Paris

I got into Egypt, the land of Antiquity, later on in the day, and thanks to my peers constant comments along the lines of "Oh man! Middle east? You are going to die!" I was pretty certain I wasn't going to make it out. After a wonderful intro with Customs (I had to sell my watch to a guy to get some cash to buy a Visa--they wouldn't take credit cards) I was on my way into the city in an overpriced cab. I decided I didn't want to wander the streets looking for a place to rest my head in downtown Cairo the way I did everywhere else, so I checked into the Nile Hilton (Dirt cheap for the quality of the hotel!).

I felt really special when I entered my room and saw this on the TV, but I was interrupted by the Call to Prayer so I headed to my Balcony.

That's the view from my Balcony, but sadly, I couldn't afford the Hilton for my whole stay, so I checked into the King Tut Hostel--If you are ever in Egypt, no matter your budget, stay here. Atef (the owner) will really take care of you. He accommodated me brilliantly and within an hour had me whisking across Cairo to a pyramid tour.

Common room in the Hostel

Old Cairo, you could step into those streets and it would be like going back in time hundreds of years.

Atef's driver dropped me off here, where I negotiated for a camel and a guide. 450 Egyptian pounds later Kees and I were on our way into the Sahara, where we circumvented the fences preventing people from approaching Gaza from anywhere other then the designated route. It was an experience that I think few tourists get, and it was amazing. Kees was a great guy, and we got along very well.

My trusty steed at Giza

Kees getting creative with the camera!

Fullfilling a childhood dream: Touching the Great Pyramid, with my trusty fed handy.

The sun setting over Giza

Kees, my guide.

After our Giza tour, Kees took me to his Uncle's store where we watched the sun sink below the horizon. It was amazing.

Pictures of Kees' children.

Cute little guys, and they loved being able to see their photos as soon as I took the picture.

The Belly Dancing Show that Mr. No Problem (I couldnt' pronounce his name, so we settled on that) took me to-He was another friend of Atef's, and the same gentleman who brought me to the Camel rental place the day before.

Yours truly getting some Hands On training, should I ever decide to switch careers and become a belly dancer on a showboat that cruises the Nile, I'll be well prepared!

Cairo at Night from the Nile Tour.

Another pair of belly dancers giving me some personal tuition

Atef organized a tour of the Cairo museum the next day with a qualified Egyptologist (Foreground) Ahmed. Cameras were not allowed inside, but it was the best way to see a museum. Ahmed showed me all of the good bits of the museum, and skipped the less interesting parts.

This is Angus and Marie France, two people I went with on my second tour of the Pyramids with the Hilton. The only advantage to this tour was going inside the pyramid, the rest of it was absolute crap. Atef's tour was infinitley better.

The Sphinx

Cairo Traffic on my last day.

It is, honestly, insane. Crossing the road is an adventure it itself, as it is not controlled by trafic lights.

After a wonderful stay in Cairo, it was off to Jordan. I loved Egypt. My only regret is that I didn't take nearly enough time there, and I'll have to go back. But, Petra was waiting! So off I went. The Best Part of My Trip