The ship docked at Alexandria, Egypt, around 4.30 AM. I phoned Moe to see if she was ready with fully charged batteries for both cameras, and plenty of water, she was up and ready to go. The ride from Alexandria to Cairo, [where the pyramids are] is about three hours. There were 24 buses waiting to take people on tours that day, 12 of which would be convoyed to Cairo. Moe was in group four so she was on her bus in jig time, before it was fully light out. After several minutes of co-ordinating security guards and escorts they were on their way.
Apparently Moe's bus was somewhat less than 1/2 full. I suspect that many people cancelled their trip as a result of the 16 hour marathon two days earlier to Luxor. She was lucky enough to secure a choice seat near the front with a big clear window. Moe confessed to me that she rather sprawled out hoping to discourage any fellow passenger from seating next to her. [Because the bus was 1/2 full, this anti-social behaviour was regretted by her.] She was seated diagonally across from the 'handsome', suited, armed security guard. [Sort of like a stage coach with the guy 'riding shotgun'.] You can see his photo, he is the guy sleeping!
Moe introduced herself to the couple seated behind her and asked them to let the guide know that she was missing, if indeed she was, at the head count. [People have been known to miss the bus and be stranded. An 84 year old woman was left in Salalah after she wandered off looking for a toilet.]
After a bit of fussing to organize her survival kit for the day that included, umbrella, shawl, sunglasses, fan, water, box lunch for the ride in, two cameras and her small backpack, she was ready.
First stop was the stepped pyramid of Sakkara. These were basically the very first pyramids used for burials, and believed to be the oldest stone structure on earth, dating back to 2686 BC. That technology evolved into the traditional pyramids that are so visible near Cairo, which they later visited.
Second stop was a bit of a break for souvenirs at Giza, and search out a toilet. [There is one on the bus that that is usually used as a last resort.] No major purchases there. She has been somewhat restrained in souvenir shopping so far.
Next stop was for a buffet luncheon at a beautiful hotel located almost adjacent to the pyramids. This hotel was built as a palace by a man for his wife. Moe was not too taken by the style of this now hotel because it was somewhat dark, however the view of the pyramids from the manicured grounds was what Moe called 'breathtaking'.
Back to the bus and off to the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx. There was an option to go inside a pyramid, but were advised to go only if you really were up to it. The guide on the coach said that the opening is short and narrow, you crouch over and rather waddle in, meeting other waddlers on the way out. The guide also mentioned that latent claustrophobia has been known to set in once inside and there have been some screams heard by panicking visitors. Needless to say Moe did not go in. Moe was with a woman whose husband went into the pyramid so they stuck together for 'safety' from the camel people.
The camel experience is a bit of a thing here. Many people want a photo of them on a camel, $5.00 is the price, so, up you go. Now, how much to get down? Different story. Some nastiness happens as a result. Also, camels themselves are miserable and have been known to bolt and run off, with terrified tourists astride! So no picture of Moe on a camel.
Back on the bus for a short ride to the Sphinx where chaos always seems to reign. Hawkers and little kids bothering you and right in your face. It is difficult to get a good shot there because of the crowds and also the lay of the land is not good for photography.
The 'Pyramid Experience' is something that is fascinating to do for the first time. It is an awesome feeling to finally see and touch these things that we have heard so much about since our childhood. It is a bit of an ordeal, but if you are this close and do not do it, you may never have that opportunity again
Moe gave most of her box lunch to the guide to give to somebody who needed it more than she did. Hopefully some dirty little urchin got it.
Back on the bus to Alexandria, for the 3 hour ride and pulled in exactly 12 hours after leaving. By now there are about 30 small stalls of vendors displaying their wares and were there right up until we sailed for Istanbul at 8.00 PM.
Moe had dinner with us and said that she had an absolutely wonderful day. She has become an avid traveller and seems to adapt to the situation at hand remarkably well. Moe is a changed person since stepping on board 84 days ago in my opinion. For the better.
Tomorrow: We welcome aboard my Niece Barbara in Istanbul, Turkey
