enjoying the hundred varieties of bean and chickpea dinners? Meanwhile, we're still waiting for the hackneyed "tourist on camelback" photo. We trust we'll not be disappointed!
Jeanette and Rem
Dear Limmy and Vicks,
This is blogging at its best - what a great way to share your trip with us! We've missed the stories and expert sarcasm of our favourite "GUBE" editor. Keep emersing yourselves in the culture and we forgive you both for doing it tour group style - given there was only 2 of you in the group it doesn't really count. Sounds like you're both having a great time - you've started the travel bug up in us again! Looking forward to your next instalment - keep the tales and great pics coming.
Lots of Love, Jac and Rode
hey i just posted a note and now it has disappeared in the process of getting an account. i am too lo-tech. hope the spontaneous perspiration has settled down...
Nmur
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