Travel ǁ EGYPT 2014

Aerial view of Cairo

Hi again!

So I mentioned in my last post about my academic trip to Jamaica in May 2014, along with a group of my classmates.  As if that wasn't exciting enough, a prelude to this project  was a short halt at Cairo, Egypt!*

Our flight from Mumbai was to stop at Cairo and our flight to New York was the next day. Egypt Airlines however offers short tour packages, where one leaves their passport and luggage at the airport and proceeds for a sight-seeing trip of about 3-4 hours. The package also includes taxi fare and hotel accommodation for the night. Passports can be collected again at the airport before your next flight. 

This offer sounded like a reasonable use of our time and after completing the formalities we very excitedly boarded our bus. One thing which goes without saying, is that Cairo is HOT. Sunglasses, scarves, sunhats, loose cotton clothes and a bottle of water are your best friends.

  Cairo, the Mirage City - enroute to the Nefertiti Papyrus Museum  

We were met by our tour guide who informed us that our first destination was the Nefertiti Papyrus Museum. As we drove through the dry, dusty landscape, our bus was silent. Exhausted after our long flight, everybody gazed out of their windows, taking in the beautiful but unfamiliar terrain. Strangely, i did not feel like an outsider. The busy markets we drove through, incessant honking, traffic and the hustle and bustle of the city felt like the streets at home.

View of the River Nile

After almost an hour, we arrived, well rested and fresh. We were greeted by a sweet little Egyptian lady who spoke no English, only Spanish. The museum walls were adorned by numerous gorgeous papyrus paintings in various sizes and colours, depicting their ancient history. Our guide proceeded to demonstrate the papyrus making process. We then strolled around choosing pieces to purchase.

Our guide demonstrating the papyrus making process

He encouraged us to buy authentic handmade paintings straight from the museum and support the local craftsman, as opposed to the airport, where there are a lot of cheap printed replicas.  

Papyrus stalks are first soaked in water, the outer covering is removed, strips of fibre are then separated and soaked again. They then become flexible and transparent. After drying, the strips are placed next to each other and pounded. The natural sugar acts as glue. A mesh of strips forms the final papyrus. 

The papyrus painting I purchased - I especially loved the dark shade of papyrus used in this piece!

Hibiscus drink

 Cleopatra Perfume Palace was our next stop! This was a beautifully decorated store, with geometric patterned tiles, carvings, stained glass and shelves upon shelves of delicate crystal perfume bottles.I was nervous walking around, petrified that I would knock something over!

We were made to sit comfortably and served an interesting looking hibiscus drink. The owner introduced us to the perfume making process. Their store housed essences of perfumes obtained from the nectar of flowers, unadulterated by any other chemical.  He then began to dab our wrists with various perfumes, every dab making it more difficult for us to choose one!

I finally settled on the Queen Cleopatra scent for my mum, and a sandalwood oil. What followed next was a trip to the Egyptian cotton market. The scarves are what I had my eye on! 

Egyptian cotton scarf 

 We ended the wonderful day with a cruise on the Nile. Exquisite sunsets, live music, dancers, a delicious meal and lots of laughs concluded a day well spent.

Sunset on the Nile

The very talented musicians and dancers on the cruise

 How can a visit to Cairo be complete without the Pyramids?! On the last leg of our journey (on the way back from Jamaica) we stopped at the one and only, the breathtaking Great Pyramids. Words cannot describe the experience of standing in their midst. Their absolute scale is humbling and the awe and respect I had for their creators only increased tenfold upon actually viewing this architectural miracle. Even the scorching heat was unable to dampen our excitement and while moving inside the Pyramids, we felt like explorers.

View of the Pyramids from the city

The sheer size of the Pyramids is breathtaking. If you ever need to feel like a midget, this is your place.

The Great Sphinx

Smiling camels

Me atop a camel :D

So this was my trip to Egypt. Short, but enough to make me go back the next chance I get. There are so many adventures to be had here!

What stood out to me though was the the people. Warm and welcoming, chaotic, slightly loud, hawkers pressing you to buy their wares - all reminded me of home. Moving amongst the locals and taking in the feel of the place is what I enjoy the most about travelling. 

So the next time you visit a place, get out of your hotel and talk to people! You'll be amazed at the stories you'll hear, conversations you will have and the memories you will make, something you will carry fondly in your heart for a long time to come.

* Unfortunately i was having camera troubles at the time of my trip, therefore every photograph is not my own. My friends were kind enough to let me use their images for this post. All images have been used with the permission of the original owner, with due credit being given to them.

Until next time,