The Bent Pyramid. They think that the slope was changed after a similar pyramid collapsed. The pharoah wanted to make sure that his soul would be able to live safely in the afterlife.

It was a very, very long climb back up out of the pyramid tomb. 

The view looking up from the tomb inside the pyramid. 

Another part of the relief. The caretaker let us take pictures even though we weren't supposed to - for a price, of course. 

Reliefs in one of the tombs at the Sakkara site. They depict men spearing fish. The reliefs showed worship and sacrifices being made. One part even showed boys wrestling in a game like karate. 

Emily in the hall at the Sakkara site. 

Joe amidst the ruins at Sakkara. 

One of the halls at the Step Pyramid site. 

The Step Pyramid at Sakkara. This pyramid came before the pyramids at Giza. 

The Giza Pyramids. 

Thursday, January 27

It was a day of pyramids. Today we hired a car and driver to take us around to all the pyramid sites. We went back to the Giza Pyramids, but they wouldn't let us in again. They only allow 150 people in the morning and 150 in the afternoon in order to keep the humidity down.

We soon left the Giza site and went to Sakkara. We walked around the ruins. There they have the step pyramid. Instead of having a smooth slope, it has layers or steps to the point.

Our favorite was probably the Dashur site. There we actually went into the Red Pyramid (named for it's red limestone which doesn't seem all that red). It was a really steep slope down into the tomb. I felt a little claustrophobic because you had to bend over in the narrow passageway as you climbed down. The pathway took you down into three tomb areas. There wasn't anything in them. They were either robbed or their mummies had been placed in the Egyptian Museum. It was so hot and humid down in the tombs. We were grateful when we finally climbed back up to the top. The climb was definitely a workout. After that, we went to the Bent Pyramid which actually changes angles toward the top.

It was a pretty good day. I enjoy getting out of the city. It's so much quieter. At the Dashur site there were maybe ten people. That's a huge contrast to the Giza site where there are tourists and hagglers everywhere you look. I also like driving along the Nile. The villages and farm communities are interesting. It's hard to imagine living as they do in brick houses/shacks or right amidst the fields. Everything is a brilliant green and the soil is dark and fertile. I love seeing all the date palms. They really make me feel like I'm in the middle east. For some reason, I always look out at the Nile, the fields, and the birds, and I think of that story in the Bible where Moses is fetched out of the water. It just makes you feel like you've stepped into a different time.

In all, we've been having a good time. We'll see what adventure we undertake tomorrow.

Tuesday, January 25

We've been having a great time showing Andy around Cairo. He's seen the Pyramids, of course, as well as the Citadel. Today we even navigated the harrowing winding streets and all of the Khan el Khalili market. (Andy's quite the bargainer.) After getting lost down the winding alleys a few times, we did eventually make it out. It's been wonderful having a friend from home here with us.

Andy asked a question about Islam last night, and I found a good website explaining the basic principals of Islam. It is a pro-Islam website, but I thought it was pretty comparable with other informational sources that I've read so far. If you are interested in learning a little bit more about Islam, check out the site.

http://thetruereligion.org/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=14

I know that before we moved here, I knew nothing about Islam. I had to satisfy my curiousity. I find it interesting how religions develop and how they criss-cross. (For example, Muslims believe their god is the same as the Christian and Jewish god. I just learned this. Also, I found out on the festival the other day that they share the story of Abraham with Christians.) I have no idea if you have the same curiousity as me! If so, maybe you'll find the site helpful.

Joe and Andy claim that the guy in the background is their friend, a sunglass salesman they met from Hong Kong. Hmmm.... 

A view of the solar boat that was found in a pit near the Pyramids and then reconstucted. 

I think you would agree - Joe has remarkable picture-taking skills. 

When you are at the Giza Pyramids, you can see the Sakkara Pyramids in the distance. 

Maybe Joe should take up photography? 

Check out Joe's artistic photos from his day at the Pyramids with Andy. 

Andy, in Egypt. Can you believe it? 

A tunnel in one of the corner towers we explored. 

One of the mosques at the Citadel. 

I talked Joe into posing even with the sun in his eyes. 

We found this tower in a quiet corner of the Citadel (no school kids staring at us!). It was interesting to walk up in it and imagine what it was like in Medieval times. 

The sign at this site is even more amusing. Just read it aloud and see what you can make of it! 

What is this landmark? Why does it deserve a sign? I just don't understand some things in Egypt! 

Joe and Andy at the top of the Citadel, near Mohammed Ali Mosque, with the city laid out behind them. 

Once again, I am glad I am a vegetarian.