Cairo

I spend my last two days in Cairo checking out an 11th century fortress, a mosque, a church where Jesus, Mary and Joseph lived for three years, the Egyptian museum with over 200,000 artifacts, the bazaar, and a recreation of ancient Egypt, complete with actors and boats. 

(Lunch at the baazar)

((Stairs down to where Jesus, Mary, and Joseph lived for 3 years)

(Jesus lived here!)

(Time to say goodbye to Samar)

Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to Egypt. It’s been an amazing journey. The people have all been kind, I’ve learned so much, and seen such amazing things. I now have a better grasp on the human existence and it’s ancient past. The mysteries still abound, but I’ve come closer in my search. 

Thank you for all your comments, and for coming along with me on this wild ride. They provide a link, a safety line, as it can get  rather lonely out here in this great, big world. 

I leave now for Kenya to begin my long (77 days!) safari, journeying across the length of this massive continent. What adventures await? What new mysteries will be revealed? Stay tuned, as only time will tell…

Hurghada

Located on the Red Sea, Hurghada is gorgeous, with clear, turquoise water. I found a dive shop and booked my spot for the next two days. Now it’s time to check out this swanky resort and the pool. 

Did I mention the pool?

Comes with all-you-can-eat buffet too and nighttime entertainment. 

(Finally found a burger and fries!!!!)

The following day it’s dive time! The boat is beautiful, helpers assist with gear, even lunch is included. Loving it!!

(Check out that reef!)

(My divemaster)

Tons of sealife on the reef: moray eels, parrot fish, stingrays, little Nemo fish that come right up to your finger! 

After four days in heaven and lots of diving, I fly back to Cairo. Sadly, the rest of my group has left. Some are off to new countries: Greece, Cypress, Italy, Germany, etc…  I still have two days left to explore Cairo with Samar. Stay tuned!

Valley of the Kings

So after awhile, the pharaohs learned that stuffing their mummified bodies into golden sarcophagus’ and then into giant pyramids filled with gold and jewels might not be such a smart idea. I mean, let’s face it, pyramids are like giant, blinking neon signs to every tomb raider, jewel thief, and grave robber in the area. 

So the pharaohs picked a spot near some nondescript mountains and began digging deep caverns and tombs. Then they decorated them to the nines. Elaborate sculptures and hieroglyphs and paintings throughout. Each king would get his own tomb. Today this area is called Valley of the Kings. And it is the Mecca for Egyptology. And now I am going exploring here! 

But before we go there, we make a quick trip to Hatshepsut’s (I call her “hot soup”) Mortuary Temple. Hatshepsut was one of the few female rulers of Egypt, and often dressed as a man. 

Now to the Valley of the Kings!!

King 

King Ramses II Tomb

You know this guy:

(Yes that’s his real mummified body!)

Valley of the Kings is truly amazing. With over 63 known tombs, including King Tut’s which was the only tomb discovered in modern times that had never been entered, this truly is an archaeologist’s dream. I’m privileged to have had this opportunity to see it all. Now it’s off to an alabaster shop, then a quick boatride for lunch. 

We have explored all there is to explore along the Nile, and now it’s time to leave the big ship and head to Hurghada, a vacation resort spot on the edge of the Red Sea. I hear they have some world-class diving. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for some R&R!!