Red red wine, you make me feel so fine.....

I know it has been a long time since I have written but trust me that it isn't for a lack of effort. I can't even begin to count the times I have attempted to complete this journal entry. Sometimes it feels like eating that meal that your mother won't let you leave the table until you have taken at least 5 bites of ....you know the moment when the food is in your mouth and you start gaging but you push through it and start to swallow. That is what this journal entry is for me..... the thoughts and emotions from my Egypt trip taste sour and "liver like". The words become stuck in the back of my throat and I start choking on the story. No one is around to perform the Heimlich, so I just spit it out all together. The story is erased with one push of the "delete" button and I must start the journal entry all over.
Today I am served the same meal but the difference is I have a glass a wine to wash it down with...let's see if it helps me write this time around....

First just know that the pyramids were spectacular and the museums were ahhhhmazing. Once I download my pictures properly you will see that trying to describe them is pointless. Let's just skip to the unusual and truly unique experiences of Cairo. Here are a few of my favorite things...

1) Walking the streets in Cairo: The old market and city streets of Cairo required me to conservatively dress myself from head-to-toe. Abiding by this cultural tradition still did not completely disguise my blond hair and blue eyes. Strips of hair often peeked out from under my scarf and my eyes were only able to avoid eye contact, not change colors like a chameleon. However my attempt to be respectful paid off and I enjoyed the sites of beautiful fabrics, foods and furniture with complete ease. I was welcomed by offerings of bits of fruit and breads from the local vendors. I walked freely for a few hours snapping photos of buildings and views. I was always aware of my surroundings but never once did I feel unsafe or unwelcome. Truly an unexpected experience in an area that I was warned against even by the hotel staff in Cairo.
2) Camel ride through the desert and entering tombs of the Pharos: Such sacred places and stones covered with ancient carvings-over 4000 years old. Almost impossible to comprehend the complexity, time, and strength that was needed to create these masterpieces. I was left standing with my jaw hanging and my eyes wide open.
3) Daily sittings with a new friend: Being invited each day to sit and discuss such sensitive topics as politics, religion, culture...the conversation always calm and open- completely capable of sharing our most obvious assumptions of each others countries without feeling slighted or insulted. I was also asked to share a breakfast meal during the Ramadan holiday....once again, feeling accepted and grateful.
4) Vantage points as far as the eye can see: Standing atop the hill side where it is thought that the Jewish slaves carved out giant stone used to build the pyramids. The stone was sent away on boats on the Nile River and carried to great heights. Directly under this gigantic wall of stone lies the City of the Dead. It is easily recognized as all the roof tops are of the same height and is eerily lined with ancient cemeteries. Now with the population of Cario estimated at 7 million, people are forced to find homes in this make shift housing track. The families are technically "illegally" residing in the City of Dead but clearly a necessary habitat. It is thought that the living population is as high as 4 million amongst the population of the dead.

My journey through Egypt ended with a short stay in the Sinai region- Sharm elSheikh. I had 2 days filled with clear waters from the Red Sea, snorkeling with fishes that represented all the colors of a rainbow, and smooth sand that welcomed me to lay and sun bath with peace and silence. Of course I had many times when I was reminded of the immature and rude manners of the male species -this eventually setting my feet off into a sprint to the Israeli border ...stay tuned because Israel has proven to be the most fun of all!

Look at that, I did it! I completed my entry. Now, I can truly say that red wine makes everything feel fine!

Cheers.