[Full-resolution photo here. I should probably use this space to thank my parents for letting me borrow their brand new (they had barely even taken it out of the box) Canon PowerShot A520 camera so I could take photos like the one above]
[I realize this is technically my 5th post for today, but I figure while I have access, I better use it to the fullest I can.] Tonight Matt and I went up to Al-Azhar Park for a breathtaking (I like that word…breathtaking) 360 degree view of Cairo. It was gorgeous and we got there just in time for the sunset. We also got there right in time to hear the evening call to prayer sound out from mosque after mosque after mosque. It had a pretty eerie sound to it, but at the same time, it was a very beautiful thing. To hear the prayers of thousands going up tonight to God.
After enjoying the sunset, Matt and I definitely made sure to enjoy fresh cantelope and apple sheesha (no mom, even though I may look like I’m stoned in this picture, I’m not…just enjoying the sheesha). We sort of got ripped off, but this is what I am told to expect as I am white and American. But, since everything is so incredibly cheap here in Cairo, I am okay with getting ripped off from time to time.
It really is sensory overload here in Cairo. The air smells fairly interesting, the drivers are absolutely insane, it’s a fairly “dirty” city, there are people absolutely everywhere and there is always something to look at, something to listen to, something to…Sarah asked if I was having sensory overload. Yup…most definitely. I don’t know how anyone could NOT. I almost got a little freaked when our taxi driver almost took off a door that was opening on another car…everyone walks in, through and across the streets and highways - so it tends to make some a little uneasy. But I’ve met some really wonderful people here so far, and I like Cairo. The park tonight was especially nice, as the temperature is now a cool 81 degrees with a pretty good breeze blowing.
Tomorrow I suck it up, embrace my inner tourist and head to the pyramids. It will be a bit of an adventure because I’ll be doing the Metro by myself (hmm, why are there no English Metro maps?), hailing a taxi by myself (which is the easy part) and trying to explain that I want to see the pyramids, and trying to haggle for a price when I speak absolutely no Arabic (I need to work on that at some point). And you’ll hear about it all right here…
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
The photo is ABSOLUTELY beautiful! You are so lucky to be there. Can’t wait to see your photos of the pyramids! Just draw out a picture ahead of time for the taxi driver! Sure swwet of your parents to let you use their brand new camera! Thanks, Mr. & Mrs. Cleaveland! Adele
What awesome photographs! What a wonderful experience! The feet are NOT pretty (and you thought the bug bite was bad!) Love that we can keep up with all your travels.
Karen
AC,
Great pic! It is cool to feel like I am in Cairo instead of the 93 degree heat and humidity of P’ton. Keep the great shots coming.
David