Cairo Tourism and Egyptian customs

Back to Alexandria today. What will I remember most about Cairo? Definitely the traffic and the way the taxis drive - no lane markings, no traffic signals or stop signs, apparently no rules - just honk and go! And to top it all off, pedestrians cross the road wherever they feel like it! Crazy! THe pyramids were breathtaking - our trip there was an adventure. A young man sat on the trunk of our car while we drove through the streets of Giza so that he could direct us to his business of renting horses and carriages. We took the scenic route through the back alleys - very eye opening. We spent a few hours in the Egyptian Museum - saw only a fraction. They actually store more than they display. The mummies were fascinating and the King Tut exhibit area (1/2 of the second floor) was awe inspiring. Last evening we went to the home of one of Marwa's cousins for a great family visit (what I understood) and more Egyptian hospitality.

Meals - breakfast around 9 each day, lunch around 4-5, then a snack or more at 11-12! Breakfast includes bread, yogurt, tomatoes, carrots, cheese - all the usuals! The food is tasty, but strong for me. Everything has garlic. So far my body is getting along quite well with the cuisine. No problems, I drink bottled water and eat whatever anyone else is having.

I am getting accustomed to the peaceful call to prayer over the loudspeaker system. There are mosques all around - all have the minaret and gathering place, but each is different in style and grandeur.

Along a busy highway one can also find donkey carts being driven by young boys, tall cone shaped pigeon houses, every vehicle - especially trucks - are loaded with extra people hanging out the doors and off of the back. Motorcycles often have 3-4 passengers - none wearing helmets and sometimes a baby or small child in the arms of its mother! Seatbelts are generally not used.

Smoking is quite prevalent. Some restaurants have non-smoking tables - right beside the smoking ones!

Marwa's family is wonderful. Marwa and her sister Manel look like twins - each more beautiful than the other! Their mother Magda is charming.

Tomorrow we go to school. I will meet the teachers and make the final plans for my workshops on Thursday.