A really long post about a really short (but REALLY incredible) trip to Egypt.

It's about time I told you about about last weekend, two (and a half) of the most unbelievable days of my life. I got to fulfill a 14 year old dream of visiting Egypt and, now, all I can say is that I hope I can go back again. It was MAGNIFICENT.

Bess (my partner in the donkeys-in-Petra-confusion) and I headed to the airport after class last Thursday and after hanging out at our gate for a too-long two hours, hopped on the plane and arrived in Cairo in what seemed like mere instants. A driver was waiting for us at the airport, and after a short ride, we were dropped off at a U.S. embassy apartment complex where Bess's friend (who works for the state department) is living for her fourth month assignment. The apartment was spacious, air-conditioned, and provided the best nights of sleep I've gotten since coming to the Middle East. After we dropped off our bags and washed up a bit, the three of us (Bess, her friend Lauren, and I) headed to Khan el-Khalili (the biggest marketplace in Cairo) to walk around a bit and grab some dinner. Everyone was out for Ramadan and the spirit of the city was absolutely amazing - so much life, so many lights, so many smells, so much to see. After a pretty tasty meal, we grabbed a taxi and headed to Lauren's apartment... but the Ramadan traffic was so bad, and Bess and I were so tired, that we both fell asleep in the cab, and crawled into bed as soon as we arrived.

The next morning, we hired a van, driver, and tour guide for the day... all for only $20 (the flight to Egypt was a little expensive, but everything in Egypt was extremely affordable, especially compared to Amman.) Our first stop was Giza, a suburb of Cairo (the town goes right up to the pyramids, which was quite odd), where we saw the three most iconic pyramids in Egypt (and we got to go INSIDE the Great Pyramid) and the Sphinx, and where we RODE CAMELS IN THE SAHARA. It was all very touristy, but as someone whose love for Ancient Egypt started back in first grade, it was a mind-blowing experience. I just could not believe I was actually there.

After that, it was about time for the afternoon prayer, so he dropped us off at a papyrus store for a bit, where we enjoyed cold drinks (I didn't fast while I was in Egypt), watched how papyrus was made, and picked up some souvenirs.

Next, we went to Memphis, which was an interesting place, since it was once the capital of Ancient Egypt, but is now a little empty. We saw the Ramses II statue and some other not-too-famous Egyptian artifacts, which were beautiful as well, but it was a pretty quick trip.

Then, we drove out to Saqqra, where we saw Djoser's step pyramid, as well as some other structures designed by the famous ancient architect Imhotep. We were able to go inside some of the tombs, and admire the gorgeous wall engravings/paintings - so fantastic. We got back into the van (so grateful for the air-conditioning) and made one last stop at a perfume making store (where we smelled some lovely Egyptian essential oils and heard a very strange sale pitch) before dropping off our tour guide.

Then, we headed to the Nile for the dinner cruise we had signed up for, but we were there quite early, so we sat in the empty dining room with our driver Ibrahim (really one of the nicest people I have ever met) and talked for about an hour, and he ended up staying for the evening and eating with us. Finally, when it was time to break fast, the food was brought out and the boat set off on its short but wonderful voyage down the river. The food was delicious, the views were breath-taking, and the company was great too. I ate too much and had a fantastic time - a perfect end to an amazing day.

We crashed pretty hard once we got back to the apartment, but after a full night's sleep, we were ready to embark on another day of site-seeing with our buddy Ibrahim (in Egypt, eating together apparently seals the deal on a friendship.) Our first stop (Bess's friend Lauren joined us too) was the Cairo Museum, where we saw a whole slew of Ancient Egyptian treasures, including some world-famous royal mummies and artifacts AND pieces from Tutankhamen's tomb. Cameras weren't allowed inside, but everything was so fabulously unforgettable, so it doesn't make much difference. We also saw the burnt remnants of the former Democratic Party headquarters next door, which was a little eerie.

Our next stop was the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, which is in the Citadel Cairo and is completely magnificent. It was my first time in a mosque and I was just fascinated - everything was so intricate and beautiful.

Then, after driving by the oldest mosque in Africa, we visited the Coptic district of Cairo, where we saw the oldest Christian church and oldest Jewish temple in the city. Both were amazing, and were covered in a very interesting mix of religious imagery.

Finally, we returned to Khan el-Khalili for lunch and souvenirs before heading to the airport. Ibrahim showed us the oldest street in Cairo, and brought us to a restaurant that serves food from his hometown, Alexandria. The marketplace had a very different vibe during the day, but was still pretty lively; I got called a whole range of rather absurd things, including "Shakira" and "Spice Girl." After one last photo with Ibrahim in front of the airport, we confusedly made our way through security, boarded our plane, and were back in Amman in no time.

I really don't know how to describe how much I loved my visit to Egypt... but maybe my over-usage of words like "beautiful" and "amazing" will communicate something. I just feel so incredibly fortunate to have this experience in my memories!

(More pictures here.)