Day 31: October 5. The Pyramids.

Today we got to see the pyramids! Karam took us to Giza (only stopping to ask directions twice!) and we wandered around the complex. The sphinx was really cool, although we all decided that its head is too small for its body, and his feet were way too big as well.

We of course can't leave out the fact that Alicia accidentally got on a camel as it made barking noises. At first of course he said to take a picture of him. Then he made the camel sit down and then through a series of hilarious events, Alicia was suddenly up in the air hanging on for dear life. All I got on film was her saying "put me down!" And when he did and we walked away, he wanted baksheesh (tips). Of course we didn't because he said it was free! Oh well, it wouldn't be a complete day without some Egyptian yelling at us.

We wandered around the three big pyramids in the complex. Strangely, it was only crowded around the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, and no one really ventured over to see the smaller ones. It was really hot, and kind of windy, so I guess people just didn't want to cross the sandy desert to get there. That didn't faze us! We even got to see a mock horse race in the sand.

We left Giza, stopping to buy two large, cold waters, and got driven to Suqqara, which was another temple and pyramid complex-the largest in Cairo. We saw the Step Pyramid, which was the first pyramid ever built! We also got to look into the tombs of some servants of the pharohs, which was cool because even they, while not nearly as large or imposing, are decorated with intricate carvings and colorful depictions of life and the after-life. It was very cool to see. Unfortunately we didn't get to see everything but we had to get back for the train (at least it was free to walk around).

We left around 4 and went back to Noha's house. We had a snack (and realized that we'd forgotten to eat lunch since it was so hot!), and packed up. Kit and Karam dropped us off at the train station (we will miss having Kit around), and now we're on board the sleeper train to Luxor. The car is very cool - we have a private room with 3 seats which pull out into bunk beds, and a little sink and table. This should be a much more comfortable way to travel than the night busses!

Tomorrow we will tour Luxor...
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