Day 38: Oct 12th: expect the unexpected.

Today we were expecting to get back to Cairo at 530 am, but it turns out that the train was delayed and we didn't arrive until 830 am. At least we got in a few more hours of sleep. It still doesn't make up for the fact that we were up and ready to go by 520 (we didn't trust them to actually wake us up after we had had a slight tiff about the cost of tea the night before). He had also reminded us to give him tips in the morning.

Noha's driver, Karam, was able to pick us up from the station, which was a huge help. That way we didn't have to deal with the annoying and untrustworthy taxi drivers. Once he met us, the taxi guys finally left us alone.

We got back to Nohas to shower and get ready for the day.

First on our list for Cairo part deux was to go to Ibn Tulun, the mosque we'd tried going to two times previously. Once it was closed for prayer, and then it was just closed after 3pm. It was one of the oldest intact mosques in Cairo, and it underwent restoration in 2000 AD. It was quite stunning with its decoration while showing its age. Its open center quartyard was large and inviting. After walking around, we decided to do what we always do: go up. So we climbed the mineret to get an amazing view of the city. The sounds and mix of old and new buildings and people walking, driving and riding donkeys was incredible. It was just such a rich view. We soon scurried down to check out the Gayer-Anderson house (now a museum) next door to the mosque. We were surprised to find a woman giving tours. Normally we would shoo the guides away, but as we are now sexist, we let her guide us. It was actually really great, and she spoke very good English. Amoung the many beautiful parlors and rooms dedicated to the arts and decorations of the East, there was a "secret" cabinet that led to a laticed balcony overlooking the men's room. Here, the women could check out the men from above without being seen. The guide hid Alicia there and I couldn't find her until I called Marco. Polo.

We then headed back to base camp (aka Noha's aka home) for a delicious and filling lunch of mini meat balls, potatoes with tomato sauce, and rice. Noha's helper Hayem is a fabulous cook. Tomorrow she is making koshary!

After browsing the guide book for last minute things to do, and realizing all museums were closed, we decided to check out the Mariott hotel. It was a formerly a palace that was preserved as it would have been during its hay day. Or so we think. It was quite elaboate and fancy, but we could definitly see why people would want to stay there.

Post-Marriot, we mosied over to the bridge to try to catch the sunset. We just ended up watching the feluccas light up as it got dark. It's such a unique sight. You can definitly tell that Ramadan is over though. There aren't boys line dancing and swirling their hips anymore.

We walked home and met Noha for a pleasant dinner. We chatted until late about our trip to Luxor and Aswan via cruise. Its so hard to stop talking when Noha is around. We always learn so much. We then started packing (we are leaving tomorrow!) and both of us called our parents on skype.

Oh yea, I forgot to mention that we held a baby crocodile in Aswan (don't worry, it had just been fed). It was awesome!
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