Cairo Cairo Cairo. What to say? Wow! Such a different culture.

When we first arrived, we were exhausted from flying over night and just wanted to get somewhere to sleep. Things were very affordable, so we found a hotel near the city and went there to rest up a bit. The hotel was on the seventh floor of a run down building, but the room had ac and hot showers so we were satisfied with that.

We got up later that day and went to do some exploring around the city. This was when we realized that we weren't in our comfort zone at all. EVERYONE stared at us the whole time we were there. Some even took pictures of us on their phones. It wasn't bad at first, but it just got old after awhile. If it wasn't Ashleigh's calves, it was my hair that just drew people's attention. There were a few other female tourists (not manyaround where we were staying) that weren't fully covered, but we definitely stood out wherever we went. The Muslim culture was so different and foreign to us. When we would go to buy tickets at the subway, no wait when we were getting off the plane even, the common courtesy that we Americans call a line, is completely thrown out the window. People would literally step right around you to get what and where they wanted. This got a little frustrating as well as the scrutinizing eyes and the extreme heat. When we did seek refuge inside the only coffee shop we found, we were subjected to heaps of cigarette smoke. Also, things are so incredibly filthy. No one takes any pride in where they live. We watched with our jaws dropped as the locals just dropped trash wherever they wanted and didn't care a bit.

Now given, this is just how things are over there. The people were generally pleasant as they raddled off the most English they could as you passed by. The most popular phrases were "How are you?" or "Where are you from?".We did get the occasional "I hate you!!!" as well which is always nice.

We did meet a few very nice and helpful people though. Whenever we needed to cross the street, we would follow behind anyone else who was brave enough to dance with the vehicles. There is no such thing as cross walks or for that matter any pedestrians rights. If you step into the street, then you are free game and no one is stopping for you. Also lane lines in Cairo are mere suggestions. Our cab driver from the airport literally drove the whole way with his wheels in two different lanes.

We did take a day trip to go see the pyramids and sphinx, which was pretty amazing. We met a very helpful fellow on the subway that took us to the pyramids via local buses so we wouldn't have to get ripped off by a cab. He was very nice and didn't want anything for his services, but we think that the place that he took us was giving him some kinda cut. We showed up outside the entrance on a side street where some guys were selling camel rides around the pyramids. I did my homework, so I knew how much it should cost and haggled him down to a fair price. We had a private tour through a side gate to the pyramids and I am pretty sure when a police officer on camel rode up to us, our tour guide paid him off so we could get through. Quite a crooked system.It was sooooo hot. I can't imagine how they actually built the pyramids in that weather. It was really mind blowing to see such ancient structures. So after we cruised around on Alaska (that was our camel's name and I think He had a crush on Ashleigh) we went for a walk to see the Sphinx before we left.

Since we had seen enough of Cairo, we decided to take a train to the a coastal town called Alexandria. It was right on the Mediteranean sea and a lot nicer than Cairo. We stayed at a place that had a great view over the bay. There was a nice sea breeze here so it really cut down on the scorching heat. Before we left, we walked a ways to a beach that was not far. When we got there it was so bittersweet. There were WAVES, but I was told there wouldn't be any so I didn't bring my board. It was so frustrating. This was my chance to surf in Egypt and I couldn't. I did go bodysurfing for a while though and it was nice. I do wish that Ashleigh could have come in as well. It was unfortunate that her bikini was probably not an acceptable bathing suit. The women that were in the water played in the waves wearing all of their clothes and completely covered up. They looked a little like sea monsters getting out of the water with all their garments. Before we headed back to Cairo that afternoon, we relaxed in a little restaurant on the water and had some omelets and refreshments. We also tried some apple shisha (hooka). It was a nice afternoon. Ashleigh saw a guy walking by with a box and some ink and wanted to get a hena tattoo (basically a intricate design painted usually on the ankle). So we waved the guy down and tried to explain what she wanted and get a price. The price was good, so we agreed. There was a moment of confusion when Ash was asking if she should stay seated or lay down, and also if she should get it on her wrist or ankle. Nothing was really resolved, so the guy put two pieces of cardboard under her feet and took her sandals off.He then proceeded to walk around the corner, sit down, and start shining her sandals. He was a SHOE SHINER!!!!! It was so funny. That explained the whole confusion. We laughed so hard that she was getting her three dollar flip flops shined. So rediculus.

After we left Alexandria, we headed back to Cairo to catch our late night flight to Athens.

Till then

C&A