Camels and Pyramids

Hey you guys,

The most amazing fun was had by all as we mounted camels enmasse this morning. Getting on made Laura G. think of creating the "camel dance". As you straddle a camel you must lean back to maintain balance as the camel gets to its feet. A camel places its back feet down first and then its front feet, so you must shimmy in the saddle as it arises. Pretty scary and a skill I am sure comes with time. After this we saw three pyramds, including the Great Pyramid. I had not thought that I would see in person pyramids at the point where the land of the living meets the land of the dead beyond google.com. It was amazing. We had fun taking creative photos with, in and around pyramids; and some of us even got to climb part of the way up before being warned that we might be hauled to an Egyptian jail.

The afternoon also began with an adventure. We got to go inside one of only two pyramids in the world that have rooms in the actual pyramid rather than under it. It was a bit claustrophobic and a steady climb up and then in; but we all managed (or the majority of us), and we would not have missed the experience. It is mind boggling to think that a structure built about 5200 years ago stands despite earthquakes, tsunamis and the natural wear and tear that the desert brings. We ended our tour of the day with a visit to Memphis, the oldest city in the world. The highlight of this destination was the statue of Ramses II, which lays on its side for it has no feet. It like many of the structures and statues of Ancient Egypt is tremendous at best and to think of how it was constructed becomes almost unfathomable pre-machine and modern transportation.

It was a long and exhausting day, only to be followed by a 3 am departure from our hotel as we fly to Luxor, south of Cairo. We will all add our comments of today I am sure and will keep all posted as we move through our second week this side of the Atlantic.

Blessings and love to all,

Eileen