Off to the market we went, and 90 minutes later we hit a tourist shopper's dream. Unfortunately they wanted tourist prices, but after the typical haggling, we were able to find some items that we liked and could fit in our luggage. The market was about the same as other markets we've seen in India, Central America, and the Philipines, so it wasn't all that new to us. What was new though were all of the amazing mosques around the market as it was in the middle of islamic Cairo. We stood out as westerners like a sore thumb, and were treated accordingly.
After the market we set out to the Al-Ahzar mosque, one of the oldest in Cario. A friendly patron met us at the entrance and showed us around as well as took us up in one of the towers. He asked for a generous 85LE (~$18) once we were out of site of everyone else, but it was well worth it. It was great to finally see the inside of a mosque, and it was more inviting than I would have thought. Beautiful architecture and history, and the view of egypt from the top of one of the towers was amazing! (Notice the air quality I mentioned)
After the long journey back to the hotel we hit the gym, took a shower, and got ready for our next adventure: the Nile Maxim dinner cruise with live entertainment that included belly dancing! To our surprise, the food was excellent, and we got to see very talented musicians along with a twirling dervish!
So after a late, late dinner where I ate too much, I had to go walk on the treadmill at the gym for a little bit to help get my food moving. That, of course, left me wide awake which gave me the time to write these blog posts. Tomorrow will be the pyramids, and you'll hear more from me the next chance I get to post!
(Sorry I can't be all tech savy and twitter my udpates, but we ended up phoneless due to some technicalities with AT&T's roaming policies.)
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2 comments:
Make sure you take plenty of water with you to the pyramids although you are probably there as I write. Keep the blogs coming, I'm finding them very interesting.
We really appreciate the pictures! The market picture is fascinatiing because you can see the details of what they sell there. You both look good and look like you are having a great time. I would love to stay at the Sheraton Dreamland! I looks nice...Mom (Kay)
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