Today, I was trying to get in as many Cairo sites as I could before I take the night train to Aswan. Aswan is way south in Upper Egypt. I really want to see the Great Temple of Ramses II in Abu Simbel. Hopefully I can get something hooked up for tomorrow when I arrive at 8 in the morning. But might have to stay 2 nights if I can't. I don't have any hotel reservations but it is low season so I think I will be able to find something when I get there.
Today in Cairo, I left pretty early to go to Islamic Cairo where I wanted to see some mosques. I actually think mosques are incredible buildings. I started off with a coffee at Fishawi's coffeehouse which is quite famous, apparently open for over 200 years. Then took some photos of Mosque of Sayyidna al-Hussein, reputed vurial place of the head of Hussein, the granson of the Prophet whose death in Karbala, Iraq, cemented the rift between the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam. Then I actually got to enter the Al-Azhar Mosque, a guy took me on a tour of it and he took me up one of the minaurets(mosque towers for you infidels!). He pinged me for the usual bakhsheesh that I am getting used to now. Went to what I thought was Midaq Alley because lonely planet says it was a site to see.
After that, went to Abdeen Palace, where the Egyptian president uses for official occasions. Pretty nice. Then off to the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art, mostly Egyptian art with a modern twist, I guess the name says it all. Went over to Mahmoud Mukhtar Museum where I saw the works of Mahmoud Mukhtar who was an Egyptian sculptor.
Continuing the touristic site onslaught, I went to Old Cairo or Coptic Cairo. Coptics are essentially Egyptian Christians. Saw the Church of St. Sergius, the Hanging Church, and the Coptic Museum.
Whew, that was quite a bit for one day. Got suckered again into someone's papyrus art shop. Egyptian: "Where are you from?" Tourist: "Canada" Egyptian: "I have friends in Toronto & Montreal"(Can be 2 cities of the tourist's country) This then leads to a declaration of friendship by the Egyptian and invites you to his shop and starts showing his wares. Then either you buy something or you have to "dump" your new friend, which makes you feel a little awkward like most breakups! Also getting used to the customary bakhsheesh (tipping) that everyone wants to guilt you into so you end up giving them some money. But life is so here and I am trying to just let it slide and enjoy it as part of the scenery.
Just killing a bit of time before I have to go to Giza Station and catch the night train. That should be an interesting way to spend the night. I hope it is not too harsh(uncomfortable, smelly, etc.) I am taking photos but have no way to upload them, have to wait for when I get back.
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