Well, it has been more than a week since I returned from Cairo (it has felt like three months), so I am sorry for the delay. I have added another link to the side of the blog for you to check out my spring break pictures as well as more adventures. I went on a castle tour this last weekend. I know "CASTLE TOUR" sounds magical and exciting and worth of many blog posts--but it is mostly all explainable in a few sentences. If I get bored, I'll talk about them. But, information is included in the facebook album.Since I have been a recent addict of www.cracked.com, a website known for making awesome lists, I want to echo their style. Also, lists are easy and fun to read, especially if there are pictures.
The name of the list?
Liz's Personal Highlights of Cairo
(bad name, sorry)
5. The Nile-
I know, the Nile is always a hit. An incredibly influencial thing historically. So seeing it was anti-climatic. However, you could noticeable see the contrast between Amman and Cairo in terms of greenery, farming communities, ect. And this is all do the different quanties of water...which Jordan does not have, and Egypt has a lot of. This makes a dramatic difference in the scenery. In comparison to Amman, Cairo is practically a forest in terms of amount of trees, flowers, ect
.4. Tahrir-
This building has significance to me because it is featured in the excellent film, Terrorism and BBQ. This is the building that the main character takes over accidentally when he is trying to help his children change schools. It is a hilarious commentary on the ineffectiveness of the Egyptian government. I squealed when I saw it, as it is one of my favorite movies of all time.
3. Koshary-
Koshary is a tasty, fast food snack. It is incredibly unhealthy-but super cheap. Egypt isn't well known for its cuisine, but if you are in Cairo, you should try this. It is composed of pasta, lentils, fried onions, and topped off with lemon or hot sauce. You can get it in three sizes: small, medium, and large. It is endlessly tasty and satisfying. And it beats stuffed pigeon, which was also on the menu.
2. Sitting with Egyptians, talking about their culture, politics, and the rest-
I traveled with my friend Hanne to Cairo and we met up with her friend, Hatim. He is Egyptian and he brought his two friends out with us to have some coffee. We sat around, talking about anything, including Obama, movies, and music. I really enjoyed sitting around, not moving around at the crazy tourist pace and seeing other parts of life...including a fight in the street between some fellas. In addition to meeting native Egyptians, we met up with some retired Norwegians who live in Cairo and enjoyed our time with them.
1. Giza Pyramids, Sakkara, and Dashur Pyramids
Ok, so you all predicted this...but let me explain. Never in my life did I think I would see the pyramids. It was in the back of my mind, for sure, but never a top priority. Not only did I get to see them, but I saw them with Ally, my friend from Smith. I also didn't go with a tour group, but just with a group of friends. We could set our own pace and didn't have to listen to a tour guide talk, but could just wonder and read in our books.
They are beautiful, mysterious, and all around maddening. But what was is more mind boggling- they are not the only ones near Cairo. We also went to the Dashur pyramids, the model for the Great Pyramids. By "model", I don't mean little pile of rocks. Full on pyramids that you can climb inside...for a lot cheaper than the Giza Pyramids. If you go to Cairo, see these pyramids. They are less touristy, not a lot of people selling/bothering you, and all around a much calmer experience.
Sakkara has only recently been excavated is the site of the famous step pyramids, created by Imhotep. The discoveries are ongoing. Currently, they are trying to find Imhotep's body since he wasn't in the tomb. There, we saw various tombs including hieroglyphs. Just incredible. I couldn't take pictures inside the coolest tomb, where the awesome paintings were, but you can trust me.
Anyway! That is Cairo as I experienced it--not quite enough, but still quite a lot.
