TWELVE albums of some of our photos from our recent trip to Egypt. Click on the link to each album, then to the right of each album, you'll find a small button to view as a SLIDESHOW.
First Night In Cairo: http://travel.webshots.com/album/564957459lrJEPt On our first day/night in Cairo, we went to see Dan's apartment, located in the Nasr City section of Cairo. The handmade furniture was just being delivered from Shohada - beautiful! Then, later we met around 11:30 pm at a market in Cairo. The place was filled with life and we were there till about 3 am - families, including children playing, were also in the marketplace, visiting cafe's, shopping, hanging out and enjoying the cooler night air. It was a wonderful introduction to the pulse of the city. Mai & Shaima had henna designs on their hands... and we ended up (after 2 am) at an Egyptian Pancake place! It amazed us, seeing so many families out having fun at that hour! "Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore!"
From Cairo to Shohada, to meet our new Family: http://travel.webshots.com/album/564886663VnCrVe Photos of our drive up to Shohada and our stay there with the family. We hired a taxi from Cairo and the driver patiently waited for us while we visited for hours. It was a wonderful experience and we all felt like one big happy family! ("Samir, Suma, Marwa, Mohammed, Hasson, Heba and Noha... we miss you all so much! and we love you!" ~ Betty & Jim )
Daniel and Mai's Wedding, held in Shebin el kom: http://family.webshots.com/album/564782158pMEFjO What can we say? We'd never attended an Egyptian wedding before and it was fantastic! It was unbelievably energetic, exciting and lots of FUN! ( "Dan and Mai... we will hold this event in our hearts forever... We love you..." Love, hugs and kisses, Mom & Dad )
The Pyramids and Sphinx.... and CAMELS! http://travel.webshots.com/album/564897859ghGABf We wanted to capture the road leading up to the Pyramids... the desert abuts the city of Cairo and the streets right along the desert are filled with camels, horses, donkeys and carts, ready to take tourists out to see the incredible sites. I swore I would never get on a camel... I obviously changed my mind! What an experience. My camel was named Mickey Mouse, Jim's camel was named Moses. One of the greatest experiences of our lives! (Note: some of the photos are actually from atop the Kentucky Fried Chicken that has a view of the sphinx and pyramids!)
Coptic Cairo: http://travel.webshots.com/album/564915593mnAklc Something very holy about this place, you can feel it in the air. I'd say both of us were struck by a sense of awe and reverence. It seemed a bit quieter than the rest of Cairo and the people were absolutley beautiful.
Engagement party we were invited to for Khalil and Shaima: http://travel.webshots.com/album/564887380hSvSTd What a wonderful couple and what a wonderful family. We were both very touched that they would invite us to such a special event. ( Note: "thank you, Khalil and Shaima! And Shaima's family!" )
Along the Nile: http://travel.webshots.com/album/564927148YXrBhc The longest river in the world and the center of Egypt. Pretty impressive! We never did go sailing on the Nile... I guess we'll have to do that on our return trip ensha’allah!
Al-Azhar Park, Cairo: http://travel.webshots.com/album/564931093aYIrLO An incredibly beautiful park in the center of Cairo... high on a hill, overlooking the "City of a Thousand Minarets!" We met Dan & Mai there and walked along the magnificent walkways with sweeping views of Cairo. We had dinner at the Lakeside Cafe... magical night! We HIGHLY recommend spending time here just before sunset and into the evening. Absolutley beautiful.
The Egyptian Museum: http://travel.webshots.com/album/564933181ZJVHiD No flash photos are allowed inside, but the outside itself is gorgeous. We recommend having a guide (or guide book) because signage is lacking on a lot of the exhibits.
The Papyrus Institute, Cairo: http://travel.webshots.com/album/564932781leCYoe Great way to learn how to make Papyrus and, of course, after the papyrus demonstration, they then put the pressure on to make a purchase... but, well worth the trip, and it's located near the pyramids in Giza.
Highways and Byways of Cairo: http://travel.webshots.com/album/564932090qlelSb Cairo traffic needs to be experienced to be believed - and even then, it's hard to believe! However, I enjoyed taking photos from the back seat of taxis... a "slice of life" as we drove along.
Fairmont Towers Hotel, Cairo: http://travel.webshots.com/album/564965237oQlxdk We strongly recommend this fabulous hotel which is located close to the airport. You are a bit away from the center of Cairo, but that can be a good thing! A cab ride brings you into downtown Cairo, or to the pyramids, etc. But, returning "home" to Fairmont Towers was always a welcome rest after our hectic days (and nights!). The atrium brings the outdoors inside... and the water running throughout the atrium makes a lovely, soothing sound. The musicians are wonderful and the restaurants are tops! We honestly felt the entire staff was superb. Bravo!