Okay we're gonna try this blogging thing and see how that goes for this trip. I like this avenue better since I don't spam people's inbox unnecessarily especially for those who are too nice to give me the good 'ol 'unsubscribe me' email.
We have seen some good stuff already. I will get some pictures up if I can work this internet cafe computer with my camera. On the first day we arrived we saw the last standing Ancient Wonder of the World - the Pyramids of Giza. Pretty amazing site, though surprisingly that thing is sitting in the middle of a Cairo suburb. Huge pyramids, one of which we actually got to go inside of in a long twisty tunnel to the inner sanctum that once held the sarcaphagus of the Pharoah himself. It was super hot and humid in that pyramid due to all the other human bodies in there with us (tourists). Like a sauna. If it weren't for all of us, it would have been nice and cool. Surprisingly few booby traps in the pyramid; I guess someone already took the mummy so they must've set them all off.
We also saw the Sphinx, an artistic use of the leftover rocks not used in the pyramids. It was surprisingly small in stature than that in my mind's eye. It didn't ask me any questions. The ladies took pictures kissing it. I got one punching it in the nose.
First things first, for the family back home, we are safe and sound. Everybody is in good condition and in good health. We are finally getting over our jetlag I think. Though I'm still passing out around 8:30pm and waking up around 5:30am. Which ends up being a good thing since we start our days early here on tour.
We have seen some good stuff already. I will get some pictures up if I can work this internet cafe computer with my camera. On the first day we arrived we saw the last standing Ancient Wonder of the World - the Pyramids of Giza. Pretty amazing site, though surprisingly that thing is sitting in the middle of a Cairo suburb. Huge pyramids, one of which we actually got to go inside of in a long twisty tunnel to the inner sanctum that once held the sarcaphagus of the Pharoah himself. It was super hot and humid in that pyramid due to all the other human bodies in there with us (tourists). Like a sauna. If it weren't for all of us, it would have been nice and cool. Surprisingly few booby traps in the pyramid; I guess someone already took the mummy so they must've set them all off.We also saw the Sphinx, an artistic use of the leftover rocks not used in the pyramids. It was surprisingly small in stature than that in my mind's eye. It didn't ask me any questions. The ladies took pictures kissing it. I got one punching it in the nose.We hear the call to prayer often as people here pray five times a day. They broadcast the prayers from inside the mosque out onto the streets for everyone to hear.
The air here is pretty dirty due to all the heat, lack of wind, and lots of cars. I think the smog here is the worst I've seen after Lima, Peru. Though the air quality makes for some pretty fantastic sunsets.
We've also seen a bunch of ancient Egyptian temples with Hippostyle rooms, which I hope to add to my future home one day. Those pictures will have to be forthcoming due to my finite internet time here. Currently, we are crusing down the Nile in a large ship. We are docked in Luxor where tomorrow we hope to ride donkeys into the Valley of the Kings. Hopefully, more hilarity ensues.
Tonight is New Year's Eve so Happy New Year's all!
