We landed in Cairo on Good Friday. We stayed in Giza near the pyramids and spent 2 days exploring the city then headed south to Aswan where we boarded the "Nile Style" for a cruise. We made a number of stops on our way to Luxor. After 4 days on the boat we flew back to Cairo for our last 2 days.
Egypt is a complicated tiring yet unbelievably satisfying trip. It appeared to be a very safe place but you don't go anywhere without an Egyptian guide. People are selling junk trinkets everywhere and looking for tips for helping you....but never begging. You are advised not to drink the water or eat salads or things washed in water, but the food is unbelievable. And so is the local beer.
The guides won't let you do anything, check in to hotels, buy from hawkers, handle any check in at the airport. The Egyptians are a very helpful people, but it can get over done at times.
Our accommodations in Hotels and or on the Boat were billed as 5 star all around. We joked later that it was 5 Star in a 12 Star world. You learn quickly to accept and go with the flow.....because the sights and sites are just so fantastic.....it's well worth it.
Cairo and Giza
The Sphinx and Pyramids.
The Three Pyramids in Giza. There are over 300 Pyramids in Egypt. These are the most famous.
Chris at the Pyramids
The Sphinx.
Andrew at the Sphinx
The Family at the Pyramids
The Citadel
The Citadel is a massive complex built to fortify ancient Egypt. Here are a few pictures.
The entrance walk up to the Citadel.
Upclose tot he Citadel fortress.
There is a giant Mosque inside the Citadel.
Another view of the Mosque.
A burial sarcophagus in the Citadel Mosque.
Khan el-Khalili Market in Cairo
This is a majopr tourist market in the middle of Cairo. We saw other markets driving around that looked like all locals. This market catered to us. Shop keepers would yell at us "I don't know what you need but I know that I have it." "Here, this is free for you, free, come on in." (It would be a 100 Egyptian Pound item....about $12 US.) "How can I steal your money?" "Welcome to Alaska." All they wanted to do is get your attention and your eye to try to hook you.
We were good.....we didn't buy anything here.
