temples of the gods

While Greece may be a city in a state of building or repair it seems Cairo is a city of rubble. To give you an idea, the mosque of as-Salih Tula was built in 1160 on the second floor of the building. However due to the accumulation of dirt and rubbish over centuries the street has risen by 3 metres and the mosque is now at street level.

Having spent the last 2 weeks looking at amazing christian churches we thought we must also give Allah a turn and visit some of these mosques. In particular Al-Qalaa with its huge mosque founded by Mohammed Ali (i didnt realise he was more than a boxer??). Even the kids did a quick prayer.

But what we really came to Cairo to see was the pyramids. We spent the morning exploring in amazement at these structures built over 5000 years ago. With 20 million blocks in the daddy pyramid (king Khufu) it is difficult to comprehend how they moved each one weighing over 2 tonnes. Also amazing to realise that the sides of the pyramids are only 4cm different in length. I reccon modern builders cant even get that good. As it was so fantastic we ventured back in the eavening to watch the sun go down over them followed by a light show.

But with Oz calling there was one more stop before home. Luxor. As you may have realised this is where I am now. But getting hre was an adventure in it self. but the little man is telling me my time is up so you will have to wait till my next post.

Living Cairo

It is very dificult to describe Cairo in words as it is a combination of sights, sounds and smells. Leaving the family to rest I decided to venture to Khan al Khalili - one of the biggest bazaares in the middle east. I tentatively stepped out into the chaotic yet somehow still in control streets of Cairo. Your senses are first bombarded with the honking of horns - used not in an aggressive manner but a "honk" - I am here or a "beep beep" coming through. The traffic is endless and it seems the population of 20 million are all on the road at the same time.

Getting a taxi is easy as the cabs descend on any tourist like flies to a fresh dog turd. The difficulty is negotiating a fair price which is generally proportional to the condition of the car. I atleast got one that had a front windscreen and breaks...(although I dont think they were ever used). Hurtling in to the traffic we join the living breathing beast 5 lanes of cars streaming down a 2 lane road. A 12 seater bus with 32 people hanging from the windows pulls out in front of us. We pass a donkey pulling a cart full of fruit. Shit - watch out for the car driving the wrong way. The taxi driver leans over and says - "Cairo - there are no rules in Cairo".

But it is not the cars that you need to avoid but the pedestrians. There are no crossings so people cross everywhere. Just like the game of 'frogger' people dart between the streams of traffic - many not even looking at the oncoming traffic. But in some miracelous way there is no urgency at it seems that it is accepted that the car will swerve....well most times anyway.

Ariving at the market 7 lives shorter you enter another world of brass cooking items, spices, food as well as the usual kitch tourist trinkets. As you walk down the narrow alleys there is the constant calling of the shop keepers, the whistled of barrow men pushing through the crowds and islamic chants booming from the loundspeakers.

An amazing city and again surprisingly very friendly. Looking forward to exploring more.