C'est l'Eygpte

Fitting words to describe all that is Egypt and its idiosyncrasies.

Unfortunately, the internet cafe I'm in (while I hide from the blazing sun) doesn't have photo downloading software installed, so I don't have Egypt pictures yet. But here are some highlights.

1. Giza Pyramid Experience: Not just the pyramids, but the whole racket in which all are involved! The full price for non-Egyptians and non-Arabs (because Arabs can read Arabic...) is 60 Egyptian pounds, 30 for a student. Price for Egyptians/Arabs, 2 pounds (that's the equivalent of about ohhh 38 cents I guess). Then there are the 'police' who searched the car and expected a tip. The man who lead us to the ugliest horses/camels I've ever seen and made me get up on one. The old man who's poor horse nearly collapsed of fatigue after lugging us around the pyramids, and through an alleyway of Cairo trash. And the hilarious looking tourists emerging from the second pyramid, red and sweaty, out of breath and ready to die.

2. Cairo Traffic: I'm not sure who's crazier, pedestrians or motorists. Two points to the pedestrians scurrying across five lane streets, with no discernable crosswalks, traffic lights, nor stop signs. One point to motorists who use lane markers as 'suggestions'. One point to the elderly and kids weaving their way through traffic hoping to sell a 20 cent package of tissues. 4 points to the family of five who managed to fit two adults, two kids, and a baby on a scooter. 2 points to the pedestrians who have survived the traffic pollution. IT'S A TIE!

3. Beauty: Along the Nile, there are some beautiful outdoor cafes and restaurants, complete with man made breezes. Zamalek, the posh island, is aplenty with these gems. Plus, who can go wrong with fresh mango juice and cactus fig juice! MMM that is beauty in my mouth!

4. Food: I'm obsessed with Ayah's mom's garlicy eggplant, stuffed white eggplant, and the falafel found at the corner store. These falafel are more doughnut in shape and have a lighter consistancy to those found in NY/Europe.

5. Diving: Yes I dove with the fishies in the Red Sea. Got up close and personal with a Moray Eel, jelly fish, and lots of other colorful fishies and coral. Even saw a stingray, but no sharks.

Wait 'til you hear about my bus ride from Hurghada to Aswan. To be continued...

AND I PROMISE PICTURES!!! I even bought another flash drive to house them!!! =D