Monday, April 26, 2010

The Exodus from Egypt






I am now aware at this point in my life, just how important the exodus from Egypt was. WHAT A PLACE!!!!! Well we managed to take our ride in a Feluka, which is a small boat that takes you up and down the River Nile. We got in a cab at the hotel, the doorman asked him to take us to a Feluka. The cabbie spoke no english and we spoke no arabic. After driving around for a while, he drove down a small side street, stopped by a group of men, and motioned for us to get out. I told Louise, " this is where we're going to die." A man came up and negotiated a price and said come with me. But there was no boat around that we could see! LOL We walked down past some people living under some blankets, and there was our Feluka and the NILE. We took an hour ride down the Nile it was beautiful, and then returned to our hotel to fly to Jordan the next morning.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Egypt Day Two- Shopping








Egypt Day Two- Today was the day to go shopping at the famous Khan el-Khalili in Cairo. Imagine your past experiences of shopping in Korea, Mexico waiting to cross the border, and all of the places you have ever shopped for the Holidays. Now add them all together and then multiply them times 1000. That will only begin to scratch the surface of the experience of shopping in the Khan el-Khalili market! At the end of the day I finally told Louise, I just want something to simply be marked with a price so I don't have to haggle for it! And speaking of haggling, you've never haggled for something until you've haggled with Louise! LOL
We also had the opportunity to stop by the El Fishawy Coffee House. It was amazing that we ever found it in the market, because everyone we asked gave us different directions! The El Fishawy Coffee House has been open 7 days a week, 24 hours a days for over 200 years! It is the oldest coffee house in the world, so Louise and I decided we would stop in for a cup of ...... Diet Pepsi. Go Figure!
After a long day of shopping, Louise and I are off to experience a Feluka.... a small boat that cruises down the Nile. I will let you know all about that tomorrow.....

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Egypt Day One- The Pyramids







Day One : The Pyramids at Giza. Well as you can probably imagine, waking up in such a foreign land was a wee bit daunting for someone like me, however I was up for the task. But first let me tell you how we arrived in this foreign land! My flight from San Diego to Chicago was a challenge for me.... I wound up in a middle seat next to some chick who decided to continue texting until we were literally hurtling towards takeoff , those who know me, know how much this would annoy me :o) But then I met up with Louise in Chicago and the adventure started! Packed flight to Amman due to half the world being rerouted because of the volcano. An Ambien and 12 hours later and here we are. We had to change Dollars to Dinars, Buy a Visa, Stand in line to have one guy stick the Visa in the passport, and stand in another line the make that guy did it right , and then walk through the customs line! Sounds quick. huh? After this we have to find transportation, and this is where we meet our new friend Muhammad, I know, you thought his name would be Bob. So we strike up a deal with this taxi company to take us to our hotel. by the time were ready to leave we've change drivers twice. the last time is this suave 60ish gentleman who says he's the owner of the company, and to follow him. Well Louise and I get a little suspicious when we follow him into the parking lot. Long story.... He checked out, and became our personal driver and guide today and the rest of the time were in Cairo..



So Muhammed picks us up today to go to the Pyramids, to ride a camel and to go the the Egyptian National Museum. So we decide to ride camels for 3 hours around all of the pyramids.






AMAZING!!!!!!!!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Sponge Bob Pink Pants


Sponge Bob Pink Pants, who sits by my computer at work decided he would like to come along on this Middle East adventure. And seeing as he wears Pink pants in support of Breast Cancer Awareness, I granted his request. But when we got to the airport, it was then that he told me he was afraid to fly.... Go figure! The Adventure Begins.....

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

The Start of My Middle East Journey

Follow my 3 week journey, starting April 18, 2010. Stay tuned for the adventure!