Egypt 06

Day 7-9

Luxor, Cairo
Balloon Ride, Queens Temple, Donkey's Ride, The Valley of the Kings, Alabaster Factory,
Carrige Train Ride (Luxor-Cairo), Egyptian Museum, Hanging Church, Citadel Mosque, Market.

Balloon ride was another thing that I have tried at Egypt for the first time. As we took our breakfast boxes from the hotel and awaited for the balloon the heat up, I did not know what I might be able to see in a second. Ten or twenty people were gathered around heating up the balloon to be ready. We murmured worries that it might not fly because of strong wind, but after a second it was a rush. People were shouting at each other rushing toward the guest to jump into the basket. The only air-ride I ever had were airplanes, and those rides are something you can usually feel the height rising. This balloon ride however, was much smoother then I thought. It was as if you were watching a big screen surrounding you. And everything around you becoming gradually smaller and smaller every second. And as a matter of fact. wow..


As we passed across this Nile River, I understood for the first time how pretty the Nile River truly could mean. As we watched the morning sun rise, we could see far across how the green area only reaches near the riverside. Its all colorless again if you go several miles more out from the river. I could not feel more calm and happy as we gradually rose up and felt the morning breeze up at the sky.

This was one unique thing that I noticed in Egypt all over. Most of the buildings were incomplete like this. As we flew above you can see how none of these hoses have tops. The tour guide explained to us that its because of the Egyptian custom. They leave the top one empty so that they can build another house in the future for their children, and for their grandchildren. A closer look and you'll notice how they have all the materials to construct it. They just haven't touched it. In fact, because the weather is so hot, many kids were lying out on top of the roof. Air condition is probably not a first option that they have in mind.

The poor Egyptian Children...Here she was coming out from the gang with her little goat to draw attention from the rest. You can see the flies around her. But she did not care. A little pocket money was all she was hoping. And we all knew that would not keep her smiling that long as she hope...Entering the real Egyptian Tombs. Most will think that all the Kings and Queens were buried in the Pyramid. Well that was only an imitation. For all the real riches and the mummies are buried in the outskirt of Luxor called the Valleys of the King. Although the area looks like a massive place with just sands piled up. As we entered into one of the deep tombs, there were wonders to see. It was one of the best part, because I simply did not expected to see such colorful detail hidden inside. Sadly no photos were allowed downstairs, so I cherished them all in my heart.

The mosque in Cairo. Religion power.

The Hanging Church. One of the unique Christian Churches in Egypt. The name is hanging because the church is literally hanging on a tip of stone. Shaped as if to model the Noah's Arch, it is known to be one of the most unique churches in the world.

Egypt 05

Day 4-6

Aswan-Luxor
Abu Simbel, KomOmbo Temple, Edfu Temple, Karnack Temple, Luxor Temple


When I used to see pictures of the Egyptian temples, I could not distinguish what was so important and so magnificent about these grand statues. They looked like all big rocks piled up. But when I joined that 3 am bus ride to reach one of the greatest temple, Abu Simbel. I was surprised again by the Ancient Egyptians ability and power. It took about seven hours drive from Aswan. Although this is a major historical site, the location is a bit inconvenient. Furthermore, you are not allowed to go there at any time. So we had to leave early in the morning as a group to reach there, following the police car in front. But, my, it most defiantly was a worthwhile trip! The historical importance and the statue figure. And thinking that this was all built at least five thousand years ago. China has quite a long history, but no wonder history always refers back to the Ancient Egyptians as the almighty ones. Even with today's technology to built such a figure with such detail will be a lot of work.

There were more surprises inside, for unlike today's bland and colorless environment of Modern Egypt, the Ancient Egyptians were very colorful. The temples and the historical treasure show how colorful and careful they were with detail. I wonder what happened throughout the century in Egypt's history that draw them away from their colorful past.

We took a horse carriage ride to Kom Ombo Temple. Looks nice, but it was actually a bit smelly. Phew!

Komombo Temple
So this is how they counted the days in Ancient Egyptian. Note how similar it is to today's counting. No wonder they were advanced.

The night view of Komombo Temple

Luxor: Karnack Temple
Luxor: Karnak Temple. The Obelisk.

Egypt 04

Day 4

Aswan
High Dam, Philae Temple, Nile Cruise

One of the few things I know about Egypt is Nasser's High Dam project. Our history teachers always make a big deal about them. Saying how this Suez Canal made such an important impact in Egypt's history, economy, politic, and international relations. We took a long bus drive along a large river. No that was not a river, our tour guide correct us. That is the lake that has been created thanks to the High Dam. What! I was initially taken aback. No wonder all the history book emphasized about this Dam. The eleven year project turned out to be quite beneficial. Receiving a large amount of help from the Russians, this has helped Egypt's most important problem: water and energy. The Nasser lake was not only deep and wide, but long. Apparently it goes pass Abu Simbel, a place where you need to drive 6 or 7 hours more down from Aswan.

Nasser, you really have done a great job.

Creating such a big dam was one thing, but taking care of their national treasure underneath the new lake was another big issue. Since a large portion of land will be drown under water, the Nasser government needed to move most people and most temples, such as this one. Now, in order to visit the Philae Temple (Ma'bad il-Fiila) you need to take a short boat ride. This Temple, however, is mostly reconstructed by the Roman in the three century period. Thus, while the building itself seems Egyptian style, if one observers closely one can see that it has been slight renovated to suit the Roman Christian Catholic Church.

And now our group separated into three groups: the Felucca, the Land, and the Cruise group. I joined the Cruise group along the Nile River. It was better than I thought. Because of the killing humid heat outside, which was now over 50 C degree, it was good to have a comforting room to return back from our daily trips. And no repacking needed for a couple days too!

This was one of the Nile River sites you can see from the Cruise. Very pretty.

One of the fun part of being at the Cruise, was that the cleaning staff left us some surprises. With the towels and the items in our room they created a small masterpiece! We almost screamed at the next big one...

...a big live sized mummy waiting for us. Apparently, he used literally everything: My hat, my glasses, mom's shoes, and our blanket. Sitting at our chair, and greeting us home.

Sampling traditional Egyptian food. Mostly beans, vegetable, or meat with rice. The first few time seem to be great but then after that I felt quite bland. I actually missed Kabob. They didn't serve us any at the boat.

Egypt 03

Day 3

Cairo (with Traveltalk)
Sakkarru Giza Pyramid, Sakkarah Pyramid, Spinx
Train Ride to Aswan approx. 16 hours.


The first thing people think of Egypt is the Pyramids! The grand temple was indeed large and magnificent. Though the heat outside was killing us, I am sure this is nothing compared to the heat the workers must have gone through to create such a masterpiece.

At a glimpse, this seems like a random temple. But this is actually one of the entrance to the pyramid. In fact, I found out that my knowledge of pyramid has been quite distorted due to films and movies. I always thought it was in the middle of the dessert. Somewhere far from where the people were living. But, no. Because the city has been rapidly expanding the city is actually right next to the pyramids. It just depends on how you angle your camera, either you'll have the Cairo city background or the sand background.

Also, though the three great pyramids are the most well known pyramids, in Egypt there are many more scattered around the city. Some actually don't even look that big, but its the fact that whats underneath. The one that we entered was one of the smaller ones. Still the underground path was long and quite deep. I almost felt like fainting as I slowly walked down. Because of the high heat outside, as you gradually go down the air cools but with limited oxygen it becomes harder to hold on to yourself. No wonder there are horror movies about haunting ghost stories here. Its a bit spooky down there.

So here are the traditional pyramid cites that we often see on TV. The top picture with the three pyramid is actually a spot where most foreigners come to take this photo. Its the only place you can get all three of them together. Because the pyramids are so big, you have to drive out a bit of distance to get them all. (The second one) You can see the Spinx. Due to tourism and weather the body and face has been smoothed out quite a lot. But you can still see the big sculpture.

That night, we took a Train ride down to our next destination: Aswan. Our tour guide kept emphasizing that this is an Egyptian first class economy train. Egypt's, which means that it will be comparable with other first class trains. Already the moment we arrived at the station, I felt like I was going back time. Not only was it dusty and dirty but the system the sound made me feel like I have been dropped off in the middle of an 80s movie. The inside was equally bad condition. It was my first longest train ride. I think I barely slept. Plus I was already having stomach problems due to the food and the heat, I never knew how much I might miss my home bathroom condition. Never have I had used such bad condition ones. I think I can say it counts as an experience. And so will you, if you were to get in one.

As a snack eater, I had to try what snacks Egypt had. Although these are a few, sadly most of them were Western brands. Bags were dusty of course. And can you believe? The store owner cheated on us, even on these small chips! I mean how much more can you get by cheating on such a small product. It truly reflects it economical situation.

Egypt 02

Day 1

Cairo - the Capital City of Egypt

Although I usually prefer to travel on my own, Egypt is a place that I needed to avoid such habit. Other than the language, due to its culture and custom, you will get stuck unless you have a local with you. For us, that meant that we should join a travel group. We selected TravelTalk (http://www.traveltalktours.co.uk/), which is an organization that specializes in Turkey, Morocco, Greece, Jordan, and Egypt. And unlike other organizations they emphasize on free traveling and gathering people who would really like to adventure. I actually really encourage others to look into this tour group if you are thinking of traveling any of these places. Nice people, good price, and most importantly comforting guide leader made our nine days in Egypt most memorable.


My mom and I arrived at Egypt a day and a half earlier than our official tour, due to the flight arrangements. The program starts in Cairo, so we decided to spend our free day adventuring around this great capital city. As one of the largest city in Egypt, there are thousands of people living. It is supposed to be one of the better facilitated city compared to the other ones in Egypt. The famous Egyptian Museum and the major Islamic Temples are all located here. Nevertheless, I was shocked to see so many dirty places and so many poor people. I couldn't believe that what I was seeing.


For instance, here is a picture of the local buildings in Cairo. Ok, maybe the one that I took a picture of was not the most advanced building. But the fact is most of the buildings were like this. No color, mostly yellow or bland color. And in fact, most were faded color and dirty. Plus, with the regular 45C degree heat, I felt myself confused if it was me just seeing only yellow everywhere or was it really this country that had no color at all. No I wasn't hallucinated yet, cause my mother was saying the same thing next to me.

Another important part of Egyptians life is religion: Islamic. The day that we decided to adventure Cairo happened to be the weekly prayer day. Every Friday around noon time people, young or old, men or women, all gather around the Temple or find a place simply that they can pray and listen to the load speaker's lecture. Actually the speaker is so load that I feel like I can hear its voice echoing in every corner of Cairo. But of course, for them, it is important to be present. Thus, in Egypt Friday is a day most people get off from work during this time. About eleven till two in the afternoon they prepare prayer every week. In fact, some places don't even go to work. That's why the traffic was really lose this day.

I am religious myself, but to see an entire country hanging on to one religion so tightly was something different. But as I stood there in the middle of the main market street, watching all of the people walking to the single direction, I could feel that this was more than just a Sunday church meeting. I have read history and studied about how countries cause war and make a big deal about their religion. I thought I understood that. But as I stood there, I realized, no, I did not before. It was the first time I truly felt that religion is not just powerful, but it could be scary.

And of course food! We cannot miss that one out. Our taxi driver took us to one of the local fast food place so called: GAD. I had kebab before, but it was my first time trying the real one. Defiantly worth it. Even the fries were tasty as we crunched into them along with the Aisha bread.

Egypt 01

July, 2008
Egypt

There are a few reasons why I did not have much interest in this place. The hot weather, the sand, the mummy movies that scared me to death, and the continuing news on TV how the middle east nations are having conflict with one another. All were elements that made me rather kept this country a distant away from me. Or until now.



As I was preparing my summer trip to somewhere "different," Egypt caught my attention. It was rather spontaneous and so I was not sure how much I might find out and how much I might like this trip. I did not know much about the Ancient Egyptians, just that they were scary on the horror movies. I did not know much about its history, other than a little that I have learned in my introductory world history classes. Furthermore, the religion Islamic and the language Arabic are two elements that I have not fully understood. I told my dad that I wanted to adventure. I don't want to travel to some comfort zone that I already know of. He said, sure then, go to Egypt. And so that is how I picked Egypt.