November 8, 2014

Today was a BIG day. We visited the iconic sites and did the things you expect to do in Cairo. We went to the 3 great pyramids in Giza. There are several other smaller pyramids there too that house the mummies of the wives of the pharaohs buried there. The reason there aren’t many huge pyramids after this period is that they learned they were too obvious and they were being broken into by grave robbers. That is why in Luxon on the West Bank there is the Valley of the Kings and Queens where they built tombs that were hidden beneath the surface and then covered up to increase the chances that they would stay intact and the pharaohs and their families would have all they needed in the next life that was buried with them. These tombs that have been uncovered have all been raided the only one that has been discovered that wasn’t raided and totally intact was the tomb of King Tut- that is why he is so well known. We also visited the Sphinx that meets the rising sun and protects the pyramids. It was named by the Greeks but it is not like their Sphinx that they have in Greece because this one isn’t winged and isn’t a female. It has a lion’s body and the head of a Pharaoh, which they believe at one point was painted and belonged to the Pharaoh that built the second, slightly smaller pyramid. The largest pyramid has 3,000,000 stones - all sandstone and inside booby traps and tunnels that are meant to keep the tomb safe, although it was raided. The three pyramids line up in Orion’s belt during certain times of year. 

By the smallest pyramid we did a camel ride. You have to ride camels and have the iconic pyramid shot done when at the pyramids. We did the ride…camles aren’t comfortable to ride, but are really cool. Kendall and Syd rode on one together, probably not the best idea ;), Sam, Nate and I each had our own. After tons of pics and our camel outing we checked out the Sphinx and visited the temple where they would embalm the king/pharoah and place his innards inside 4 jars that were stored in the tomb. All that was left inside them was their heart- that is what they were judged by. We learned more about the embalming and mummification. Which involved pouring sand over their bodies and letting their body dry out over 6 days and then embalming it in oils that would seal up the pours against bacteria. There is a theory that we learned about that explains why so many died after being there when they opened King Tut’s tomb. He died all of a sudden. He was young and some theorize that maybe the priest that had ruled when he was young poisoned him so he could continue to rule. Regardless it didn’t give enough time to make an elaborate tomb and it would have been painted and put together within 90 days- embalming, building sarcophaguses and caskets and finishing his tomb. That when he was buried they didn’t even have a chance to let the paint dry and then sealed it up. That would be a moist atmosphere for the room that was freshly painted, since it was the only room painted- unlike many other tombs that have elaborately painted walls- since they have decades to work on the tomb. That the fumes built up in the tomb for 3000 years and that was what people inhaled when the tomb was first opened and that is why so many of those that first saw the tomb died. They believe that Mr. Carter the archaeologist had a mask on and so wasn’t affected but the others might now have- one of the theories which I think is pretty interesting.

We took a break after Giza and refueled on some boat on the Nile in Cairo that had a great BBQ. After regrouping we made our way to the Egyptian Museum. Honestly the girls and even Sam were like celebrities. At the Sphinx and at the museum there were many students and they were enamored by the girls hair and by Sam. They all wanted their pictures taken with them, boys and girls. It was more than I remember from when I was young going to Japan or China. It was like they were seeing my size Barbie and Ken dolls. We weren’t ok with boys having their picture taken but some of the girls we were ok with and Kendall and Sam got caught in a photo shoot at the museum. All week I have been fighting off people wanting to take photos and cat calling on the girls. It was just crazy! Inside the museum we enjoyed seeing all the relics including the King Tut treasures. These were not overrated. To see the sold golf casket that was the first casket and solid gold mask that covered him, was awesome. To see all the jewels and elaborate embellishments that were put on him in his casket, were amazing. The treasures and items that were also buried with him really did account for every thing he might encounter in his next life from a boat to get there, to weapons, to food, to a neck rest/pillow, beds, chariots, clothes, servants- which were little golden figures in the shape of humans - 365 of them, one for each day. It was awesome. We visited the mummies of many of the pharaohs that have also been found and it made you realize their embalming was effective. There is so much intact on these ancient people - after 3000-4000 years they were still in pretty decent shape. 

Afternoon we went to the Bazaar again. There was crazy traffic and honestly I was over more shopping, but guide and Nathan felt we should have full experience of bazaar in full force. So many people pitching their wares and attention getting lines it was almost funny. We did find one thing that seems authentically made in the area and that was copper and metal work. Each of us bought a lantern/light for our homes and future homes. The girls had a good time and we got down to such a reasonable price $140 for 6 lanterns/light fixtures, that it was worth it- would have paid $2000 $1800 for those at home. Now, we just have to get them home. 

By the time we were done shopping, it was time to head through to the light show at the pyramids. Everyone committed to finishing strong, and exhausted, on our last day in Egypt. The light show back in the day, prior to 2011 would have been packed. There were about 100 people there and could accommodate 2000 people. It was a perfect evening temperature and the lasers and lit up pyramids was actually relaxing and really kind of beautiful at the end of the day. We hung out and although the show got a little long, we had popcorn and wandered around a bit before the hour show wrapped up and we headed back to the hotel. I am sure I did this with my parents when I was young, because it was so familiar. It was the same recording that they have used since the 1960s- I was right. They just have added a few lasers and info. But although touristy, it was a nice wind down and to be outside in the cooler evening air was nice- and what a view! 

We packed up and headed to bed. We all agreed it had been such a wonderful vacation. It had exceeded everyone’s expectations and we were so glad we had come to visit Egypt at this time, where it seemed peaceful and they were so grateful to have us there and hardly anyone at any of the sites and the temperature was perfect. We had such a fun time and many laughs and experiences as a family. That night Sam, Nate and Kendall went to the Japanese restaurant at the hotel- Sam had been craving sushi since our first night in Cairo. Everyone was just giddy and Kendall at the end of the evening took over the Tepanyaki table and chef outfit and lit the whole griddle on fire- oh my gosh, the photos and the laughs were just hilarious. I spent an hour trying to figure out how to get all our lanterns home and after I was quoted $650 to ship them home, I decided we would have to have Nate box them up at the airport and ship home- hoping for the best and they don’t get totally damaged. Thanks Nate!! xxoo