Thursday 11 December 2008, Killarney - Glin, Ireland
Today was more about sightseeing than stopping, kissing stones or seeing castles. We headed north to Tralee and then decided to drive through the Dingle Peninsula, a very good decision. The scenery is fantastic and the Connor Pass is so narrow that trucks and buses aren't allowed on the road. It certainly felt like Gollum was about to come from behind a rock and start on about his 'precious'. Dingle is a quaint little town and the locals have a hero called the Dingle Dolphin. He's been loitering around in the bay for 20 odd years, and now regular tour boats go out to see him, and if you don't see him, then you get a refund. We then went on further to do the Shea Head Drive which goes all around the headland. It is just beautiful. It was a cold drizzly day, but still way better than Cairo dust and smoke. We stopped for lunch at a pottery place, and it turns out that they are world famous. The shop is filled with pottery which would look spectacular in any home. Their website is www.louismulcahy.com. We were then going to drive onto Limerick, but found it difficult to find a hostel that might be available so we thought we would head to Tarbert, stay there and get the ferry in the morning. The went to the hostel 'The Ferry House' and it was closed. Then rang them from a payphone and they said they would be there at 5. So we waited around, got some Chinese takeaway, waited some more until 6. As I said it was a cold and drizzly day and now it was dark. Had enough of waiting and thought we would move on and see what we could find. 5 minutes down the road we found a B&B in Glin. It was great. Warm room, pub next door, santie ringing his bell going down the street, how showers, full and hearty breakfast (including white and black pudding). 4 pints of Guinness later, some larrikin Irish blokes telling stories with every second word fk dis, and fk dat ... and time to drag Pete home to bed.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Kissed the Blarney Stone
Wednesday 10 December 2008, Tramore - Killarney, Ireland
Left Tramore and headed straight for Midleton where the Old Jamesons Distillery is. This distillery is 200 years old, and the buildings have been restored to their former glory. Behind is the new distillery that brews up batches of Jamesons to be blended with other batches of Jamesons around the country. We were able to do a tasting which is highly recommended, comparing Jamesons against Johnny Walker Black, and Jack Daniels Black, and were the last to leave helping everyone else finish off theirs too. Heading onto Cork we went to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone giving us the all important gift of the gab. As our camera wasn't working when I kissed the stone, I did it twice so Pete could get another snap to prove what had happened - so I get twice as much gab. We then headed to Killarney where it was starting to get dark and found the Railway Hostel where we shared a dorm with an Aussie girl from WA. Dinner of Shepherds Pie down the pub with pint, then off for an early night to bed. Pictures - Pete finishing off his last drink at the Jamesons Distillery, Blarney Castle, the keeper of the Blarney Stone, me coming up for air after kissing the stone twice.
Left Tramore and headed straight for Midleton where the Old Jamesons Distillery is. This distillery is 200 years old, and the buildings have been restored to their former glory. Behind is the new distillery that brews up batches of Jamesons to be blended with other batches of Jamesons around the country. We were able to do a tasting which is highly recommended, comparing Jamesons against Johnny Walker Black, and Jack Daniels Black, and were the last to leave helping everyone else finish off theirs too. Heading onto Cork we went to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone giving us the all important gift of the gab. As our camera wasn't working when I kissed the stone, I did it twice so Pete could get another snap to prove what had happened - so I get twice as much gab. We then headed to Killarney where it was starting to get dark and found the Railway Hostel where we shared a dorm with an Aussie girl from WA. Dinner of Shepherds Pie down the pub with pint, then off for an early night to bed. Pictures - Pete finishing off his last drink at the Jamesons Distillery, Blarney Castle, the keeper of the Blarney Stone, me coming up for air after kissing the stone twice.
Vegemite!
Tuesday 9 December 2008, Kilkenny - Tramore, Ireland
Well we didn't get very far today. Did some grocery shopping thismorning as prices at cafes are pretty expensive, so hopefully the few bits and pieces we got will tie us over for a little bit. The big purchase of the day was a jar of vegemite at a health food shop. Yes this is the stuff they ban in the U.S. for some unknown reason (probably too much vitamin B in it, or it doubles as bomb making material), so while salivating, ran to the shop to get some butter and some bread, back to the hostel, bread in the toaster, butter & vegemite at the ready, toast done, butter & vegemite on, and before the butter could melt, toast in the mouth. OMG, didn't realise how much we were missing it. We also did a tour of Kilkenny Castle. Its a beautiful castle with magnificent grounds. The tour is good and goes into detail about the Butler Family who until 40 years ago had lived in the Castle for 400+ years.
We then headed to Waterford where Waterford Crystal is made. It was 3pm but there were no tours as the workers finish early in winter. We watched a 10min DVD while we were there which went into a little detail of the makings of crystal and it was pretty impressive. Every piece is hand blown and carved.
Our plan was then to head onto Cork but it was now getting late and as the sun goes down at 5pm we stopped in Tramore at the Beach Haven Hostel. This is pretty much a summer seaside town, with a lovely long beach. You can just imagine it being standing room only down by the dock during summer, but on our cold winters evening we were it. Had very very tasty fish and chips at Dooleys, followed up with a pint of Bulmers and Guinness at the Old Vic. Tramore is a lovely place, no street signs, helpful people. While we were at the pub we were talking to the publican who had said that 600 had just been laid off at a factory where pork is processed. Ireland is going into a recession and it is the worst time for them just before Christmas. Pictures - Kilkenny Castle, The Boardwalk in Tramore, and a message to the youth.
Well we didn't get very far today. Did some grocery shopping thismorning as prices at cafes are pretty expensive, so hopefully the few bits and pieces we got will tie us over for a little bit. The big purchase of the day was a jar of vegemite at a health food shop. Yes this is the stuff they ban in the U.S. for some unknown reason (probably too much vitamin B in it, or it doubles as bomb making material), so while salivating, ran to the shop to get some butter and some bread, back to the hostel, bread in the toaster, butter & vegemite at the ready, toast done, butter & vegemite on, and before the butter could melt, toast in the mouth. OMG, didn't realise how much we were missing it. We also did a tour of Kilkenny Castle. Its a beautiful castle with magnificent grounds. The tour is good and goes into detail about the Butler Family who until 40 years ago had lived in the Castle for 400+ years.
We then headed to Waterford where Waterford Crystal is made. It was 3pm but there were no tours as the workers finish early in winter. We watched a 10min DVD while we were there which went into a little detail of the makings of crystal and it was pretty impressive. Every piece is hand blown and carved.
Our plan was then to head onto Cork but it was now getting late and as the sun goes down at 5pm we stopped in Tramore at the Beach Haven Hostel. This is pretty much a summer seaside town, with a lovely long beach. You can just imagine it being standing room only down by the dock during summer, but on our cold winters evening we were it. Had very very tasty fish and chips at Dooleys, followed up with a pint of Bulmers and Guinness at the Old Vic. Tramore is a lovely place, no street signs, helpful people. While we were at the pub we were talking to the publican who had said that 600 had just been laid off at a factory where pork is processed. Ireland is going into a recession and it is the worst time for them just before Christmas. Pictures - Kilkenny Castle, The Boardwalk in Tramore, and a message to the youth.
Kilkennt in Kilkenny
Monday 8 December 2008, Dublin - Kilkenny, Ireland
Dublin is expensive! and, thats not the just coming from 3 third world countries talking. Pete had a pretty disastrous night with his belly bug, up most of the night. As it was clear today was not a day for drinking at the Guinness Brewery or the Jamesons Distillery, or any other touristy things in Dublin we decided to hit the road early and come back to Dublin at the end of our stay when we could enjoy the brewery experience. Today we made our way through Bray and onto Glendalough. Glendalough is a beautiful village with the ruins of a settlement of St Kevin. Yes St Kevin, no St Jason or St Kylie, St Kevin. St Kevin was a monk who spread the word of the good lord to the village of Glendalough. We then made our way to Enniscorthy which is more well known for its bloody thirsty rebellion from Vinegar Hill on 1798. We got there just on sunset and the views are certainly perfect for a rebel uprising. Then tried to get some accommodation along our way, going through Bunclody and eventually ending up at Kilkenny finding a hostel for 20 euros pp. Dinner down the pub with Guinness and Wine Stew matched with some Kilkenny from the brewery behind. Perfect dinner! We've also arrived in the middle of a pork scare. We haven't had any pork products to eat so we are fine, but it must be hitting the industry pretty hard to have every pork product taken off the shelves.
Picture - Vinegar Hill, Enniscorthy
Dublin is expensive! and, thats not the just coming from 3 third world countries talking. Pete had a pretty disastrous night with his belly bug, up most of the night. As it was clear today was not a day for drinking at the Guinness Brewery or the Jamesons Distillery, or any other touristy things in Dublin we decided to hit the road early and come back to Dublin at the end of our stay when we could enjoy the brewery experience. Today we made our way through Bray and onto Glendalough. Glendalough is a beautiful village with the ruins of a settlement of St Kevin. Yes St Kevin, no St Jason or St Kylie, St Kevin. St Kevin was a monk who spread the word of the good lord to the village of Glendalough. We then made our way to Enniscorthy which is more well known for its bloody thirsty rebellion from Vinegar Hill on 1798. We got there just on sunset and the views are certainly perfect for a rebel uprising. Then tried to get some accommodation along our way, going through Bunclody and eventually ending up at Kilkenny finding a hostel for 20 euros pp. Dinner down the pub with Guinness and Wine Stew matched with some Kilkenny from the brewery behind. Perfect dinner! We've also arrived in the middle of a pork scare. We haven't had any pork products to eat so we are fine, but it must be hitting the industry pretty hard to have every pork product taken off the shelves.
Picture - Vinegar Hill, Enniscorthy
Its been a long day
Sunday 7 December 2008, Cairo, Egypt - Dublin, Ireland
Up and early start to get to the airport. We were warned there might be delays in our travels because of the celebrations at this time of year in Cairo, but we were actually at the airport pretty early. That is along the way the taxi had to stop for gas, (45c per cubic meter), then we still had to run the gauntlet of absolutely everyone asking for money. A stranger runs to the taxi, grabs your bags and puts them on a trolley, before you can get out the words, 'please leave them' he is asking for money, then the inspector at the security check is asking for money saying he will get you first in line, then the staff at check in are asking for money to sit you beside each other, then the next check in tells you, 'you have a knife in your bag' even though you don't, oh but if you pay it will be okay. It is exhausting and must be for them as well. Pete hadn't been feeling well, and by the time we got on the plane had gone into a fever. 4 blankets later and shivering Pete was on his way to being rejected from entering the UK as he turned a slight shade of pale and was appearing like he had come down with some Mummy Flu. But by the time we got there, 5 hours later, the fever had started to subside. Arriving at Heathrow was interesting. We thought it was going to take forever and really it was all fine. We arrived at Terminal 5 which is a new terminal at Heathrow, we then needed to catch a train to Terminal 1 and find our way to BMI Airlines to get our connection to Dublin. That is via immigration and customs, and a lot of walking. But we got there. I had also received an email from Mum earlier to contact her as she had some 'sad news'. I had tried to call from Cairo before we left a couple of times, but couldn't get through, so when we arrived at Heathrow I got a phone card and finally got through. News was that my darling cat Manuel had been put down. He had developed a severe kidney infection and was operated on but they said they couldn't do anything for him. It was very sad news. So while we sat at Heathrow waiting for our Dublin flight Pete and I were in tears wishing that we had been home for him. Of course it is not news you want to hear, but it is still something you want to know. So with all of our transferring and ringing around we didn't have time to do much at Heathrow. I bought a Lonely Planet guide for Ireland, a phone card, and shed a lot of tears.
We arrived in Ireland about 5:30pm and it was dark. Still had to organise car hire and accommodation, and pretty quick as Pete really needed to collapse somewhere. Ended up with a car from 353 Car Hire. Don't know if all UK/Ireland car hire is the same but its all basically a rip off. They give you cheap prices, then freeze 1200 pounds off your credit card just in case you have an accident and need to claim and astronomical petrol costs on top. Accommodation was at Landsowne Hotel, also deceptive in its promotion. We were looking for somewhere with a guest laundry, free wifi, and breakfast, all of which were promoted on its web page. No guest laundry - they send it out and charge you, no free wifi - free computer in reception for 20minutes, 3 euro per 30min from your bedroom, and full breakfast is 12.50 euro. Seems it doesn't matter which country you are in there is deception in what is included. Pete was pretty exhuasted from his day in a fever so it was early to bed and see what tomorrow would bring. Picture - Manuel in his prime position out in the sun out the back.
Up and early start to get to the airport. We were warned there might be delays in our travels because of the celebrations at this time of year in Cairo, but we were actually at the airport pretty early. That is along the way the taxi had to stop for gas, (45c per cubic meter), then we still had to run the gauntlet of absolutely everyone asking for money. A stranger runs to the taxi, grabs your bags and puts them on a trolley, before you can get out the words, 'please leave them' he is asking for money, then the inspector at the security check is asking for money saying he will get you first in line, then the staff at check in are asking for money to sit you beside each other, then the next check in tells you, 'you have a knife in your bag' even though you don't, oh but if you pay it will be okay. It is exhausting and must be for them as well. Pete hadn't been feeling well, and by the time we got on the plane had gone into a fever. 4 blankets later and shivering Pete was on his way to being rejected from entering the UK as he turned a slight shade of pale and was appearing like he had come down with some Mummy Flu. But by the time we got there, 5 hours later, the fever had started to subside. Arriving at Heathrow was interesting. We thought it was going to take forever and really it was all fine. We arrived at Terminal 5 which is a new terminal at Heathrow, we then needed to catch a train to Terminal 1 and find our way to BMI Airlines to get our connection to Dublin. That is via immigration and customs, and a lot of walking. But we got there. I had also received an email from Mum earlier to contact her as she had some 'sad news'. I had tried to call from Cairo before we left a couple of times, but couldn't get through, so when we arrived at Heathrow I got a phone card and finally got through. News was that my darling cat Manuel had been put down. He had developed a severe kidney infection and was operated on but they said they couldn't do anything for him. It was very sad news. So while we sat at Heathrow waiting for our Dublin flight Pete and I were in tears wishing that we had been home for him. Of course it is not news you want to hear, but it is still something you want to know. So with all of our transferring and ringing around we didn't have time to do much at Heathrow. I bought a Lonely Planet guide for Ireland, a phone card, and shed a lot of tears.
We arrived in Ireland about 5:30pm and it was dark. Still had to organise car hire and accommodation, and pretty quick as Pete really needed to collapse somewhere. Ended up with a car from 353 Car Hire. Don't know if all UK/Ireland car hire is the same but its all basically a rip off. They give you cheap prices, then freeze 1200 pounds off your credit card just in case you have an accident and need to claim and astronomical petrol costs on top. Accommodation was at Landsowne Hotel, also deceptive in its promotion. We were looking for somewhere with a guest laundry, free wifi, and breakfast, all of which were promoted on its web page. No guest laundry - they send it out and charge you, no free wifi - free computer in reception for 20minutes, 3 euro per 30min from your bedroom, and full breakfast is 12.50 euro. Seems it doesn't matter which country you are in there is deception in what is included. Pete was pretty exhuasted from his day in a fever so it was early to bed and see what tomorrow would bring. Picture - Manuel in his prime position out in the sun out the back.
Mummies Gallore
Saturday 6 December 2008 - Cairo, Egypt
Arrived back in Cairo at 6am. Slept on the train this time, and it arrived on time, once again a first in 12 months. But it arrived at Giza, and we thought it was dropping us in Cairo. Luckily we found a Brit that knew Cairo pretty well and was taking the subway, so we followed him and got our tickets to our station. Without him we would have been pretty stuffed I think as we didn't know where the station was, how to get there, how much it cost or what station to get off. Our arabic is kind of, well, not up to date. Arrived back at the hostel by 7am and Pete was ready for a big sleep. While he slept I caught up on some reading and trying to do a bit of research about Ireland and the sites we could get to while we are there. I woke up Sleeping Beauty at midday, and we headed off to the Cairo Museum, our last thing we really wanted to get to. What do you say ... its filled with Mummies. There is a pretty serious scanning process just to get in the doors of the museum as you go through 2 x-ray machines, as does your belongings. Then I was told quite sternly that I had a knife in my bag, a pocket knife no less. I insisted that I didn't. But yes, apparently I did. I was ready to cause a scene, take everything out of my bag, and proove I wasn't there to make a sandwich. When I got the, oh no its okay, you can go. Its the old, test em out theory and try and bribe em trick. So over it.
There is a strict no photography rule at the museum, but once again it still doesn't stop the police from trying to sneak you into an area to use your camera then bribe you. We saw plenty of tourists being done. Of course if you don't pay then they will report you for taking a picture and its like a $10,000 fine.
This museum is everything you dream of when you think of a real museum. Dust is floating through the air as the sunlight beams through the high windows, there is that stale smell in the air, and it is relatively as quiet as a library. Everything they have pinched from tombs and pyramids is in here, so it is packed with so much stuff, 120,000 objects or so. And, lots of mummies! The highlight is King Tuts groovy stuff. He was the boy king that died at 19 years of age, so that meant that they didn't have much time to prepare his tomb and gifts for the afterlife. But that does your head in even more. This was the only tomb that hadn't been robbed by grave robbers, so it was the only one where the whole world can see the amazing treasures that were sealed away for thousands of years, and this was for a young King. Imagine what all the other treasures for all those other Kings would have been like. King Tuts belongings were covered in gold including chariots, and the upteen layers of what was inside and out of his sarcophagus.
In the evening our hostel organised a cruise on the Nile for us which included dinner and some belly dancing. It all sounded very appealing and we were willing to see what it was like. 'No Smoking' signs everywhere, but there must be exceptions for the crew. I think 'No Smoking' signs in Egypt are a suggestion rather than mandatory. The meal was really lovely and we were serenaded by an Egyptian one-man band singing western songs in a Arabic accent. Part of the experience. Then there was some Arabic singing which was really interesting and it was clear that the Egyptians on board really enjoyed it as they were up dancing, and singing along ... must have been part of the Top 40? Then came the belly dancer. She was pretty good, and I think they are right when they say that Egyptian women have belly dancing in their blood. We were captured by a photographer as she came up behind us. We didn't pay the 10 pounds for the picture but a got a photo of it as it was on the table. Pete tells me he looked surprised when she came up behind us (the picture is below). She was then followed up by another dancer, I don't know what type of dancing it is specifically called but basically he wears a coloured skirt and spins round in circles for about 30 minutes while playing finger cymbals, filling glasses of water, spinning his skirt over his head, it was really entertaining.
There is a strict no photography rule at the museum, but once again it still doesn't stop the police from trying to sneak you into an area to use your camera then bribe you. We saw plenty of tourists being done. Of course if you don't pay then they will report you for taking a picture and its like a $10,000 fine.
This museum is everything you dream of when you think of a real museum. Dust is floating through the air as the sunlight beams through the high windows, there is that stale smell in the air, and it is relatively as quiet as a library. Everything they have pinched from tombs and pyramids is in here, so it is packed with so much stuff, 120,000 objects or so. And, lots of mummies! The highlight is King Tuts groovy stuff. He was the boy king that died at 19 years of age, so that meant that they didn't have much time to prepare his tomb and gifts for the afterlife. But that does your head in even more. This was the only tomb that hadn't been robbed by grave robbers, so it was the only one where the whole world can see the amazing treasures that were sealed away for thousands of years, and this was for a young King. Imagine what all the other treasures for all those other Kings would have been like. King Tuts belongings were covered in gold including chariots, and the upteen layers of what was inside and out of his sarcophagus.
In the evening our hostel organised a cruise on the Nile for us which included dinner and some belly dancing. It all sounded very appealing and we were willing to see what it was like. 'No Smoking' signs everywhere, but there must be exceptions for the crew. I think 'No Smoking' signs in Egypt are a suggestion rather than mandatory. The meal was really lovely and we were serenaded by an Egyptian one-man band singing western songs in a Arabic accent. Part of the experience. Then there was some Arabic singing which was really interesting and it was clear that the Egyptians on board really enjoyed it as they were up dancing, and singing along ... must have been part of the Top 40? Then came the belly dancer. She was pretty good, and I think they are right when they say that Egyptian women have belly dancing in their blood. We were captured by a photographer as she came up behind us. We didn't pay the 10 pounds for the picture but a got a photo of it as it was on the table. Pete tells me he looked surprised when she came up behind us (the picture is below). She was then followed up by another dancer, I don't know what type of dancing it is specifically called but basically he wears a coloured skirt and spins round in circles for about 30 minutes while playing finger cymbals, filling glasses of water, spinning his skirt over his head, it was really entertaining.
Ballooning over the Valley of the Kings
Friday 5 December 2008 - Luxor, Egypt
Today had been a long time coming as one of our big wishes was to go ballooning in Egypt. We were hoping to go over the pyramids at Giza, but it wasn't to be, but this was pretty special all the same. Like most ballooning trips it starts with an early rise before sunrise to catch the cold air being trapped by the warm upper currents at the sun hits the earth in the morning. There would have been about 10 balloons going up at the same time, and still in the darkness there were children pulling at your clothes wanting you to buy something from them. We are so lucky to live in a country where we do not send our children off to work at 4am to peddle their wares and earn an income for the family. Some tourists find it frustrating, and it can get to you after a little while, but really it is sad that this is the only life they know. The balloons set sail and we were peering over the edge, the lush green of Luxor on one side, and the harsh desert on the other. Hot Chicken Soups temple below us and onto the Valley of the Kings and Queens. The sun rose and silouetted the other balloons beautifully. Then we had a very casual crash landing in the desert, where our pilot was giving his co-pilot lessons on how to empty the air out the balloon. This took about 10 minutes of yelling and hitting and well done, until we were allowed out of the balloon. Its all part of the experience. Then out of no-where, the donkey boys arrived. 3 boys atop donkeys, galloping along in the desert, arrived at our balloon, ready to pose for a photo or two. One picture was taken, money was exchanged with a boy, and that was it, the donkey boys were following us everywhere. Once again it must be a difficult life to send your children out to work at such a young age. Our ride showed up, and we were soon off to our hotel, well, we thought we were ... we got lost, in the desert. How do you get lost? Well, there are huge rocks in the desert and the vans that came to pick us up followed a semi-road, but then lost the trail. So round in circles for a while, into ditches, out of ditches, donkey boys still in toe, and finally back on track. We knew we were back on track when the boys galloped off to find another landing balloon. In the van were a couple from LA, and another couple from Perth ... hi guys, hope you've found you're way home alright and no donkey boys followed you home.
We then went back to the hotel for a bit of sleep, check out the roof top for a view over Luxor, and a buggy ride around the city. Our buggy driver, Ali, kept insisting he was going to give us a very good ride, take us to a market, and stop to get some feed and water for Rocky (his horse). Of course 'market' meant drop us off at another carpet/perfume/papyrus dealer who gave Ali a commission for dropping us there. A short lived experience, but an experience all the same.
In the afternoon we went to Karnak & Luxor Temple. Both are on the East Bank, and being on the East Bank, is the side of the sunrise, and dedicated to rebirth and life. Karnak is a huge temple complex, that is linked with Luxor Temple. It is filled with columns, walls, and hieroglyphics with hundreds of stories. Again, another whole day could be dedicated here with a private guide to take you into all the nooks and cranies to get the low down on everything. Luxor Temple is much smaller in comparison to Karnak, but amazing all the same with its rows of sphinx and giant Colossus' of Ramesses II.
Evening soon upon us and time to head for the train back to Cairo. The train was late this time as a military train came through the station and didn't move for 30 minutes. While we were waiting we were talking with some young Egyptian boys who were waiting at the station with their parents. They spoke english very well and were just as interested in meeting us as we were with them. They were full of fun and cheakiness, and were also very loving of each other. We also saw soldiers getting off the train, and parting ways. It was obviously a time of goodbyes and we saw tears, heart felt hugs, and exchanging of hats. It was very moving to witness and once again another side to the people of Egypt. Picture shows the boys surrounding another van, us in the balloon, and our view at sunrise.
We then went back to the hotel for a bit of sleep, check out the roof top for a view over Luxor, and a buggy ride around the city. Our buggy driver, Ali, kept insisting he was going to give us a very good ride, take us to a market, and stop to get some feed and water for Rocky (his horse). Of course 'market' meant drop us off at another carpet/perfume/papyrus dealer who gave Ali a commission for dropping us there. A short lived experience, but an experience all the same.
In the afternoon we went to Karnak & Luxor Temple. Both are on the East Bank, and being on the East Bank, is the side of the sunrise, and dedicated to rebirth and life. Karnak is a huge temple complex, that is linked with Luxor Temple. It is filled with columns, walls, and hieroglyphics with hundreds of stories. Again, another whole day could be dedicated here with a private guide to take you into all the nooks and cranies to get the low down on everything. Luxor Temple is much smaller in comparison to Karnak, but amazing all the same with its rows of sphinx and giant Colossus' of Ramesses II.
Evening soon upon us and time to head for the train back to Cairo. The train was late this time as a military train came through the station and didn't move for 30 minutes. While we were waiting we were talking with some young Egyptian boys who were waiting at the station with their parents. They spoke english very well and were just as interested in meeting us as we were with them. They were full of fun and cheakiness, and were also very loving of each other. We also saw soldiers getting off the train, and parting ways. It was obviously a time of goodbyes and we saw tears, heart felt hugs, and exchanging of hats. It was very moving to witness and once again another side to the people of Egypt. Picture shows the boys surrounding another van, us in the balloon, and our view at sunrise.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)