Life of the Mayers: May 2017

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Egypt: Amazing Alexandria

Much like the pyramids being a "must do" if visiting Egypt, I strongly feel that a visit to the city of Alexandria is also one of these "dos".

Some pretty flowers in our lobby

Ahmad spoiling us with breakfast stand delights: Pitas stuff with falafel or potato or bean, plus awesome coffee!

The ornate side of a fountain

Our first stop was to explore some "accidentally discovered" ancient catacombs. No photography was allowed, but was AWESOME! Check out the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa here.

Pompeii's Pillar

Roman Amphitheater

Alexandria Citadel

And finally, came lunch with an INCREDIBLE view!

Alexandria Harbor

We watched the seafood be carried into the restaurant from the boats, and many of the seafood on display (which you went up and picked from) were still moving!

Extra large prawns

Our final stop in the city, to my heart's pure delight, was the Alexandria Library.
I love books.
I LOVE BOOKS.
I am obsessed with books.
I love reading, I love learning, thus I love everything that a library represents.
I was TOO excited for this stop. You could actually tell that Adam was nervous to come here, knowing how difficult of a feat it would be to actually get me out of the building once we were in. And I won't lie, it was hard, for him and our guide, and we were late in leaving.

It is an awesome place, and a "must see". It is a current and functioning library, but they have an ancient text museum inside, as well as art, and ancient print machines....I could have spent DAYS gawking a things here.

Alexandria Library

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Egypt: The Great Pyramids!

After a failed attempt a enjoying a morning coffee (truly, the absolutely worst coffee I have ever consumed, shockingly enough) at the hotel with an awesome view, we were on our way to the ancient area of Giza to explore the 'Great Pyramids'. I could barely contain myself. I was up two hours before necessary, just from sheer anticipation!

The River Nile, in all her glory. This is our hotel.

Before we actually got out to the actual pyramids, our first stop was the Imhotep Museum, which was a wonderful and interesting "first step" into the region. Then, onto the step pyramids!

Protection from the sun and sand

They loved their cobras

Still under excavation and moderate "reconstruction"

They loved stars as much as I do!!! The ceiling inside of one of the pyramids

Ramesses II: Go big or go home

Little sphynx

We stopped at an art shop for a mini-lecture on papyrus paper-making, and it was actually quite interesting to watch and learn. They also supported us with some tasty hibiscus tea, which I had never tried before, but found to be really delicious and highly recommend. Yes, it was a ploy to get to into their shop and look around, with "no obligation to buy", but odds are.... And the odds were in their favor, because yes, we did come home with an ancient mural painted on papyrus. We have now been on two trips where we have actually bought something (both artwork to display) to keep.

Papyrus: The plant of life for the ancient world

The Great Pyramids of Giza!!!

Teeny, tiny us.

Enjoy the awe of our life

The Great Sphynx

Remember, not all of Egypt is desert. Some of the most fertile land (and tasty produce) in the world!

Egypt is definitely a country of EXTREME contrasts. You see the FULL spectrum of class within a single kilometer/miles; from lavish wealth to complete destitution. You see beautiful and fertile fields, but the large families who care for them are living in single-room delaped structure. Also, the country does not seem to have a central or standard trash collection service, so there are giant rubbish piles everywhere. The rivers and streams are hidden under a thick layer of pure garbage. It's really quite hard to see, but does fill me with gratitude to be able to live a life where this is not an issue for me on a daily basis.