Yesterday was a nice day in Cairo. We actually went to all the places we intended to go. We started out the day at the Ibn Tuloun Mosque. It's one of the oldest mosques, built somewhere in-between AD 876-879. It's huge, as it was built to accomodate the entire community in its courtyard. Mosques are a like an oasis in Cairo. There's nothing but silence and a feeling of vast space. I can see how the openness and quiet might make you feel closer to God.
Then, we went to the Gayer-Anderson Museum next door. It was interesting. A British major bought two adjoining houses and decorated them throughout his travels. There were many rooms, with detailed woodwork and decorated ceilings. We went in the haram (women's section) with its wooden screens. It even had a secret door with an area for women to discretely look down on the men.
We did a lot of shopping. We found a new shop with lots of handmade Cairo trinkets. Then, we visted another old house, but this one was empty and not as interesting. In all, it was a pretty good day.
We've decided we'll spend the last few days of break being bums.
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